Candidate Flohr holds town hall

Wayne Flohr, candidate for Wahkiakum County commissioner, District 2, is holding a series of town hall meetings this month.

Monday, he discussed issues with two Puget Island residents, Blue Trott and Don Koenig, at the Norse Hall. Later meetings will be held all across the county, Flohr said.

Flohr focused on three issues, the county budget, the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas plant, and the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic.

Flohr said that if elected he would try to bring new ideas to the board to address issues such as the revenue shortfall that now has the county government in a bind.

"I don't think they have been fiscally efficient; they haven't planned adequately for what they saw coming," he said.

He added that emergency services must be maintained when county services are cut. Layoffs should be targeted and carefully done so that state and federal funding contracts are maintained.

And if the county wants to seek funding support from state sources, the board will have to ask voters to raise the property tax levy lid.

Flohr added that the county needs to promote and develop small business to expand its economic base.

"It appears we're sitting and waiting for them to come here," he said. "I'm not seeing the results that I'd like to see."

Koenig suggested the county disband the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council, with staff of Port Districts 1 and 2 taking over economic development responsibility. Economic development is a responsibility of ports, he said.

On the LNG issue, Flohr said he isn't a supporter of the proposed plant, feeling that the location presents risk to county residents and that there won't be much economic benefit for the county.

He also said he feels the clinic is a vital part of the community's economy that supports over 100 jobs in related businesses. He would support its continued operation and doesn't wish to spin it off.