Commissioners reorganize with new man on board

Wahkiakum County commissioners reorganized and handled a light agenda of business to start 2013 at their meeting yesterday (Wednesday).

Newly elected Commissioner Mike Backman joined the board; he replaces Lisa Marsyla who didn't run for re-election at the end of her first term.

The board has reorganized, with Blair Brady assuming the role of chair and Dan Cothren moving to vice-chair.

Backman will represent the board on the Lower Columbia Community Action Council, the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce executive committee, the county fair board, Wahkiakum Community Network, and as a liaison to the Town of Cathlamet.

Backman’s mother serves on the fair board and his wife works closely with the fair in her role as county Extension Agent. The commissioners determined it would not be a conflict of interest for Backman to be on the board because the position is non-voting.

Brady will represent the board on the Southwest Clean Air Agency, the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board and on the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) board of directors and it legislative steering committee.

Cothren will represent the board on the WSAC timber counties committee, the Southwestern Washington Workforce Council executive board, and the Southwest Area on Aging and Disabilities board.

The commission also reviewed the county's contract with the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce for economic development services.

Among the contract's scope of services, the Chamber will:

--Conduct activities which promote and market the county and its communities;

--Assist local businesses to stay in business or to help other businesses move to the county;

--Manage and promote events such as the Chamber Crab Feed, Bald Eagle Days, and so on

--Maintain and update a website for visitors and members;

--Provide trained volunteers and docents for the Julia Butler Hansen House, and

--Maintain and operate a visitor center.

The contract provides for compensation of $20,000 per year.