Council candidate responds to write-in challenge

To The Eagle:

I am running for council position No. 1 because, although my husband and I are relative newcomers to Cathlamet, I love the immediate feeling of acceptance and welcome that greeted us here and the growing sense of belonging. I want to contribute to this atmosphere of inclusion. I want to be a voice of optimism in the community.

Shortly after we arrived in Cathlamet, our insurance agent commented to us that every time he walks down Main Street on an errand, he has to allow an extra 20 minutes because he always meets someone he knows and stops to chat. I want to keep that small town atmosphere, where everyone knows almost everyone else and where Main Street is "Meeting Street."

I have witnessed the spirit of volunteerism and cooperation within Cathlamet and throughout Wahkiakum County, and I want to contribute to that spirit and help ensure that it continues to thrive.

I would like to emphasize policies that favor economic growth, that create jobs, that enable young people to remain here, close to their families, while raising families of their own. I would like to see a combination of year-round jobs and tourist industry jobs.

In addition, I think it's most important that the Town of Cathlamet sustain a firm financial footing. And that's why my background in accounting is important. I was a certified public accountant for over 20 years.

It's a shame that someone has decided at such a late date to become a write-in candidate for council position No. 1. The voters should have had an opportunity to hear from both of us in a public debate. Please remember that even if a candidate is unopposed on the ballot, it is still important to cast your vote.

Hannah Booth-Watts, Cathlamet

(Editor's note: We learned of John Knopp's write-in candidacy for council position one at the beginning of this week. We tried unsuccessfully to contact him on Tuesday. If he supplies a statement, we'll print it next week.)