Commission denies manger scene request for a second time

For the second time in two weeks, Wahkiakum County commissioners denied a request to the addition of a Christmas manger scene to the holiday display on the courthouse lawn.

Commissioners also approved a bid to revamp the Puget Island ferry landing to accommodate a larger ferry whose construction is nearing completion; they approved a financial appropriation for the Grays River Valley Library, and they signed a letter to Governor Jay Inslee urging more support of the local commercial fishing industry.

Commissioners start their meeting by inviting public comment, and Richard Riley, a former Wahkiakum PUD commissioner, said the board should follow public opinion and permit a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn.

Other citizens made the request at the board's December 9 meeting, and the commissioners rejected it, saying they've authorized the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce to set up the display and that if people are interested in pursuing the issue, they should bring it up next fall.

Riley, however, said the board should act immediately.

"You're elected to represent the people of Wahkiakum County, not the opinion of your attorney or your own opinions," he said.

The vast majority of county residents are Christians who support a nativity scene display on the courthouse lawn, he said.

"You need to rethink that decision and change your minds today," he said. "If you don't, I guarantee this will be your last term in office in Wahkiakum County. I'll see that there is someone to run against you."

"I think it's time that Christians stand up for our rights," said Lily Kolditz. "We need to allow for expression of religious freedom on county property."

Four other speakers also supported having a manger scene displayed on courthouse property.

Commissioners repeated they were willing to discuss the issue next fall but didn't want to make changes now.

"I hear you," Cothren said to Riley, "but your threats don't cut it for me. You can go to the voters, but don't threaten me.

"You can come back here next year, and we'll look at it."

The board then turned to other business.

The board approved a bid of $574,837 from Legacy Contracting, Inc., of Salem for improvements to the Puget Island ferry landing.

Bids from three other contractors ranged from $632,718 to $719,737. The county's engineering consultant estimated the project at $338,965.

Clatsop County, Ore., has also contracted with Legacy to make necessary improvements to the landing at Wesport.

The new ferry, the "Oscar B.," is due to be christened and launched January 10. It will undergo sea trials and inspections and is due to arrive at Puget Island by February 27.

The board approved a request from Johnson Park Advisory Board member Trudy Fredrickson to fund the Grays River Valley Library $3,000 in 2015.

"I read in The Eagle that the county has given the Cathlamet library $3,000," she wrote in an email to the commissioners. "Does that mean that you will also be giving gthe Grays River Valley Library the same amount?

"We could certainly use $3,000 in our library fund. It would go a long way for operating costs such as ink, paper, heat bills, and even an upgraded checkout system, etc."

Commissioner Cothren suggested that the request should have been made in October or November when the county was preparing its budgets, but Commissioner Blair Brady moved to approve the request. Commmissioner Mike Backman seconded the motion, and it passed.

The board signed a letter to send to Governor Jay Inslee urging more support of the commercial fishing industry.

Gillnetter Kent Martin, who presented the request last week, was on hand to thank the commissioners.

The commercial fishing industry contributes substantially to the county's economy, and recent policies are severely impacting the industry, Martin said.

"In the name of salmon recovery, fishing, logging and dairying are in decline," he said. "We have been shut out of the debate in Washington and Oregon.

"It's all been done in the name of the sacred salmon, and we don't have any access."