Please vote for integrity, Cothren says

To The Eagle:

Wahkiakum County has had the pleasure and distinction of having some of the most civil elections with rarely an utterance of a personal attack or a shot across the bow, so to speak.

Unfortunately this election is somewhat different and maybe it’s just the oversaturation of political incorrectness 24/7 on every TV channel, but we seem to be plagued by some very poor, dishonest and just plain rude comments right from one of our candidates. As most of you, I am more than a little ashamed of anyone that would choose this path, but we have no control of others actions. Unfortunately, the untruths are so misaligned from reality I have to take this opportunity to set the story straight.

Approximately 10 years ago the City of Cathlamet approached the county about the Rosedale sewer expansion. The expansion would incorporate the Highway Mart and local residents that were experiencing long known sewer issues. This was also to expand into adjacent lands.

The county agreed to assist the city and utilize a county reserve fund set aside to do such projects. I suggested to the city to drop hook-up fees to make connections more inviting cost-wise to the consumer. My thinking was that with the new hook-ups, the county could be repaid with a small percentage from billing. The city declined these suggestions and in my estimation, lost potential consumers.

Mr. Jungers quite vocally dismissed the entire project only after it was in full swing and after a developer made known his plans for real-estate development across the street from an existing business Mr. Jungers owned.

Sometime after the project was completed, I met with newly elected Mayor Dale Jacobson and David Goodroe. At that time I suggested to this group, that a town hall meeting be called with affected area residents to discuss how to encourage those residents to hook up. About two months ago I was approached by a council member who assured me that he would be aggressive in setting up a time to discuss this matter further. To this day I am still waiting for the city council, or the mayor, to proceed in this issue.

During a county commissioner’s meeting in 2015, Mr. Jungers demanded the county assist him, in the form of a $3,000 fee hook-up and two- free hook-ups for lots that he intended to develop on State Route 4. The board denied his request, as the city never entered into an agreement with the county for free hook-ups. And now, he is against the project again? And seems to be the only reason he is running is to settle a personal agenda.

Again, unfortunately, personal gain has surmounted rural politeness and respect.

At the end of the day I can stand tall and then sleep well as my conscience is clear and I know that my actions and my efforts have been for the people of Wahkiakum County as I am the candidate that will be there for you.

Please take the time to vote this November. I would appreciate your vote not only of confidence but also in my integrity.

Dan L. Cothren

Cathlamet