Fireworks Saved (For Now) - New Hearing Set for OPMA Violations - Charter Candidates Step Up
Jun 04, 2025 2:38 am
Charter Review Candidates Step Up To Bring Meaningful Reforms To Clark County
As many of you know, 2020 marked the first time a Charter Review Commission was elected in Clark County. Unfortunately, the commission was dominated by candidates whose amendments reflected the agenda of a small minority rather than the broader community. The result was a series of Charter changes that pushed divisive concepts like DEI mandates, Rank-Choice Voting, and a new preamble driven by ideological agendas (and who wants a post-made preamble to an existing government document? It was the ultimate display of revisionist history attempt).
Many of those elected ran on a platform of “non-partisan” reform—something that sounds good on the surface, but in practice often conceals candidates’ true positions. Removing party labels may seem neutral, but it deprives voters of key information and can lead to elected officials pursuing hidden or extreme agendas without accountability.
To ensure that the next Charter Review Commission reflects the will and interests of everyday Clark County residents—not administrative elites or narrow special interest groups—I’ve been working hard to recruit and help organize a strong, principled slate of candidates.
We now have a fantastic group of Charter Commission candidates who are committed to common-sense reforms, increased accountability, balanced governance, and protecting your rights as citizens. These candidates understand that the Charter should serve the people—not fringe political agendas.
Meet the 2025 Charter Review Commission Candidates Committed to Reform:
- Ann Donnelly (District 1)
- Brandon Erickson (District 2)
- Bob Runnells (District 2)
- Jim Foote (District 2)
- John Jay (District 3)
- Jill Ross (District 3)
- Janet Gullberg (District 3)
- Janna Meyer (District 4)
- Liz Cline (District 4)
- Kirk VanGelder (District 4)
- Brad Benton (District 5)
- Duncan Hoss (District 5)
- Peter Silliman (District 5)
In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll be sharing videos, updates, and resources to keep you informed about the Charter, the candidates, and how you can get involved in shaping the future of our county.
Reforming the Charter isn’t just about short-term policy—it's about laying the foundation for a stronger, more accountable, and more representative Clark County for generations to come. When you support meaningful Charter reform, you’re helping create a legacy that will outlast all of us.
Stay tuned—and thank you for being part of this important movement...
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CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS (Rob will be speaking and promises to be funny:-)
New Date Set for Preliminary Hearing on OPMA Violations (Anderson v Clark et al.)
Last Friday, after a lengthy delay prompted by the County’s successful motion to move the case from Skamania County to Clark County (one might ask why the County was so eager to have the case heard on its home turf), I filed motions and supporting documents to reschedule the Preliminary Hearing—so that justice, long delayed, can finally begin to unfold in the open.
As a quick reminder, this case stems from serious violations of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) involving four County Councilors. These Councilors unlawfully failed to notify the public and allow for input before expressing support for language that would open the door to negotiating Light Rail into Clark County.
When Councilor Michelle Belkot—true to her campaign promises—refused to go along with the Light Rail agenda and stood with the constituents who elected her in part to oppose it, Councilor Sue Marshall and Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle moved to improperly table the motion. The very next day, the County Council doubled down on OPMA violations by failing to properly notice or allow public comment on two pivotal actions: a vote to remove Belkot from the C-TRAN Board, and a subsequent vote to install Light Rail supporter Sue Fuentes in her place.
Now, a new hearing has been scheduled:
June 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Clark County Superior Court
This will be a Preliminary Injunction Hearing, where the judge will evaluate whether the County’s actions were likely unlawful. If so, the Court could nullify the February 26 vote and the two March 12 votes—restoring Councilor Belkot to her rightful seat on the C-TRAN Board.
This case is not just about one Councilor or one issue—it’s about transparency, public trust, and protecting your right to be informed and involved in decisions that shape the future of Clark County. I’ll keep you updated as the case progresses, and I hope to see many of you there in support of open and accountable government.
Michelle Belkot Legal Defense Fund Legal representation of the C-TRAN board members will be paid for by tax dollars. Michelle Belkot needs our help to continue fighting for you. A generous benefactor has offered to match $5,000 in donations if you give now. Read More at standupwashington.com |
PEOPLE SHOWED UP, SPOKE UP & FIREWORKS ARE SAFE (FOR NOW)
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