Democracy for Vancouver

The Outsider

A Newsletter for the Overburdened Taxpayers of Vancouver Washington

November 9, 2007

My Thanks to All

First, I wish to thank everyone that supported my campaign, next my thanks to all that participated in this election process. I feel that I did my best and did attend every meeting to which I was invited with the one exception. My views on taxes were expressed in a blunt way with CVTV and the “sweet heart” deals with developers, which to this day have not been refuted. I ran my campaign as I do my personal life. It was a balanced campaign with contributions matching expenditures. It was a clean campaign that presented the issues without personal attacks on my opponent.

The only regret that I have was something that I can’t control. It is the apathy of the register voters that did not vote. Change only occurs if informed people become involved and exercise their right to vote. If you don’t use that right, there is a possibility that it could be lost over a period of time.

The election process is a journey of meeting different people and it definitely brings out the best and the worst in some people. During this journey, I was impressed with one remarkable person who was at one time an opponent but became a good friend. He is Donald Yingling. If he ever decides to run again he will have my complete support. He is a man of honor and integrity which is rare in today’s society. Our basic philosophy on government is very similar.

On a personal level, I am thankful for the people who voted for me because you had the confidence to know that I would work for your benefit, not my own. Will the “Outsider” stop because of this election? No, it won’t stop because people need to be aware of what is happening in our community besides a view by the Columbian. You need to be informed so that you can make the right decisions for Vancouver’s future.

Charlie Stemper