In the 7 years we have resided in Battle Ground, we have observed a dramatic change in the community. My wife and I are okay with the idea of Battle Ground growing but are not pleased with some of the decisions in how Battle Ground grows. We are concerned that some
of the leadership in the council and city planners are leading Battle Ground in the direction of becoming Portland 2.0. Frankly, we regret our decision to move here, but know that with restored fiscal conservative leadership, a beautiful Battle Ground city will flourish.
Some major changes such as the compression of properties into apartment complexes, smaller roads making travel and parking difficult, lack of parking in high density neighborhoods, the overburden of excess traffic within city limits, the chaotic growth that favors mainly the developer and not the average citizen, the incredible increase in price of properties, the burden of higher taxes across the board, and poor water quality affect everyone who lives and visits Battle Ground. Couple this with the inflated cost of housing and living created in Olympia, and our small-town feel is decaying into a city we do not recognize or appreciate. Too many decisions have been made that cannot be undone. The majority of council members do not represent the heritage citizens but do represent the developers and globalist ideals. Those responsible need to resign or not get re-elected.
We have an exceptional Chief of Police and force, yet they are burdened with too few officers to patrol and keep our city safe. Elections have consequences and voting for the same people over and over again, or those who have had three or more terms in the council should not be given a subsequent term. I believe in term limits. Except for Brian Munson, those who have served and intend to return for office in this election are not worthy since they created this problem in previous administrations. Their voting history proves they are not fiscally conservative. They being, Phil Johnson, known for never meeting a tax hike he didn’t like, John Idsigna, arrogant use of rezoning tactics, bending the zoning interpretation to fatten developer pockets; and the current mayor, Troy McCoy, who threatens HOAs that disagree with his globalist agenda!
We need strong leaders with a backbone to stand up against council members who are changing our once beautiful town into Portland 2.0. Two of the candidates in the Voter Pamphlet have the fortitude and qualifications to make a positive difference in BG, Aimee Vaile, and Brian Munson. They are highly principled and known fiscal conservatives. Both support responsible growth, believe in fiscal accountability with transparency, and are running on a platform of NO TAX INCREASES. Most importantly, unlike the majority of current council members, they will not pander or be ruled by state-sponsored Olympia edicts. When our ballots arrive, we will gladly mark our ballots for Aimee Vaile and Brian Munson. I pray that you do it likewise!
Vernon & Koni Jeremica
Battle Ground
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