I am compelled to address the critical question of Woodland’s viability as a competitive city in Southwest Washington.
With its exceptional natural beauty, strong community spirit and strategic location, Woodland is not just poised for growth; it has the potential to become a leading destination for residents and businesses alike.
Woodland’s beautiful landscapes, including the Lewis River and Mount St. Helens, attract outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a peaceful lifestyle. We should promote ecotourism and sustainable practices to establish Woodland as a thriving destination for nature lovers.
Woodland's prime location off Interstate 5 offers easy access to Portland and Vancouver, attracting commuters who appreciate a mix of urban and rural living. To maximize this potential, local leadership should focus on improving infrastructure, especially public transportation and road maintenance, ensuring growth doesn’t diminish our community's charm.
Support for local businesses is essential. The city must take decisive action to incentivize small businesses and startups through grants and tax breaks. This approach will not only stimulate our economy but also create a vibrant downtown area that attracts visitors and retains residents.
We should actively host local farmers markets and artisan fairs to showcase our talented residents and build community ties, rather than waiting for these connections to develop organically. These efforts need strong promotion and support.
The situation regarding the city-owned building at 211 Lakeshore Drive clearly illustrates a lack of understanding of strategic investment and long-term vision. The facility was originally intended to house the Woodland Chamber and Visitors Center to benefit the community.
Opposition to the previous administration's vision undermined that plan. The current administration may justify its decisions as financially responsible, but it risks stepping over a dollar to save a dime.
What are some of the other obstacles? Old grudges that are perpetuated over multiple generations. Big egos that hurt a small city until it becomes sophisticated enough to overwhelm the opposition to common sense.
No one in Woodland has all of the answers, yet still too many refuse to work together. It needs to be called out. Everyone is responsible for how Woodland is expressed and its marketability.
In circling back, investing in education and community services is non-negotiable for our long-term success. A well-educated workforce will attract new businesses and industries to the area. Collaboration with local schools and training programs will ensure residents are equipped with the skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow.
In conclusion, Woodland has all the ingredients to become a competitive and vibrant city in Southwest Washington. We have some challenges, but by strategically leveraging our natural assets, enhancing infrastructure, supporting local businesses, prioritizing education and acknowledging the current dynamic, we can secure our place as a desirable community for both residents and businesses.
I urge our local leaders and community members to embrace this vision — now is the time to act decisively and make it a reality.
Keith Bellisle
Woodland
•••
Letters To The Editor
Readers are encouraged to express their views by writing to the editor of The Reflector. Letters are limited 500 words. Deadline is noon Thursday. Writers are limited to two letters per calendar quarter. All letters must be signed with name, address, plus phone number for verification. Items submitted are subject to editing and will become the property of this newspaper. Opinions expressed in the Letters to the Editor section of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of The Reflector or its staff.
Email: letters@thereflector.com
Mail: The Reflector, Attention: Letters to the Editor,
209 E Main St., Suite 121 Battle Ground, WA 98604
