Professed agent of change merely talking the talk

It's easy to talk about all the things one would do if elected. Just turn on the television or fire up a social network. It's the politicians' favorite line these days. But Vancouver voters search for the "there there" and expect nothing less.

The truth is, as your Mayor, and working with you, we've been implementing positive change in our community that is revitalizing Vancouver and our region. Together, we have walked the talk.

And there is much more to do as we grow more jobs, support local business and bring new business and economic vitality to Vancouver.

Yes, we've done a lot working together---supporting much needed police and fire services to the east, laying the groundwork for a major expansion of jobs in partnership with SEH America and other firms, and growing our downtown as a community gathering place. We've stood up together and supported a transportation system that not only works for vehicles but supports recreation and access with trails and paths. We've advocated for a new bridge and been honest about that commitment.

We have done a lot. 

Together, we have actually brought positive change.

On the other hand, my opponent has mainly talked...and talked...and talked about what he is going to do. His record of talk, not action, in seven years on the City Council does not support taking a chance on his promises of leadership.

Let's keep walking the talk and moving our community forward with positive change. We have a long list of accomplishments to build on.

Next week, I'll be announcing a new effort and enlisting your help as we take the next step in moving our economy and local jobs to the next level.

A little less talk and a lot more action! Our City deserves nothing less.

 

Royce

Comments

[Mikhail Oparin]

Mr. Royce Pollard. First I would like to say thank you for all your hard work you've done so far for the community of Vancouver. Secondly, I am seeking for answers to the I-5 bridge issue that seem to be dividing our community.

As many other citizens of Vancouver, my partner and I are greatly concerned about the toll fees. We, I am sure just like the thousands of others, balancing our bills and trying to stay afloat. My partner and my other friends work in Portland, simply because there are no "good" jobs in Vancouver.

Please correct me if I am wrong in my thinking, but how would toll fees benefit us - average citizens who work in Oregon? $1,500 to $2,500 of additional expenses (on top of Oregon taxes, etc.) we have to come up with! That is a lot of money for us. Whereas, big companies (such as SEH America) benefit from $10-$15/hr cheap labor jobs, and, I am assuming, does not contribute otherwise to the development of our community (for example expanding our education and culture).

It feels like the only people who get impacted by the tolls are those 50-60 thousand community members that travel across the river to work in Oregon because Clark County can not provide those jobs here, in Vancouver.

I am questioning the toll fees and would vote against them. Why our community is using its most valuable resources - its people - to build a bridge on their backs. We got to have a better solution than those tolls.

[twitter.com/edbisquera]

I agree with Mikhail. And I also thank you Royce for all your work over the years in getting Vancouver back on the map. Downtown revitalization wouldn't have happened without your vision and efforts.

But how would toll fees benefit citizens, who need to work in Oregon, because there may not (and often not) the jobs we need here in our own Clark County.

Yes we need a new bridge, but we need leadership that can create a better team effort with Oregon and Washington. A new bridge is a STATE issue and not just a Portland/Vancouver issue. I'm sure it's being handled, but Portland/Vancouver needs to come together better and hit up our legislators in Salem and Olympia a lot harder. (I'm aware there is a multi-state effort, but not sure what's going on there. I'll have to catch up on that soon.)

And why hasn't anyone answered any of the comments here on the blog? Just wondering if there's anyone monitoring here...

We're in the digital age now folks and you've been Mayor for over 10 years. Where's your blog been? I only see posts going back to Sep of 2009. I'm not entirely convinced Vancouver is in capable hands, if the Mayor, the campaign staff and the City is behind the times, just trying to play catch up using social media/blogging.

IT IS the future of communications and marketing, so if you're only getting around to sharing your voice online IN SEP 2009, what does that mean for staying on top of other issues affecting Vancouver? Technology is moving fast and affects every facet of life, including government. Do you have another blog we've missed?

Let's get with the digital times, save $$, go green and we might have a different story to talk about...