Adrian Cortes for BG City council: running against the status quo and here's why.

When we elect our leaders we expect them to say what they mean and mean what they say. Leaders who take the position of "voting for it before voting against it" represent the type of status quo politicians that the public is weary of.  As election day quickly approaches, I would like to highlight a few very important statements by my opponent that voters in Battle Ground should pay particular attention to. 

In his candidate statement, my opponent states, "I procured capital to enhance South Parkway, Grace and 20th Avenue.  I negotiated investment for a community pool, youth soccer fields, and Old-Town business center."

Anyone who lives in Battle Ground and travels down South Parkway, and 20th Ave holds a deep understanding of the much needed transportation improvements that our roads need.  However, what we also realize is the fact that none of these roads has experienced the necessary capital to enhance their needs. As Chairman of the Battle Ground Planning Commission I have a deep understanding of these projects given that we are consistently updated on these and many more projects that are on our 6 year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).  Again, none of these roads has any capital allocated or construction planned as of the date of this letter.

Secondly, I would like to ask my fellow Battle Ground citizens if they have ever been to a city community pool, youth soccer field, or Old-Town business center?  If you answered "no" you would not be alone; none of these locations exists in the city of Battle Ground.  There are no plans in place or money identified for any of these facilities, yet my opponent claims to take credit for their fictitious existence. What my opponent is claiming is not a stretch of facts, or exaggeration of truths; it is a pure and simple fraudulent claim in an effort to deceive the voters and retain his seat. 

My opponent even tries to weigh in on other jurisdictional issues in an attempt to draw attention away from his less than stellar record. Examples of this include appearing to be a vocal crusader against the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project, light rail and tolls. Even though on July 21st, 2008 my opponent voted to support the locally preferred alternative of the CRC project and stated, "light rail works well during the day and it is more economical for Washington residents commuting to Oregon for work"; one has to question any position my opponent claims to take.

In conclusion, my platform has not changed since I announced earlier this year my intention to run for Battle Ground city council.  (1) Promote individuals and groups that encompass pro-business, pro-economic development philosophies-grow our tax base rather that increase taxing our existing base. (2) Maintain a fiscally conservative budget but resist increasing taxes to solve structural budget issues; no new admission taxes(cinema taxes) and utility taxes. (3) We have great parks and trails but we must resist new user fees on these assets. (4) Resist outsourcing our Battle Ground Police Department which will make our families less safe.

My opponent is on record of taking the opposite position on each one of these items and I believe they are not in the best interests of Battle Ground.  I ask for your support and vote this election. I look forward to being your voice, the voice of the community!

-Adrian Cortes
http://www.adriancortes.com/