Vote Frank Morrison

Is there any such thing as an open bid to the public process anymore? Check to see when the last time these services were open to the public for open bid.
The same thing happened with Behavioral Health Tax money. Commissioners just roll over into renewal at will.
I guess it's fine for those who are apart of the "GOOD OLE BOYS AND GIRLS"

Financial Management

6. Second Addendum to Grantee Agreement with Emergency Support Shelter to provide additional funding in the amount of $60,750 for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for Cowlitz County Homeless Grant Program re: Domestic Violence Shelter Operations.

7. Second Addendum to the Grantee Agreement with Lower Columbia Community Action Program to provide additional funding in the amount of $96,278 for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for Cowlitz County Homeless Grant Program re: Low Barrier Housing Project.

8. Third Addendum to the Grantee Agreement with Love Overwhelming to provide additional funding in the amount of $194,756 for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for Cowlitz County Homeless Grant Program re: Emergency Low Barrier Shelter.

9. Second Addendum to the Grantee Agreement with Love Overwhelming to provide additional funding in the amount of $56,753 for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for Cowlitz County Homeless Grant Program re: Diversion and Prevention (Just-in-Time Life Skills).

10. Second Addendum to the Grantee Agreement with Love Overwhelming to provide additional funding in the amount of $112,800 for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for Cowlitz County Homeless Grant Program re: Permanent Supportive Housing (Residential Case Management).

A great leader in our community taught me, "Good leaders take people where they 'want' to go but Great leaders take people where they 'need' to go!" That being said, we need some leaders willing to take our county where it needs to go. In order for that to be fulfilled the two current county commissioners need their positions filled by candidates Arne Mortensen and Shawn Nyman.
We need a new 911 system and infrastructure with a healthy plan for all of the agencies involved. Why is this now just being worked on? Both current commissioners up for re-election have avoided solving this issue the last 4 to 6 years. We need two new commissioners willing to give leadership that will step up to solve this before someone gets seriously hurt.
We need a new homeless plan implemented with all the agencies given proportional priority to address the needs respectively. If half of our homeless population in a year is children along with their families then half of the funding should be allocated in that direction. If the other half is vocational or educational issues, mental health and substance abuse as the cause of homelessness then so be it. Last year alone, Longview School District counted 495 homeless school age children. Community House sheltered almost 200 children overall last year so you can see a shift needs to be made otherwise you can count on homelessness growing exponentially with the current allocations.
The two new candidates for commissioner Arne Mortensen and Shawn Nyman seem gifted at listening with humility and would be diligent to deliver. I have learned that both candidates Arne Mortensen and Shawn Nyman are intelligent, credible candidates. The language heard lately from the two current incumbents characterizing Shawn Nyman as "wishy washy" and Arne Mortensen as "just a warm body" reveals the mindset of the two current county commissioners.
And we need decisions made for the benefit of the community and not for political reelection. The offer to buy the building Love Overwhelming is in, draws our county no closer to a solution than it was before. Think about it. Why are we allowing $250,000 of our tax dollars being spent or appear to be spent without a business plan for the buildings use? After all, the county was paying $3500 per month rent for the current occupant. So perhaps they are trying to save money.
The condition of our county makes me want to dial 911. But we won't get connected until we reconnect with new leaders. The only ones that can respond is you, the voters. So we need a new plan for the homeless that protects the families with children, a new 911 system and structure that can protect you, your family and friends.
Check the box for Cowlitz County Commissioners Arne Mortensen-District #1 and Shawn Nyman-District #2 if you would like to see change in our county from the old way of doing things to a new way with accountability, responsibility and transparency with the $200 million budget in Cowlitz.
Sincerely, Frank Morrison (former Candidate for Cowlitz County Commissioner District #2)