I am here to introduce myself to you: Don Berger.

You may have heard about me, but I hope you give me a chance to convince you I’m not the person you’ve heard about.

I have had many jobs and opportunities in my lifetime. I started doing demolition and construction with my Grandfather at age 10 for $.35 per hour. I moved on to being a Union Apprentice Carpenter in 1959. Won the Washington State Carpenters contest and took third in the international contest in 1964. Then finally worked as a journeyman carpenter, before getting my General Contractors licensed for my own business in 1968. Also was president of the Vancouver Contractor Association, in 1968. You can see the progress here. I worked at many levels of responsibility, ensuring I was learning as I earned. I wanted jobs done right. And I take that attitude with everything I do. I want to ensure I know how to do it and follow the rules.

I received my aircraft pilot’s license in 1966. To this date, I have 3,000 hours in the air flying to Canada and Mexico. Also joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. I served as an aircraft commander flying missions for the USCG taking data on ships in the Columbia River and coastal waters plus search and rescue.

Eventually, that duty was taken over by new technology, and no longer needed a person in an airplane to see what was out there. I also was certified as an aircraft commander, coxswain, and radio operator. Served as flotilla commander and public education officer. And countless vessel examinations. Again, I start at the beginning and work my way up.

As a teenager, I worked on the MN Bold Venture as a boat puller. Not an easy way to earn a living, even when you are young, strong, and bull-headed. My love of flying and fishing continues to this day. I have owned boats since 1959. I received my master’s license (50-ton near shore) and served as captain on several charter boats in Ilwaco. I moved to Ilwaco in 2003. My American dream came true in one small package — Ilwaco. I bought a home in Vandalia, which is adjacent to the Port ofIlwaco Airport and I can have my Cessna 172 in a hanger on private land and taxi to the airport. Dream number one. I have a boat moored in the Port of Ilwaco marina. Dream number two.

As you can see, I am living the “American Dream,” literally.

I want Ilwaco to remain a place that invites people to live their dreams as well. Right now it seems to me that there is a need to make some changes in how things are run here to ensure that others can find their own version of that dream. I decided to run for city council to help see that it would happen. I am running for position #5. We are elected “At Large,” which means that we are elected to represent everyone in Ilwaco equally, regardless of where they live. If you think that protecting the dream is a good idea, I think you should vote for me.

Val Perkins is not eligible for that position, so I will not appear on the ballot, but you can write me in. Please consider doing so. Think of me as llwaco’s washing machine. I’m an agitator. Help me clean things up a bit so the future will look brighter for all of us. You can get in touch with me at 360-690-6027.

I’m a crusty old codger, but I will tell you the truth as I know it. I will always want to hear your point of view, whether or not we agree to begin with. We can always learn new things.

DON BERGER

Ilwaco