When my wife and I moved to Ilwaco, we were greeted by our neighbors with a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” sense of hospitality.

I’m proud to say this welcome greeting still resonates. And not just in my neighborhood but throughout the City of Ilwaco.

My campaign is a grassroots campaign. I have been walking door to door throughout the neighborhoods, introducing myself and listening to the concerns of the voters.

I always tell them, “I’m asking for your vote as a candidate for the Ilwaco City Council Position 4.” This is not only nonpartisan, we are elected at-large — meaning we represent everyone in Ilwaco, not just part of the town.

Ballots will be mailed out Oct. 20. Election Day is Nov. 7.

I have found that I and the people I meet share many of the same issues — public safety, economic development, homelessness, financial stability, city revitalization and more. This is true throughout the town.

However, one subject is being misinterpreted by some.

Again, for the record: I always have stated, “I’m not against the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center. I just believe it should not be located in the Port of Ilwaco.”

I have many reasons for thinking this is not the appropriate location.

Just two examples:

• It should not be built in a tsunami zone.

• The Port of Ilwaco is the heart and soul of our historic city — for commercial fisherman, fishing charters, artists, hotels, restaurants, and local businesses and tourists, all necessary for economic growth in Ilwaco. The proposed development falls outside those activities.

I understand child care is needed. I understand that after school activities are needed. I think we can, as a city, discuss where this would be most advantageously and safely located.

I am concerned that the project has been under consideration as long as it has without so many of the people in Ilwaco that I speak with knowing about it, including those in the immediate neighborhood of the proposed site.

My years of experience as the government relations officer for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has enabled me to work closely with 33 city governments, state and federal agencies and 12 Native American sovereign nations.

Most recently. I was appointed to the City of Ilwaco’s Planning Commission and serve as the chairman.

I look forward to talking with even more of you, my supporters and newfound friends, including those I’ve yet to meet. I want to listen to your concerns and your suggestions.

Together we can be a part of moving Ilwaco into a more prosperous future.

Please join me. “I”m With You.”

RICHARD RUBIO

Candidate for Ilwaco City Council Position 4