When Clark County voters elected the charter form of government, it gave the power to a county manager.
Little did they know what the real life impacts that action would make on their lives.
The same is true when they chose the "nonpartisan" title for those running for county offices. Now, Clark County government functions in a vacuum, with staff controlling the ship. The only power the people have is at the ballot box, and their responsibility to vote is critical to their wellbeing.
Non-partisan does not mean neutral when it comes to politics. All candidates have a political view they embrace, and voters must determine if that view aligns with theirs. Currently, the Clark County Council has four Democrats and one Republican on the board. No one knows the political view of the county manager, who controls the county.
The Clark County Charter Review Commission is in session and has adopted a series of bipartisan amendments to the charter that will be on the ballot. Voters are encouraged to support them.
Likewise, candidates running for various offices will also need your vote.
The offices that have the greatest impact on your daily life begin with the Washington state Supreme Court. Their decisions not only affect your life, but also the lives of all Washingtonians. Justice Dave Larson, Pos. 5, deserves your vote, followed by Scott Edward or Laura Christensen Colberg, Pos. 1, David Stevens, Pos. 3, and Todd Bloom, Pos. 7.
Not knowing the many candidates’ political views, it’s hard to know who to support.
But many with a record of working for the people deserve your vote. They include Eileen Quiring O’Brien, auditor; Kevin Roegner, CPU commissioner, Michelle Belkot, councilor Dist. 2; Bryan Shull, councilor Dist. 1; Peter Silliman councilor Dist. 5; Scott Weber, clerk; Peter Van Nortwick, assessor; John Braun, U.S. House; John Ley and Stephanie McClintock, Rep. Dist. 18; Sara Mittelman, Rep. Dist 49; Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt, Rep. Dist. 20; and David Steube, Rep. Dist. 17.
The only voice we have is at the ballot box, and I urge all legal registered voters, both young and old, to vote.
Carol Levanen
Yacolt
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