Our readers' views: Oct. 4

3rd Congressional District

Kenny Smith, Brush Prairie: I support Michael Delavar for Congress because I know he will keep his promise to vote only for balanced budgets and oppose unconstitutional spending. He is head and shoulders above the other candidates in understanding fiscal policy. To learn more, visit delavarforcongress.com.

Ray G. Barney, Vancouver: I disagree with U.S. Rep. Brian Baird sometimes, but he is the best representative that we have had and certainly better than his opposition. He has always responded in the past whenever I have asked for assistance or information. I will vote for him again and urge others to do so.

Clark County Commissioner

Terry Anderson, Vancouver: Conservatives in Clark County have been waiting for someone to pick up the conservative banner. Recently, Tom Mielke hung a large banner across I-5 during morning rush-hour traffic stating “No toll on bridge.” It seems to me that will help the taxpayers. Tired of liberal politicians forcing their agenda on us? Give your vote to Mielke.

17th Legislative District

Jim G. Martin, Vancouver: It’s time to open the windows in Olympia’s Senate and let the old, tired ideas fly away into the dust bin of history. It’s time for a different man to occupy the state Senate seat who has sworn away from special interests, a man who has ideas and programs to benefit all Washingtonians.

That man is David Carrier. Carrier has qualifications in academia as well as economics far beyond the career lifelong politician, Don Benton, now ceremoniously sitting in that chair.

If a person does believe in term limits, let a new voice be heard in Olympia.

Angie Rawson, Vancouver: State Sen. Don Benton is not your typical ­politician. He takes his responsibilities as a legislator seriously and often goes the extra mile to assist his ­constituents. When I needed assistance, he never asked me if I was a Republican or whether I had voted for him.

Benton went out of his way to try to assist me. His efforts on my behalf generated positive action. You can bet that he earned my gratitude, and I enthusiastically support his candidacy.

Although I’m a registered Democrat, my vote goes to this Republican.

Tomi Nelson, Vancouver: Residents of the 17th District should appreciate Joseph James’ efforts. He exhibited the ability to work hard and a willingness to learn. He campaigned with integrity, a personal attribute that the incumbent was obviously lacking.

James earned his top-two spot on the ballot for state representative and I look forward to many years of public service from him.

Michael Turnauer, Vancouver: With his solid record of service as the CEO of the Washington Workforce Association, Tim Probst is by far the superior candidate for state ­representative. Voters can trust Probst to eschew bureaucratic statistics and work toward fact-based solutions for our district and Washington state.
Choose Probst for strong representation in Olympia.

18th Legislative District

Chuck Wallace, Longview: VaNessa Duplessie is by far the more balanced of our two choices. With Duplessie, you can count on a state representative who is willing to reach across party lines and work on the issues affecting our state and Southwest Washington.

With Duplessie representing the district, you can look to her many years of business experience, community service, and commitment to her district as strengths. Now more than ever, we cannot afford to have leadership in Olympia that thrives on divisive politics.

State Superintendent

Tanis Knight, Camas: As a long-time educator, I urge Clark County residents to vote for Terry Bergeson.During a recent decade of controversial reform, Bergeson has become the lightning rod for strong opinions related to No Child Left Behind, the WASL and educational budget woes. For years, Bergeson has navigated Washington’s educational “ship of state” through complex waters and political storms primarily instigated by the state Legislature and federal government.

Her job requires someone who is tough and smart and a fierce advocate for our schools. She is all of that.

Governor

Jeffery Bunker, Vancouver: I’m a 17-year-old who is not able to vote this year, but I support our governor’s re-election. I go to Evergreen High School and it’s amazing how much smaller our class sizes have gotten. It’s the first years of the WASL, but nonetheless, I know Gov. Chris Gregoire is making it better for students.

Dino Rossi has said he wants a harder assessment test. We freak out just on the WASL, so if we have an even harder test, students will never pass.
Gregoire works for the people who keep our great state going.

Frank Krbec, Battle Ground: Voters should come to their senses and scratch out any name with “Democrat” behind it. Gov. Chris Gregoire should be the first to go.

Democrats are responsible for increased taxation. It has become a question of economic survival for the average family yet the state calmly keeps adding huge spending programs and taxes. Cast off the yoke of Democrat-controlled government and vote for conservative Republican candidates.

For too long we have labored under Democratic politicians like Gregoire. Common sense resulting in reduced government, pared-down programs and spending should become the way Washington state works.

49th Legislative District

Lew Waters, Vancouver: As I was watching the Women’s League of Voters debate from August, particularly impressive was the performance by Debbie Peterson, candidate for the 49th Legislative District. Peterson clearly stated facts and figures displaying superior intellect and knowledge of the issues with the ability to express her self clearly with sensible positions on the issues.

Her opponent, Jim Jacks, only claimed he would “listen and learn,” in Olympia.
Clark County deserves good representation. Clark County needs Debbie Peterson.