Our readers' views on the election Oct. 25

Coleen Smith, Vancouver: It’s great to have a state senator who does what he says he will do. Sen. Don Benton is one of the last remaining office holders who will do anything to keep from raising our taxes. For heaven’s sake, let’s keep him working for us.

Debbie Asby, Vancouver: David Carrier is the breath of fresh air that we need after so many years of the Jim Dunn-Don Benton era. It’s time for a change. I’m voting for Carrier and encourage anyone who wants a good, honest man with integrity working on your behalf in Olympia to do the same.

Chuck Miller, Camas: I’m excited that we have someone like Jaime Herrera running for office. She’s the kind of independent voice of reason that we need right now. I don’t know if she can talk some sense into the governor and the rest of those tax-happy politicians, but she’s got my vote to give it a try. I know she’ll work hard for us.

Pat Ries, Ridgefield: After talking with VaNessa Duplessie, I’ve learned that she has real-life business experience so she can relate to the issues I deal with day-to-day as a small business owner. She has been passionate about working on opportunities for children for quite some time. Her experience is not just academic, and it’s clear that she’s not a career politician. She’s someone who cares about our district and wants to improve it because she lives here and has to deal with the same challenges many of us do.

Phil Wuest, Vancouver: Tim Probst is a man of solid character and traditional values with an even and patient temperament, entrepreneurial spirit, and quick wit. His priorities are our priorities — a strong local economy based on family wage jobs, a quality education for our children, affordable and accessible health care, and fiscal responsibility in government. Probst has demonstrated that kind of accomplishment as CEO of the Washington Workforce Association. His commitment to building programs that allow individual Clark County citizens to succeed on their own merit is inspiring.

Jamin Jorgensen, Vancouver: Mike Bomar is truly the candidate who will bring an independent and fresh view to politics as usual in Olympia. Bomar will improve funding for education at all levels while making our education system more accountable. I support Bomar’s position on expanding transportation options by creating and maintaining transportation systems which provide multiple choices. He is also a proponent for reforming or replacing the B&O tax with more business-friendly alternatives, an essential issue for local businesses and families.

Ann Makar, Vancouver: Our state has had Democrats in charge as governor and majorities in both houses of the legislature for too long. My family and I prefer gridlock to this tax and spend, big government nondiversity.

I urge Washingtonians to vote Republicans into office at the state level as well as Michael Delavar for U.S. Congress. As a strong opponent of socialism and a strong supporter of limited government, these are changes I do believe in.

William M. McLoughlin, Vancouver: I shall write in Christine Webb for Third District Congressional representative because she is the party caucus favorite and she comes from Lewis County. The “top-two” primary makes no provision for people with 51 percent to stand elected and it just plain is unfair.

Val Alexander, La Center: The two candidates for district 1 commissioner, Pam Brokaw and Tom Mielke, have sharp contrasts. Brokaw is genuinely concerned with the quality of life in Clark County, and the well being of its citizens. She will bring energy and intelligence to the job and has had years of experience working with the public.

David Gilroy, Vancouver: Marc Bolt may be a nice guy, but we need new leadership that represents the residents not just the development community. Jeanne Harris offers the experience, attitude and values Clark County needs for now and the future.

Jon Cole, Ridgefield: Gov. Chris Gregoire has been an effective administrator and deserves to be re-elected. She has the vision to take Washington forward, and continue to be a state I am happy to live in.

Stephanie McClintock, Vancouver: It is no secret that Washington state is hurting. The housing bubble finally burst and our state’s unemployment rate is the highest it’s been since 2004. We need change here, a change of leadership, a change of direction in Olympia. This is why you should vote Dino Rossi for governor.

Rossi is a family man, a business man, a person of integrity. He will do what is in the best interest for the people of our state.

Tracy Shawa, Vancouver: As the former Pacific County treasurer, I’m voting for Allan Martin. I had the privilege to work with Martin, and I know his integrity, honesty and good work ethic. Martin offers over 20 years of successful public treasury management experience. As our current assistant state treasurer, he’s responsible for the day-to-day management of the office. In these volatile economic times, it’s critical that we have the right person in the treasurer’s office.

The candidate who has the experience, fiscal integrity and competence is Allan Martin.

Randy Mueller, Ridgefield: Peter Goldmark is a lifelong wheat and cattle rancher who knows a little something about managing natural resources to generate a profit (he has one of the highest wheat yields in his county and has patented new varieties for Eastern Washington).

He has won national and state awards for his conservation practices.

Goldmark also has management experience as the former director for the Washington state Department of Agriculture. He is clearly the most qualified candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands.

Nathan Putnam, Glenwood: Doug Sutherland has served us well as commissioner of public lands.

I trust Sutherland to act as steward of Washington’s great natural resource and to lead the people who manage that resource.

As a professional forester watching from the sidelines, I have observed a rebuilding of the Department of Natural Resources. When Sutherland took over leadership in 2001, morale was low. In the years since, Sutherland has worked tirelessly to transform the department and regain the confidence of the people of Washington. He understands the balance that is needed to bring solutions.