A Vancouver assistant city attorney and political activist announced Tuesday that he plans to run in this year’s race to succeed longtime elected Clark County Prosecutor Art Curtis.
Brent Boger, 53, a Republican, is the third candidate to throw his hat in the ring following Curtis’ announcement in December to step down at the end of this year.
Boger made his formal announcement at a press conference in downtown Vancouver that drew dozens of businesspeople, city officials and Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna. The conference took place at an atrium next to Java House on West Evergreen Boulevard.
McKenna, a Republican who described himself as a good friend of Boger’s, said he was endorsing Boger because of his extensive law experience and his commitment to ensuring the safety of the community.
“Brent as a prosecuting attorney will bring us renewed emphasis on public safety,” McKenna said.
Boger told the crowd he’s running because he believes the office needs to better prioritize the prosecution of cases, especially while currently absorbing a $1.8 million budget shortfall.
He gave an example of a theft of a water heater valued at less than $150. Prosecutors brought the case to trial twice in Clark County Superior Court and the defendant was acquitted.
Boger didn’t think the case was proper use of taxpayer money.
“We have seen evidence that prioritization in the prosecutor’s office has not always been done with the concept of the best use of the people’s money in mind,” he said. “We must find a better way to use the resources we do have.”
Boger, also Clark County’s state Republican Party committeeman, has worked in the city attorney’s office for 11 years. He has been assigned to the criminal division and also has represented officials in land-use and financial issues. He’s practiced law for 25 years.
In 2006, he unsuccessfully ran against incumbent state Court of Appeals Judge Joel Penoyar.
In December, Curtis’ longtime chief civil deputy prosecutor, Curt Wyrick, said that he planned to run for the post.
Deputy Prosecutor Tony Golik, who is assigned to major crimes, also announced that he wanted to run.
The primary race for county prosecutor will be in August, and the top two vote-getters will square off in the November election. The position pays $148,832.
Laura McVicker: 360-735-4516 or laura.mcvicker@columbian.com.
