17th District representative Pos. 1
State Rep. Tim Probst was ranked the most fiscally responsible legislator for two years in a row. That’s quite an accomplishment. Probst has been a breath of fresh air in the Legislature. As a local businessman, I support Probst. He has focused his efforts on both the economy and fiscal discipline, promised to maintain an independent position and to avoid partisan divisiveness, and to oppose all tax increases and work to improve the economy. He has kept his word on all counts.
Don Russo
Vancouver
Do we really know Tim Probst is “being fiscally responsible” when his Democratic Party has a commanding 61-37 vote margin? Masked in a “nay” vote is this comfortable margin. He really hasn’t been tested yet. Does he deserve this credit with the imbalance noted? Republicans have not noted he’s earned a “badge of courage” in siding with them nor have there been adverse Democratic Party consequences for doing so on any of his “nay” votes. Judge for yourself at http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Representatives/Documents/MemberRollCalls/2010/probst.pdf.
Art Liss
Camas
17th District representative Pos. 2
Monica Stonier is the candidate I’m supporting to represent us in the House seat I have held for the past eight years. I trust her to be the kind of independent voice that we need to continue to serve us in east Clark County. Stonier is invested in our community. As a middle school teacher and teacher mentor, Stonier has challenged the school district to do more to serve its students. She will stand up on our behalf to bring about the kind of change we need to see in Washington state.
Deb Wallace
Vancouver
The central issue facing our community this election cycle is the economy. Unemployment is at a record high. Paul Harris understands small business and he will fight for legislation that will put people back to work. We can’t afford to keep electing people whose solution to every problem is to raise our taxes. We need someone who will help control government spending and force government to live within its means. It’s time to change direction. Harris is the right choice.
Bob Dean
Camas
49th District representative Pos. 1
The Columbian’s endorsement of Rep. Jim Jacks is a gross misjudgment. The choice seems to be based on the fact that Jacks has political experience. I am more interested in a candidate’s ability to solve problems in our state and their positions on the issues. Bill Cismar is an intelligent, no-nonsense citizen who has stepped forward to fill a void in our state, which is no simple task in an era of career politicians. Cismar will give Olympia the kick in the pants it needs and let the voices of his di strict be heard rather than special interest lobbyists.
Ernest Burghardt
Vancouver
Clark County assessor
The employees of an organization are its most valuable asset. An assessor’s office is no exception. When I left the assessor’s office, I left many stellar colleagues who enriched me professionally and personally. I support Peter Van Nortwick for the assessor’s seat because he understands the key to quality is empowering and supporting staff so they can perform as professionals. He understands that respect for divergent viewpoints, effective processes and an atmosphere of gathering relevant information enables people to do their best work.
Linda Latto
Portland
U.S. House and U.S. Senate
The Columbian has grossly misrepresented the amazing work that U.S. Sen. Patty Murray has done on behalf of our city and region. The singular focus on earmarks is a red herring. Earmarks make up less than 1 percent of total federal funding. It’s false to suggest the earmarks she won for Vancouver are for anything other than value added. They include earmarks for rail, freight, public transit, transportation infrastructure, veterans’ health care, community development and education. These dollars directly relate to the creation of jobs. Murray knows our community better than anyone in D.C. Murray has stood for this community and now we should stand with her.
Royce E. Pollard
Vancouver
I will not be voting for Jamie Herrera. Time and time again Herrera has voted against the working man in Olympia. This past legislative session Herrera voted against House Bill 3024, which would have given nurses and other health care workers the right to uninterrupted rest breaks except in cases of emergencies. She has consistently voted in favor of business interests and would not represent the average Southwest Washingtonian in D.C.
Travis Elmore
Vancouver
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray has been championing Obama’s policies and voted for the bank bailout, the worthless stimulus bill and for the wildly unpopular health care bill, threatening the well-being of our economic future and liberty by creating huge deficits. It is time to get Murray out of office. I’m voting for Dino Rossi due to his belief in decreasing federal spending, repealing the burdensome Obamacare bill, and protecting Americans’ precious freedom. Vote for Rossi to help us get our country back on track.
Liz Rondeau
Camas
I support Patty Murray to represent me in the U.S. Senate. As a 24-year military veteran I’m grateful for Murray’s unwavering support for veterans and their families. Murray fought President Bush to keep the Vancouver’s veterans hospital open. A new GI Bill will enable our returning warriors to attend the college of their choice just like the returning GIs from World War II. Murray supports the military; I support Murray.
Jon Haugen
Vancouver
President Obama, assisted by Sen. Patty Murray, led efforts to nationalize banks, health care, auto industry and student loans, increasing national debt by $2.5 trillion in 19 months. Murray has spent 18 years in D.C. She represents failed policies. She is unable to change. Her answer to struggling families and businesses is to heap crushing debt on them. Dino Rossi represents a new direction. Vote for Rossi and turn this sinking ship around.
Anna Miller
Camas
When are politicians going to give the taxpayer a break? This year it’s food and beverage taxes and a proposed state income tax. Like most Washingtonians, I’ve had to tighten the belt to keep my budget balanced. Why can’t state and local politicians do the same?
I’m voting for Dino Rossi and Jamie Herrera because I believe they will be more responsible with our money. If you want tax relief and an end to reckless government spending, consider doing the same.
Mike Dorthalina
Battle Ground
