Our readers’ views
Clark County assessor
As a retired employee of the Clark County Assessor’s Office, I believe that Janet Seekins is the right person for assessor. She has shown great leadership qualities and good work ethics. Seekins has taken tough jobs and finished them correctly, legally and promptly.
Butch Brenaman
Silverlake
After meeting with Peter Van Nortwick, it is clear he has a good handle on the position of Clark County assessor and its responsibilities. As a local fire chief, I am very aware of the importance of establishing property values fairly and accurately. Van Nortwick has the skills and the credentials to the job and do it well. He is articulate, a good communicator and, more importantly, knows how critical it is that property assessments reflect true values.
Dennis Mason
Ridgefield
Clark County sheriff
Although I like and respect Tim Shotwell as a co-worker, he couldn’t be more wrong in his assertion that Sheriff Garry Lucas is out of touch with the community. I’ve attended scores of community events over the last four years and Lucas has been there as well. He attends community meetings, public safety open houses, senior events and neighborhood picnics. He does this all year long, every year, and not just at election time. Lucas is the right choice for sheriff.
Mike Cooke
Vancouver
Clark County prosecuting attorney
I’ve served as a deputy prosecutor and judge for 50 years in Clark County. I’m familiar with prosecutors and attorneys all over this state and what it takes to lead as a prosecutor. I’m also personally familiar with Tony Golik’s superior courtroom abilities, integrity with the judiciary and protection of victims. He possesses the skills necessary to be our prosecutor. He has the support of law enforcement. His opponent, Brent Boger, has not demonstrated skills in the courts of Clark County necessary to lead in that position. I wholly support Golik for prosecutor.
Robert L. Harris
Vancouver
17th Legislative District rep Pos. 2
I received a political mailer from the Monica Stonier campaign. Regardless of how good a candidate she is, the piece was titled, “Who do you trust?” Now it might seem like a petty grammatical mistake –“who” for “whom” — but Stonier is an educational instructor. She’s a teacher’s union representative who instructs teachers how to teach. If she can’t get grammar right, no wonder we lost Race to the Top funding from the U.S. Department of Education. When it comes to our children’s education, I don’t trust the teachers’ unions to care for my kids. I trust testing and I trust parents. Whom do you trust?
Charlotte Clark
Vancouver
Each election season the political process includes mailboxes filled with mailers, and as distracting as this can be, occasionally one may get my attention. I received a mailer from candidate Paul Harris that states, “He Knows the Rules.” He sent out this mailer after being caught with an out-of-state license on his vehicle for two years. Which rules does he “know”? He seems to pick and choose. This ambivalence to following the rules is not the kind representation the 17th District needs.
Lorretta Thomas
Vancouver
Washington State Supreme Court
When endorsing Richard Sanders, The Columbian failed to include important information. Complaints have been filed with the Judicial Conduct Commission against Sanders. The Municipal League of King County rated Sanders “good” and his opponent Charlie Wiggins “outstanding.” The King County Bar Association rated Sanders “well-qualified” and Wiggins “exceptionally well-qualified.” For a list of those endorsing Wiggins, including over 80 judges, 30 county prosecutors and several newspapers, check out http://charliewigginsforjustice.com.
Bobbi Olson
Vancouver
U.S. House of Representatives
I have been voting in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District since 1948 and am retired as state senator from the 19th District. Denny Heck is the most-qualified candidate for U.S. representative. At the age of 24, Heck was elected to the state House of Representatives. He quickly advanced to majority leader. He served as Gov. Booth Gardner’s chief of staff and later headed the successful TVW public affairs network. Since retiring from public service, Heck has been involved in several successful business ventures. We get the complete package when we elect Heck to Congress.
Sid Snyder
Long Beach
Herrera has my vote
After looking at a list of Jaime Herrera’s supporters, I realize I know and trust a lot of the people and groups who have endorsed her — people like former Congresswoman Linda Smith, former Sen. Slade Gorton, Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt, among others. I like how she’s been endorsed by many great organizations supporting getting people back to work, like the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Washington Farm Bureau, the Washington Association of Realtors, and the Washington Credit Union League. With supporters like that, I know Herrera has my vote.
Ron Gough
Vancouver
49th Legislative District rep Pos. 1
I’m in favor of the election of Bill Cismar as state representative for the 49th District. He intends to curb runaway spending and eliminate waste in Olympia. His opponent, incumbent Jim Jacks, who was endorsed by The Columbian, voted to overturn the two-thirds requirement imposed by the people when raising taxes or levying new ones. Cismar deserves the support of all voters.
Thomas R. Higdon
Vancouver
We need Rossi, not Murray
Sadly, Sen. Patty Murray has been, from the beginning, just a rubber stamp for the big-time grafters back in D.C. No immoral or ethically outrageous plan from Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, Ted Kennedy, etc. gave her pause. It was just robotic obedience. Time for her to leave the gravy train and give our state a real advocate with Dino Rossi.
Jeanine Liston
Ridgefield
Rossi doesn’t get it
I’m shocked to learn that Dino Rossi supports abstinence-only education. How does Rossi expect to prevent the need for abortion if he doesn’t support young people getting all the facts needed to prevent unplanned pregnancy? Kids need sex education that includes abstinence and contraception if they choose to become sexually active. I support Sen. Patty Murray because she understands real-life issues and the need for comprehensive medically accurate sex education.
