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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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In Our View: Golik for Prosecutor

Incumbent's strong record, questions about challenger make this easy choice

The Columbian
Published:

So many factors point to Tony Golik as the right choice to remain as Clark County prosecutor that it is difficult to know where to begin. Suffice it to say that this might be the easiest decision for voters this election season.

Golik’s record during his first term as prosecutor and the record of his opponent, Republican Josie Townsend, create a delineation that warrants Golik’s return to the office. But don’t just take our word for it; consider the endorsement from Brent Boger. Now, endorsements sometimes don’t carry a lot of weight, but Boger is an assistant city attorney in Vancouver and is a member of the Washougal City Council. That lends some gravitas, but here’s the kicker: Boger also is a Republican who was the Democratic Golik’s opponent four years ago.

As noted, there are many good reasons to vote for Golik. We mention the Boger endorsement — among many prominent ones received by Golik — because of its unique nature and because it reflects The Columbian’s belief that Golik is the only reasonable choice in the race for county prosecutor.

As always, this is merely a recommendation. We trust in the electoral process and in the ability of voters to assess the candidates and to make up their own minds. In so doing, voters will find some troubling information about Townsend’s qualifications for the position. As reported in a recent Columbian article: In 2005, she resigned in lieu of termination after three years as Vancouver’s city prosecutor; she was disciplined by the Washington State Bar Association in January 2006 for misconduct during her time with the city; she failed to disclose the discipline when appointed to the state Commission on Judicial Conduct in March 2006; and she stepped down from the commission in July 2007 when the previous discipline came to light.

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In addition, Townsend consistently has received low marks in polls conducted by the Clark County Bar Association. In 2012, of the roughly 200 association members who responded, 49.5 percent rated her as “not qualified” in terms of judicial temperament, and 49 percent rated her as “not qualified” in terms of integrity. Throughout this campaign, Townsend has churlishly criticized Golik for alleged mismanagement and for a culture of low morale in the prosecutor’s office, yet it is difficult to surmise that she has the temperament or management skills to make a positive difference in the position.

While Townsend’s qualifications are questionable, it would be a mistake to consider marking the ballot as a vote against her. Golik is worthy of support.

After arriving at the prosecutor’s office in 2000, Golik served as major crimes prosecutor beginning in 2003 and was elected to the top spot in November 2010. “I’m proud of my extensive felony criminal prosecution record,” he said. “I personally have a perfect conviction record in homicide trials, and each of those convictions has been affirmed on appeal.” Upon being elected prosecutor, Golik founded the Elder Justice Center, which “brings experienced law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocates and Adult Protective Service together.” He also serves as board chairman for the Children’s Justice Center.

Golik refutes Townsend’s claims of poor morale among his staff by pointing to that staff’s record. In the previous two months, he said in early July, his office has prosecuted five felony child sexual abuse cases, three attempted murder trials, a rape trial, and a vehicular assault, obtaining convictions each time. Given that record, it’s no surprise Golik earns endorsements from his peers. And given that record, he is the clear choice in the race for Clark County prosecutor.


This story was update Oct. 2 to clarify Golik’s comments.

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