Stuart for commissioner; Lasher for treasurer

Steve Stuart is reaching his full stride as a bright, visionary and caring county commissioner. He extensively researches critical issues, listens to both the experts and the public and crafts innovative solutions. In just six years Stuart has emerged as one of the most effective leaders this county has seen in many years.

Stuart’s rock-solid record of accomplishment began in December 2004 when he was appointed to fill the post vacated by Craig Pridemore, who was headed to the state Senate. In a 2005 election to complete Pridemore’s term, Stuart defeated local Republican lion Tom Mielke (who later was elected county commissioner). In 2006, Stuart, still a relative upstart in local politics, defeated former Vancouver Mayor Bruce Hagensen for a full four-year term. And in these past four years the novice has advanced to expert level.

Stuart’s few detractors try to shackle him with partisan political criticism, but the truth is, he’s not easily branded with any partisan label. Stuart has a broad background in environmental protectionism, and has presided over the kind of budgetary austerity that is the envy of city and state politicians. Clark County cut its spending 22 percent in recent years, freezing many salaries, reducing travel and enacting other measures to save taxpayers $4 million.

These attributes explain why Stuart — even in an era of rabid anti-incumbent sentiments — outpaced his challenger by almost 15 percentage points in the Aug. 17 primary. The Columbian strongly endorses Stuart for county commissioner in the Nov. 2 election. Ballots will be mailed on Oct. 13.

In contrast to the gregarious and personable Stuart’s proven work on myriad county issues, his reclusive opponent is transfixed on a narrow no-tolls platform. Republican Alan Svehaug has been a phantom on the campaign trail. According to the Public Disclosure Commission, Svehaug’s $972 filing fee was paid by businessman David Madore, operator of http://www.notolls.com. Svehaug, who refused to answer repeated inquiries from The Columbian, promises on his website to “provide strong local leadership,” yet his résumé shows no record of elected or appointed service on major public boards or agencies. He cites no endorsements.

Stuart, though, lists endorsements of two dozen city, county, state and federal elected officials of both major political parties. He serves on boards of health, urban policy, transit, water, bridge design, public works and other agencies. More important, though, are his solid contributions in growth, economic, transportation-infrastructure and job-creation programs.

By far, Stuart is the superior candidate for county commissioner. His record warrants his return to arguably the most powerful political position in the county.

County treasurer

Doug Lasher might be new to elections, but he’s not new to the county treasurer’s job. For a quarter of a century, he has served without electoral opposition. It’s easy to see why Lasher, a Democrat, has been entrusted with supervising two dozen employees, a $4.2 million budget and a $440 million investment portfolio. His performance has included effective and continuing upgrades of computer systems and firm guidance of the county’s financial information and monthly reports.

Now, in seeking his eighth term, Lasher meets his first foe. Republican Mike Appel is a purchasing agent for an exterior finishes distributor. Appel declined to meet with The Columbian’s editorial board. A May 24 Columbian story noted that Appel in his current job does not supervise any employees, and his investment experience is limited to managing household funds.

The Columbian recommends voters return Doug Lasher to the county treasurer’s post.