U.S. Senate
Sen. Patty Murray invents positions for Dino Rossi. Bruce Ramsey of the Seattle Times editorialized, “In a new ad Sen. Patty Murray has charged Dino Rossi with not caring about Boeing jobs, which is ridiculous … The senator’s ad is dishonest.” Murray’s ads make Rossi sound like the most powerful man with full control of many subjects. Not true. He was a state senator before he ran for governor in 2004, then he returned to real estate investing. He ran again in 2008 and again returned to real estate. He didn’t have authority over anything except his own company. So when you see those grossly malicious TV ads, don’t believe them.
Ron Rasmussen Sr.
Vancouver
We’ve all heard the old adage, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water,” and yet that is what many propose we do in the upcoming election. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray has done a lot for this state and yet many insist all incumbents must go. I hope voters will look at her record, and not political ads, before deciding how to vote. Murray is not one of those politicians who have disgraced their state through scandal or broken laws. She is the same down-to-earth person she was when we first elected her, and deserves our continued support.
Terry Hashemi
Battle Ground
U.S. House of Representatives
We have an opportunity to elect one of the most experienced, qualified and compassionate individuals to replace U.S. Rep. Brian Baird. I’ve known Denny Heck from the strawberry fields in Clark County, as my student at Columbia River High School, as a colleague in the state House of Representatives where he represented the 17th District, as Gov. Booth Gardner’s chief of staff, and as the founder and CEO of TVW. He excelled in all capacities. It would be a travesty if the citizens of the 3rd Congressional District didn’t take this opportunity to capitalize on his talents by sending Clark County’s native son, Denny Heck, to Congress.
Al Bauer
Battle Ground
As our 18th Legislative District state representative Jaime Herrera represented us well and would easily have won re-election if not running for Congress. She has been trustworthy with our money while battling an overspending majority in Olympia. She has always been accessible to her constituents. Electing Herrera will give Southwest Washington a qualified congresswoman who understands our economic needs for local job growth as well as spending restraint at the federal level. She will be a voice in Congress who knows we cannot spend ourselves into prosperity.
Chris Forzano
La Center
Clark County commissioner
Having known Steve Stuart since my days in Little League, I can attest to his work ethic. During that time, he was coaching, completing his master’s degree, and leading a local nonprofit. Today, he is just as driven to give back as Clark County commissioner. As commissioner for the past six years, Stuart has visibly worked to move our beautiful community and its people forward by streamlining zoning and development codes, strengthening local partnerships, and increasing transportation efficiency. Considering his past and present efforts, Steve Stuart is the right candidate for the future of Clark County and its residents.
Nick Ferderer
Vancouver
Clark County prosecuting attorney
I’m a long, long way from being any kind of Democrat, but I’m going to vote for one Democrat this time — Tony Golik for chief Clark County prosecutor. I served as a military felony prosecutor and supervisor of prosecutors for more than 20 years, so I called Golik when I had some questions after a controversial local trial. I found him to be responsive, generous with his time, and extremely competent and knowledgeable. He answered every question I had, and more. At the conclusion, I found myself wishing we had served together during my career in the judiciary.
Michael B. Lumbard
Washougal
A prosecutor’s civil division has important functions so is it fair to weigh Tony Golik’s background as a “criminal prosecutor” more heavily than Brent Boger’s experience as a “civil attorney”? The prosecutor’s civil division advises the commissioners and all departments on legal matters and they protect and maintain individual rights. The civil division reach’s is into every aspect of Clark County operations. Clark County is at risk to pay out of pocket $4.5 million in claims this year (The Columbian March 25 story “Lawsuits stack up against county”). Before deciding between prosecutor candidates, ask which has the better background to protect and maintain my individual rights?
Robert Dean
Vancouver
18th Legislative District state rep
I recently met Dennis Kampe and was excited to learn that he is director of the Clark County Skills Center. I know two young men who have careers thanks to the Skills Center. One now has several computer technology degrees and the other learned carpentry skills. The Skills Center was there for them when they did not know what direction their life might take. It’s vital for our community to have opportunities for all of our youth and Kampe knows this and does something about it every day. Kampe has the expertise the 18th District needs to continue to educate our work force and work with business leaders to build a brighter future.
Kathy Kirby
Woodland
When researching candidates Ann Rivers and Dennis Kampe, I noticed a stark difference on their websites’ issue pages. While Kampe made obvious his passion for education reform with a 13-paragraph essay, he was vague on most other issues. With terms like “cumbersome regulations” and “reasonable tax system,” he appears to leave his positions quite subjective. Rivers left no question which side of the debate she was on regarding a “transparent budget” and “lower taxes.” Have we learned from watching the spectacle in D.C. of politicians who talk out of both sides of their mouths? I know I have.
Rich Clark
Yacolt
17th Legislative District state rep
Monica Stonier is the one candidate who is qualified to enlighten our elected officials in Olympia on the status of our educational system. I have worked alongside Stonier for five years. During this time I have found her dedication to our community’s children to be the one driving force behind her tireless commitment to one thing: student learning. Her passion and commitment to that task have taken her to a point where she can, and should, share her experience and knowledge with those in the Legislature who can, through government policy, make the necessary productive changes that will positively support our educational system in Washington.
John M. Coyne
Camas
