In her bid for re-election, state Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, is facing a challenge from two political newcomers, one who falls further to the left on the political spectrum and one who is running to her right.
For the past four years, Cleveland told The Columbian’s editorial board on Tuesday, she’s championed policies to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure and increase affordable housing options.
“It’s more important than ever, in my opinion, that we elect people who have an understanding of the legislative process,” Cleveland said, pointing to her abilities to compromise, problem-solve and find consensus on issues.
Vaughn Henderson, a Democrat who has been politically active most of his life and who worked on the Bernie Sanders campaign, said he’s an environmental advocate who wants to fight for the people in Olympia and move to a 100 percent renewable energy economy. He described himself as more politically left when it comes to Cleveland on social issues, and cited his desire to decriminalize the use of drugs.
Henderson also mentioned that he’s lost friends to the heroin epidemic and is part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Justin Forsman, who previously ran for a seat on the Vancouver City Council, said he believes the government has been manipulating the weather since the 1930s and has previously mentioned his concerns about chemtrails.
“I’m something new. I’m uncontrolled and possibly uncontrollable,” said Forsman, who is running as an independent. “I’m a wild card, much like Donald Trump.”
When the candidates were asked about their political mentors, Forsman said Clark County Councilor “David Madore is a pretty honorable dude,” adding, “I like him. … He’s pretty cool.”
Cleveland said she has a close relationship with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and often relies on her guidance and insight.
Henderson said he has fond memories of interacting with former Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard when he was a child.
When it comes to solving the chronic underfunding of the state’s public school system — arguably the most pressing issue facing lawmakers in the 2017 legislative session — both of the Democratic candidates were in favor of the idea of generating new revenue and raising taxes.
Forsman said he would never raise taxes, if elected, and questioned the state Supreme Court’s power to call on the state Legislature to fund public schools. The state’s top court is holding the Legislature in contempt for not fully funding education.
Lewis Gerhardt, a Republican also running for the seat, did not attend the editorial board meeting.
