On what promises to be a transitional period for the Clark County council, Republican Jennifer McDaniel and Democrat Roman Battan are the strongest candidates to represent District 4 and help guide the county into the future.
Because of that, The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for McDaniel or Battan in the primary race for the newly construed district. As always, this is merely a recommendation, as The Columbian trusts the ability of voters to examine the candidates and the issues before the Aug. 2 primary. McDaniel and Battan are in a race that includes Republican Eileen Quiring and will send the top two vote-getters to the November general election.
Since the districts were rejiggered with passage of a county charter in 2014, District 4 has been represented by Tom Mielke, who is retiring rather than seek re-election. That presents an opportunity for voters to inject some new life into the council — and hopefully secure more thoughtful representation.
McDaniel’s history as a member of the Washougal City Council and her experience with numerous boards and organizations suggests that she is particularly well-suited to do this. Her collaborative nature is reflected in a large and diverse list of endorsements from governmental and civic leaders throughout Clark County, with that support reflecting a broad spectrum of political beliefs at the state, county, and city levels.
On the issues, McDaniel believes the county’s recently adopted growth management plan is a worthy compromise; that a fee waiver adopted by the county council is in need of examination and should have some metrics to measure its success; that a third bridge across the Columbia River would be preferable to a new Interstate 5 Bridge; and that light rail would be wrong for Clark County.
Battan is a small-business owner who demonstrates an insightful and articulate approach that has been missing from District 4’s representation. “I would like to see a more human element,” he says of county government. “This whole charter was put into place so we can be close to the community.” He supports replacement of the I-5 Bridge and improvements to the corridor surrounding it, and he believes the county’s fee waiver requires a close look. Meanwhile, he communicates these ideas in a clear, direct manner.
Quiring has much experience, including time in the Oregon Legislature, and she is a current member of the Clark County Planning Commission. On that commission, she voted in favor of Alternative 4 to the Growth Management Act, a plan that was developed by county Councilor David Madore. She says she would align politically with where Mielke has stood, and she has been endorsed in this race by Madore.
In many ways, McDaniel and Battan articulate a broader vision for Clark County, recognizing the fact that the region must prepare for the future rather than embrace the past or cling to the present. As McDaniel writes in her campaign materials, “I will bring a fresh perspective that defends the interests of our district, while also working with the other councilors to find solutions that serve the entire county.”
Many candidates in this election cycle have lamented the vitriol that has marked the current county council, expressing a desire to work collaboratively for the good of all citizens. McDaniel and Battan demonstrate the insight and the demeanor to bring that collaboration to fruition for the benefit of Clark County’s District 4.
