In Our View: Cleveland, Henderson in 49th Legislative District

By measurements of qualifications, demeanor and support of policies that we believe are beneficial to Clark County, Democrat Annette Cleveland is deserving of a recommendation in her quest to remain state senator from the 49th Legislative District.

Delineating between the other three candidates, however, is not so simple, but The Columbian’s Editorial Board believes that Democrat Vaughn Henderson is the most worthy candidate to face Cleveland in the November general election. Therefore, we recommend a vote for either Cleveland or Henderson in the Aug. 2 primary.

As always, this is simply a recommendation designed to foster discussion. We trust the desire and the ability of voters to examine the candidates and the issues before making an informed decision.

In examining this race, voters will find that Cleveland has been an effective and dedicated lawmaker since being elected to the Senate in 2012. She was elected with 58 percent of the vote, and her positions typically align with the mostly left-leaning district. She emphasizes her experience as a working mother as helping her to connect with constituents, and her time as a legislative assistant before being elected as giving her a strong understanding of the legislative process.

On the issues, she says of the Legislature’s quest to adequately fund schools, “I personally don’t see a way forward without new revenue” but adds that a tax increase should be a last resort. If new revenue is required, she champions a capital-gains tax upon Washington’s highest earners. Regarding transportation, she was a strong supporter of the now-defunct Columbia River Crossing and backs efforts to revive discussions on a replacement for the Interstate 5 Bridge. She points to infrastructure improvements as an investment that will drive economic growth.

Henderson is a newcomer to politics and says he has been inspired by the grass-roots movement spurred by Bernie Sanders’ presidential candidacy. Henderson says he favors a switch from Washington’s sales tax to an income tax, saying it would be less regressive but adds, “We’ll test out the numbers, obviously.” He also favors the decriminalization of all drugs, the development of light rail in Clark County and a desire to have Washington use only renewable energy by 2030.

Justin Forsman, who is running as an independent, says he believes the McCleary Decision requiring the Legislature to fully fund K-12 education was an abuse of power by the state Supreme Court, and adds that education reforms are more pressing. He says he favors an I-5 Bridge that is capable of carrying light rail in the future and recommends exploration of a double-deck bridge across the Columbia River. In the past, he also has expressed concern about fluoride in drinking water and government manipulation of the weather, adding that “climate change is a big scam on the people,” and says he is “tired of watching government take advantage of our citizens.”

Lewis Gerhardt, the only Republican in the race, did not appear for a meeting with the Editorial Board, which makes it difficult to assess his candidacy. His campaign materials are short on details. He has a handful of endorsements, including from state Rep. Liz Pike and Vicki Kraft, a candidate for state Representative from the 17th District.

Given the credentials of Cleveland’s opponents, it is difficult to make a case that she should not be returned to Olympia. The Columbian recommends a vote for her or Henderson for state senator from the 49th District.