Thanks to reporter Katie Gillespie and The Columbian for the compelling information regarding the unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer money caused by one county councilor, David Madore. Over $100,000 and that is probably just the beginning if you take into account the probability of future settlements and the potential drain on the county’s self-insurance fund.
But there’s a little silver in this ugly cloud over Clark County. The council’s simple majority took fact-based, well-reasoned action to overturn the shortsighted 2 percent property tax cut that was pushed by Madore and Tom Mielke. That was followed by the strong management decision to reorganize the functions of the Department of Environmental Services and eliminate the obligation to write paychecks and make benefit and pension contributions to Don Benton and Chris Clifford. Combined, that should provide budget relief to soften the initial impact.
Ballots are coming soon, and voters have an opportunity to add collaborative balance and some sunshine to the Clark County council by electing Roman Battan in District 4 and Tanisha Harris in District 3.
