Ridgefield city council member Darren Wertz is running for Clark County commissioner from District 1, the North County area.
Wertz said he is motivated to run for office because of his “desire to help people and have the best government we can.”
“I’d like to be more comfortable that people (office holders) are held to a higher standard than the law or their own personal goals,” said Wertz. “The incumbent is a good guy, but I’d like to see more direction for the county out of him.”
Wertz, 65, said he plans to offer voters his approach to government and life, stressing his education and experience, and that he has been actively engaged in the community for several years.
“I’m for the people of Clark County and their welfare,” said Wertz. “The interests of the people should be on the minds of those entrusted with authority. People must have a future. Much depends on educational opportunities and job opportunities for the employable.”
On other issues, Wertz said:
• Wertz said he has no hard and fast position on the controversial Columbia River Crossing project. “I’m not ready to take a position on the bridge.” Wertz said that more than one in three Clark County workers crosses the Columbia River to get to work. “We need to secure the best access we can. The bridge represents not only local mobility and function but also serves as a multi-state and federal transportation asset.” The costs and benefits of replacing the bridge should be studied, he said.
• Modified regulation should be developed to deal with agricultural issues. “There is long-term benefit to keeping (ag) land in production. We need a decent business environment. Regulations should be responsive to changes in industries.” The county should not raise the threshold for agriculture through added regulations, he said, but rather adopt just enough regulations to ensure public safety.
• The county should not revert rural lands to the lot sizes of the early 1990’s. “It would be bad policy to go back. Rural is rural and urban is urban.” He said county officials might reconsider the rural elements of the comprehensive plan only to increase their tax base.
• Wertz said he would not take a position on the new high-voltage power lines being proposed by the Bonneville Power Administration.
• “I don’t have all the facts,” said Wertz, regarding the county’s lawsuit to halt the Cowlitz tribal casino. But, he said, “I’m a pro property rights person. I think a person should be able to do what they want on their property unless it affects others.”
• Wertz, who serves on the Columbia River Economic Development Council, noted the need for in-county jobs. He said the county should increase the availability of “shovel ready ground” with water, sewer, power and streets where businesses can locate or grow.
Biography
Wertz was born in Denver, Colorado, moved with his family throughout the southwest, and graduated from high school in San Diego, CA. He earned a degree in economics from the University of California at San Diego, and served in the U.S. Army 1968-72, with a tour in Vietnam. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Oregon. He owned his own real estate company, then worked for Clark Public Utilities. He also worked as a project economist with E.D. Hovee & Company.
At present, Wertz is clerk to the board/manager of the Clark County Board of Equalization. He is in his second term as a member of the Ridgefield city council.
Wertz has two daughters, one son and two grandchildren. He was remarried May 24, 2012, on his birthday, to Juanita Finch.
Wertz may be reached at (360) 910-6270.
