Over the last
year, US Digital founder and CEO David Madore has earned a
reputation as the leader, spokesperson and primary donor to the
semi-amorphous no-tolls and anti-Columbia River Crossing elements
in Clark County.
Up to now, his
efforts have primarily focused on Vancouver, but the self-made
millionaire has confirmed rumors he is planning on increasing his
political efforts in North Clark County.
"Some of the
smaller cities have elected officials that deal with issues that
are bigger than their communities," said Madore.
For Madore, the
primary issues are the light rail and I-5 tolling components of the
Columbia River Crossing project, a project he feels elected
officials have pushed through without listening to the "voice of
the people."
Madore confirmed
he will be conducting outreach and "listening to the communities"
for prospective "well qualified" candidates.
"I am definitely
scouting for people with the right head and right heart that are
here to bring jobs and value industry," he said.
Madore said he
will use the C.A.S.H. model to evaluate potential
candidates.
"C.A.S.H stands
for character, attitude, skill and habits," said Madore.
According to
Madore, it is the same method he uses to assess prospective
employees for his company, which he believes makes it an
appropriate approach to selecting public officials.
"When the public
elects people, they are hiring them for a job," he said.
Madore stated he
doesn’t "have anyone identified for future office" yet, but he will
"definitely" be looking for someone to challenge Clark County
Commissioner Marc Boldt, who is up for reelection next
year.
"I am very
disappointed in Marc Boldt, there’s no difference between Boldt and
the biggest deficit spender I know," said Madore.
According to
Madore, Boldt is neither a "true republican" nor a "fiscal
conservative."
"Boldt used to
have a good record, but he’s been in office way too long … now he
is a Republican-in-name-only," said Madore.
Madore also
confirmed he is considering the political strategy of focusing on
elected positions that sit on the C-TRAN Board of Directors or the
Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC). Madore
said his goal is to be able to give the public a vote and "voice"
on light rail and tolls. It’s a tactic Clark County Commissioner
Boldt doesn’t believe will ultimately impact the tolling
discussion.
"Even if (Madore)
replaced the entire C-TRAN and RTC Board, the Federal Government
will still call all the shots on tolling," he said.
Boldt says he is
"confused" by Madore labeling him a "deficit spender."
"To me a deficit
is having an unbalanced budget and I’ve never had an unbalanced
budget as an elected person," he said.
Boldt is also
"concerned" about the amount of time political candidates spend
discussing tolling.
"If a person is
running for a County Commissioner position and his only issue is a
state and federal issue, it begs the question what the candidate is
going to do with the other 95 percent of the issues affecting the
county," said Boldt.
Regardless if
Madore’s endgame is valid or not, North County political candidates
seem to find Madore’s efforts helpful.
"Two of the three
candidates he supported out here won," said Battle Ground council
member candidate Shane Bowman. Pending a reversal on a possible
recount, Bowman beat council member and Deputy Mayor Phil Haberthur
52 to 48 percent, a difference of 116 votes, as of Nov. 8
unofficial results.
According to
Bowman, Madore’s endorsements and financial contributions were a
significant help in his campaign.
"Madore’s
contributions helped us out by letting us get more signs and
advertisements," he said.
According to
Bowman, Madore and Madore’s wife each donated $500 to his campaign,
which raised a total of $2,300 in cash and in-kind contributions.
Public Disclosure Records were not available for Bowman’s
campaign.
When asked what
specific action he could take as a Battle Ground council member
that would have more than just a symbolic effect on tolls, Bowman
stated he could only take indirect actions.
"My job is to
influence C-TRAN and RTC Board members to put tolling and light
rail to a vote," he said. That is, unless Bowman is appointed to
either board.
"When we take
office (in January), we will appoint a new mayor who will appoint
who will sit on the C-TRAN and RTC Board," said Bowman.
If appointed,
Bowman said he will vote against light rail and tolls or for the
matter to be put to a public vote. "I am against light rail and
tolls (on the I-5 Bridge),’’ he said.
According to
Madore, he also supported candidates Paul Zandamela and Philip
Johnson for council positions with Johnson being the second Battle
Ground victory for Madore.
Bowman doesn’t
believe the no tolls and anti-CRC platform is an inappropriate
platform for Battle Ground candidates.
"Everyone thinks
(tolling and light rail) are Vancouver issues and they’re not,
they’re county issues that affect everyone," he said.4