Our Views: Consider running for public office

Posted

A presidential election year always seems to provoke more people to fill out their ballots. 

For instance, in 2012, about 60 percent of those eligible to vote in the United States made their voices heard. By comparison, the 2014 midterm elections saw a paltry 39 percent of voters submitting ballots. 

So, come November, it’s likely we’ll see an increased number of people hoping to vote for their favorite presidential candidate, be it a Republican or Democrat. 

That means there will be more people voting in local elections as well, and that’s a good thing. 

In the past few weeks, several candidates have come forward with plans to either retain their positions or challenge an incumbent. 

The races for Clark County Council has five people so far registered with the state Public Disclosure Commission for the upcoming Primary Election, where two candidates will move forward in both the Position 3 and Position 4 contests.

For Position 3, Republican John Blom of Vancouver and incumbent Republican David Madore of Vancouver, are running (Republican Greg Noelck of Vancouver in late March withdrew his intent to run, although he is still registered with the Public Disclosure Commission).

For Position 4, Democrat Roman Battan of Camas, Republican Jennifer McDaniel of Washougal and Republican Eileen Quiring of Vancouver all want to be your representative in county government.

For the 18th Legislative District, incumbent Rep. Brandon Vick, R-Battle Ground, is running unopposed for Position 1. Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, also does not have an opponent.



The 18th District Position 2, however, is a contest between incumbent Liz Pike, R-Camas, and Republican Shane Bowman of Battle Ground.

The County Council political races should be plenty interesting and more to the point, important as the direction of our county is at stake.

For the 18th District, we would hope more candidates would come forward to make the House Position 2 and the Senate seat competitive. That’s no knock against the unopposed incumbents, we just believe that Democracy is better served when voters have a decision.

Contested races provide voters with options while further stoking the flames of citizen involvement. 

Choice, as they say, is necessary in a democracy. The more choices heading into the top two primary, the better. 

If you believe you can contribute to your government through your ideas and experiences, consider joining the pool of candidates. 

Mail-in declarations will be accepted from May 2 to May 20. The in-person filing week begins at 8 a.m. May 16 and ends at 4:30 p.m May 20 in the Clark County Auditor’s Office in the Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver. 

Visit the Clark County Auditor’s Office’s online Election Center at www.clark.wa.gov for more information.