On behalf of Clark County Citizens United, Inc., Susan Rasmussen and I have attended almost all councilor hearings, since Councilor David Madore was elected.
He has always been fair, kind, and professional. He clearly cares about people and puts the best construction on all things. He's an intelligent man who demonstrates a desire to work hard and do the right thing. He is always positive about all those around him. He doesn't deserve the harassment he receives from The Columbian and others, week after week.
Why Councilor Madore, and to a degree, Councilor Mielke have been earmarked, is anyone's guess. Some claim it's because they stopped the CRC. But, when $200 million taxpayer dollars are spent and nothing is built, it's time to stop the flow of money and reconsider. They had the intestinal fortitude to do that, and one would expect any councilor to do the same.
Some blame Councilor Madore's business success and chides his purchase of a new car. Assuming the owner of The Columbian considers himself successful, no one bemoans his buying a car of his own choosing. The Columbian and friends, don't complain when other politicians make claims regarding their work and successes, or subject them to ravaging remarks.
When Republican Don Benton decided to run for a position in Environmental Services, The Columbian ran an article that discussed the Republican commissioners asking County Administrator Bill Barron to vet Mr. Benton, along with other applicants. Mr. Barron refused. Instead he made remarks regarding political favoritism and took it upon himself to hire Mr. Benton, without going through a proper vetting. It was his responsibility to hire staff according to a formal process. He was leaving his post and surely knew what the repercussions would be, regardless of the person.
Over the 20-plus years we have followed county policy, there have been dozens of county appointments, only because of their Democrat affiliations. There was no public process, whatsoever. A Democrat commissioner once said to us, "You know how the system works." If Mr. Benton should be removed, as others claim, it would seem appropriate to remove Democrats that have been put in place by the same process.
Good journalism is a reflection of unbiased reporting. Important topics are omitted in The Columbian reports, and replaced by concentrated fault finding of Councilors Madore and Mielke. They don't deserve it.
Carol Levanen, executive secretary
Clark County Citizens United, Inc.
