The Clark County Council’s representative for the most rural parts of the county is getting adjusted to the position only weeks after this year’s election results were certified.
“It’s a whirlwind,” councilor Sue Marshall said about the time since she was sworn in on Nov. 30. The co-owner of Baur’s Corner Farm outside of Ridgefield was elected to the Clark County Council District 5 seat that month, winning out over former Washington State Sen. Don Benton.
On Nov. 29, the county results were certified, solidifying Marshall’s win of about 51.2% of the vote. Marshall received a call from Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey the following morning letting her know she would be sworn in that afternoon.
The news came as a surprise to Marshall, who expected to have a few weeks before she would take the position on.
“I was just so focused on just getting through election day that I hadn’t really thought about that I would be filling the remainder of the term,” Marshall said.
Even with the short notice, she jumped at the opportunity to begin her term.
“I worked hard to get elected and it was important for me to represent the district,” Marshall said.
That Friday she was briefed on the budget from Clark County Manager Kathleen Otto and budget staff, Marshall said. She was one of three councilors to vote the following Tuesday to approve the roughly $754 million of expenses in 2023.
“I got this armload of materials that I studied over the weekend,” Marshall said.
Marshall replaced Richard Rylander, who was appointed to the District 5 seat earlier this year. Rylander ran in the election but lost in the primary. Due to state law, whenever election results are certified, the winner in November immediately takes the position if the person ousted was appointed.
Marshall also faced a partial recount of 12 of the 96 precincts in the district, which was initiated by Benton. The recount was completed on Dec. 9 and Marshall said she picked up two votes during the process.
The county council’s last meeting of the year focused on the budget. The council will reconvene for its first meeting of 2023 on Jan. 3.
Marshall said in the meantime she has worked to get acquainted with all of the procedures and resources a councilor has.
“This will be a good time for me to get familiar with everything in my office and the systems,” Marshall said.
Clark County Council’s District 5 represents the north of the county. It includes Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield and Yacolt. As one of her council duties, Marshall said she hopes to participate in county boards and committees that represent her area specifically.
“Things that will impact the rural community will be things that will be a priority for me,” Marshall said.
Although she’s only been on the job for a few weeks, Marshall said she’s been “warmly received” by the constituents she’s encountered since she was sworn in.
“I think it’s one of the reasons I ran and got elected, is that I’m authentically a part of the rural community,” Marshall said.
Marshall will be joined on the council by Glen Yung, who will represent District 1, and Michelle Belkot, who will represent District 2. Yung and Belkot will be sworn in when the council reconvenes at its next meeting.
