From the Daily News Saturday October 11th 2014. We’re employing our friends the Thumbs today to assist in delivering a few editorial endorsements: Thumbs Up: Mark Smith for Cowlitz County Commission We endorsed Mark Smith of Toutle as one of our two preferred candidates during the primary race for District 3’s seat on the Cowlitz County Commission. It remains our impression that Smith’s November opponent, political newcomer Joe Gardner, has yet to develop a fully realized campaign theme or strategy, too often falling back on the concept that he’s a “regular guy” and that the Commission could use more members like him. Smith, in contrast, has a long record of being active in local issues and his years as chairman of the Cowlitz County Planning Commission are a plus, too. As owner of the Eco Park resort on Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, he’s also had experience dealing with state and federal agencies. Smith has consistently offered more specific ideas for what he would do as a commissioner than has Gardner, a large point in Smith’s favor. While we extend our endorsement to Smith, we differ with both candidates’ recent assertion that their first responsibility will be to voters in District 3 rather than to county residents as a whole. All voters in the county can participate in the general election. Each of the three commissioners may understand the needs of his own district best, but they should all base their decisions on what’s best for everyone in the county.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 03:55:15 +0000