Editorials, Opinion This past week, the first signs popped up indicating that election season isn’t too far away.
Port of Camas-Washougal Commissioner Bill Macrae-Smith, wanting to get an early start, announced that he will be running for re-election. Although many of us are still making the transition to a new year and getting used to the handful of new elected officials who just took office in January, the truth is, the filing period is right around the corner. Filing week begins May 14, and the Primary Election is on Aug. 6. Now is the time for those who may have casually thought about running for local public office to seriously consider doing so, and there will be many seats to choose from this year.
According to the Clark County Elections Office, offices up for election this year include Port of C-W, District 1, currently held by Mark Lampton and District 3: Macrae-Smith; Camas City Council, Ward 1: Melissa Smith, Ward 2: Steve Hogan, Ward 3: Shannon Turk; Washougal City Council, Position 1: Brent Boger, Position 3: Paul Greenlee, Position 6: Dave Shoemaker; Camas School District, District 1: Casey O’Dell, District 2: Julie Rotz; Washougal School District, District 3: Blaine Peterson, District 5: Ron Dinius; and East County Fire and Rescue, Position 2: Victor Rasmussen.
As a voter, the best elections are those that offer a number of legitimate options on the ballot. Where new candidates come forward with fresh ideas and opinions, giving incumbents a run for their money and the opportunity to prove why they should remain in office.
It’s gearing up to be a busy election year, and if enough community-minded volunteers step forward to try their hands at running for political office, it could be an exciting one as well.
