With months still to go before candidates for the Clark County council file for election, the race for Republican Councilor Tom Mielke’s seat is already heating up.
Democrat Roman Battan, a Camas resident, and Republican Jennifer McDaniel, a Washougal City Councilor, both announced their candidacy this week for the Clark County council District 4 seat Mielke holds.
Battan, 35, is the president of Vancouver-based Northern Media, a video production company.
Battan previously ran for the Clark County commission in 2012 against then-Republican Commissioner Marc Boldt, Republican David Madore and independent Pat Campbell, but lost in the primary.
“I’m running because I believe that county government needs more transparency and accountability in its workings,” Battan said in a press release.
McDaniel, 49, was first elected to the Washougal City Council in 2007, and won her seat for a third time last fall, according to a news release.
McDaniel, who says she is a “moderate conservative,” said her accomplishments include efforts to keep taxes low, advocating for improved citizen communication and helping fund Washougal’s no-kill animal shelter, the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society.
“As a strong advocate for East County, I will work hard to unite the county on issues important to Clark County residents,” McDaniel said. “I have many years of experience working with diverse groups of politicians, and at finding common ground. I will bring that skill set to our county council.”
District 4 covers most of rural northeast Clark County, as well as the cities of Camas, Washougal and Battle Ground. Geographically, it is the largest of the four council districts, covering nearly half of Clark County.
It is also the most conservative of Clark County’s four districts, with more of its voters supporting Republican candidates than in any other district.
Mielke could not be reached for comment Tuesday, and he has not announced whether he plans to run to try and keep his seat, nor is there record of a campaign filing with the Public Disclosure Commission, the state agency that tracks campaign financing.
