In Our View: Vote Wylie In 49th District

In an age when much of the public is dissatisfied with politics and politicians, the idea that a lawmaker has “experience” can be a double-edged sword. But in the race for state representative from the 49th District, Position 1, it cuts only one way.

Incumbent Sharon Wylie, D-Vancouver, is the clear choice in her contest against Republican Anson Service, and The Columbian recommends a vote for her in the November general election. As always, this is merely a recommendation. The Columbian has faith in the ability and the diligence of the public to examine the issues and the candidates before making an informed decision.

In this race, such an examination will reveal that Wylie, who is seeking a second full term in the Washington Legislature, had experience as a lobbyist, as a government relations officer for Clark County, and as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives before her journey landed her in Olympia.

For some voters, that could earn Wylie the pejorative monicker of a “career politician,” but in this case it clearly is a positive. Wylie’s experience has led to a deep understanding of the issues and, more important, the solutions that can move Washington forward. And it stands in sharp contrast to the inexperience and naivete of her opponent.

For example, during a meeting prior to the primary election with The Columbian’s Editorial Board, Wylie had some serious suggestions for how the state can move toward meeting a court-ordered mandate to pay for K-12 education, such as a sales tax on products sold online and revenue from legalized marijuana sales. Service, meanwhile, came equipped with paper-thin suggestions such as selling advertising space on state websites.

Wylie’s understanding of the issues manifests itself in other ways, as well. Last year, she voted against an $8.7 billion tax break for Boeing, saying the plan was devised too hastily; she supports an increase to the minimum wage; she has been a strong advocate for protection of seniors; and she opposes an oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver, although it should be noted that the Legislature will have no say on that issue.

Wylie also supported a compromise that would eliminate a sales-tax exemption for Oregon shoppers in Clark County but would allow them to recoup their tax expenses after the fact. Critics of that plan say that charging sales tax to Oregon customers would drive away business, and Service says that issue, more than any other, is what led him to enter the race. He strongly supports a sales-tax exemption for Oregon shoppers who travel north, and he works to promote keeping Clark County shoppers in local stores. That is a worthy endeavor, and Service is to be credited for his passionate advocacy of a strong Southwest Washington economy.

Service also asserts that, “We have a spending problem due to poor decision-making, which our representatives have direct influence over.” Many voters likely agree with that sentiment, but Service does not demonstrate enough experience or understanding of how the Legislature works to suggest that he can provide solutions. “The other thing I’ve got going for me is I’m new to this,” Service told the Editorial Board, citing his “energy” and “verve.”

That, too, can be a double-edged sword. We believe that Wylie’s experience and her attention to detail make her worthy of re-election by the people of the 49th District.