So many factors point to Tony Golik as the right choice to remain as Clark County prosecutor that it is difficult to know where to begin. Suffice it to say that this might be the easiest decision for voters this election season.
Golik’s record during his first term as prosecutor and the record of his opponent, Republican Josie Townsend, create a delineation that warrants Golik’s return to the office. But don’t just take our word for it; consider the endorsement from Brent Boger. Now, endorsements sometimes don’t carry a lot of weight, but Boger is an assistant city attorney in Vancouver and is a member of the Washougal City Council. That lends some gravitas, but here’s the kicker: Boger also is a Republican who was the Democratic Golik’s opponent four years ago.
As noted, there are many good reasons to vote for Golik. We mention the Boger endorsement — among many prominent ones received by Golik — because of its unique nature and because it reflects The Columbian’s belief that Golik is the only reasonable choice in the race for county prosecutor.
As always, this is merely a recommendation. We trust in the electoral process and in the ability of voters to assess the candidates and to make up their own minds. In so doing, voters will find some troubling information about Townsend’s qualifications for the position. As reported in a recent Columbian article: In 2005, she resigned in lieu of termination after three years as Vancouver’s city prosecutor; she was disciplined by the Washington State Bar Association in January 2006 for misconduct during her time with the city; she failed to disclose the discipline when appointed to the state Commission on Judicial Conduct in March 2006; and she stepped down from the commission in July 2007 when the previous discipline came to light.
