One of the immutable rules of American politics is that it is difficult to unseat an incumbent. But in pondering the race for state representative from the 18th District, Position 2, it is difficult to escape the feeling that citizens would be better served by Shane Bowman or Kathy Gillespie.
Bowman, a Republican, and Gillespie, who is running as an independent Democrat, are in a race with incumbent Republican Liz Pike and Democrat Ilana Brown, a newcomer to politics. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Bowman or Gillespie in the Aug. 2 primary to determine the two candidates who will advance to the November general election.
As always, this is merely a recommendation designed to foster discussion. The Columbian trusts that voters will examine the candidates and the issues before making an informed decision. In comparing those candidates, it is difficult to draw the conclusion that Pike is effectively serving her constituents. She is adept at repeating well-practiced talking points but often fails to embrace the nuance that is necessary for strong governance.
This shortcoming was demonstrated in a transportation package passed by the Legislature in 2015, one designed to raise $16 billion through a hike to the state gas tax. Pike opposed the bill, which was a reasonable position, but Bowman rightly points out how that contributed to Southwest Washington receiving scant funding for projects. “When you’re a minority, a Republican in the House controlled by Democrats, you have to work with people, listen to their ideas,” Bowman said. “You have to sit down and have dialogue and not close it off, and not worry about the next election.”
Pike also has, admirably, attempted to garner support for a bistate commission to discuss the Interstate 5 Bridge, but her lack of progress reflects the fact that she has metaphorically burned bridges with other legislators in the past. In addition, her willingness to go along with an ill-conceived plan by right-wing Republicans to make her a write-in candidate for Clark County chair — while not campaigning for the position — reflects her divisive political style.
Still, a call for an incumbent to be replaced demands the presence of other strong candidates, and Bowman and Gillespie meet the criteria.
Bowman is a Battle Ground city councilor and former mayor who articulates a clear position on the issues and explains those positions using detail rather than rhetoric and belligerence. “When it comes to governing,” he says, “the fighting doesn’t get us anywhere.”
Gillespie is two-term member of the board for Vancouver Public Schools and says, “We have lost the idea that this region can fix problems.” A notable sentiment, but during a meeting with the Editorial Board she failed to articulate a clear vision for how the region should address the Interstate 5 Bridge. She stresses the need for education funding and notes that her background on the school board will be beneficial in this regard. Specifically, she recommends examining corporate tax breaks and closing those that are ineffective as the first step in finding money for schools.
Brown is a solid candidate who is articulate and well-versed on the issues. She supports an I-5 Bridge that is light-rail capable; is strongly in favor of a capital-gains tax to help pay for education; and stresses the need for fresh voices and fresh perspectives in Olympia.
We believe the 18th District needs a fresh voice. Bowman and Gillespie are best suited to provide it.
