It can be difficult to draw distinctions in the race for state representative from the 49th Legislative District, Position 2. Both candidates are articulate and thoughtful Democrats, and they possess similar experience and similar political philosophies. Yet, in choosing between the two, The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Alishia Topper in her race against Monica Stonier.
As always, this is merely a recommendation designed to foster discussion. The Columbian has faith in the desire and the ability of voters to examine the candidates and study the issues before casting an informed ballot.
In looking at the race to replace longtime Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, one of the distinguishing characteristics is Topper’s more extensive connection to the 49th District. She has lived in the district for more than a decade, while Stonier represented the 17th District in the Legislature from 2013-15, lost a bid for re-election, and subsequently moved into the 49th.
But familiarity with constituents is far from Topper’s only qualification. She is a member of the Vancouver City Council and works as director of strategic partnerships for Vancouver Public Schools, saying, “I build community partnerships in support of schools impacted by high rates of poverty. I work to find innovative approaches to help students remove barriers to student achievement.”
That dedication has been evident in her work on the city council, as well. Topper has been a leader in efforts to address the region’s affordable-housing crisis, and she has devoted much of her policymaking energy toward the homeless or dealing with other difficult societal problems.
Regarding the Legislature’s need to adequately support public schools in the state, Topper told the Editorial Board, “I don’t believe we’re going to be able to fully fund that without new revenue streams,” but added, “I know taxes aren’t popular.” She says, “I think climate change is one of the largest issues,” and emphasizes that infrastructure projects can play a role in providing jobs for the region.
Stonier has a background in education and works as an instructional coach at Pacific Middle School. She notes that, “We have very few legislators who have hands-on classroom experience at a time when we are implementing new policies around early education, graduation standards, and academic achievement,” and she agrees that additional revenue likely will be needed for the Legislature to fully fund schools. She believes the public will support tax increases “when we know the money is going to what we say it will.”
Regarding jobs and the economy, Stonier focuses upon policies designed to help working families, such as paid family leave and paid sick leave, and she bills herself as a champion for small business.
Both candidates align well with the traditionally left-leaning 49th District. They combined for 65 percent of the vote in a primary race that also included two Republicans, with Stonier outpolling Topper 37 percent to 28 percent. But in distinguishing herself from Stonier, Topper touched upon two crucial factors in this race — her longtime residence and her experience on the Vancouver City Council. “It’s very important to elect people who know the district,” she said. “I’m working on decisions that impact the people of the district every day.”
Because of that, The Columbian recommends a vote for Alishia Topper as representative from the 49th Legislative District.
