The Clark County Council will lose nearly 35 years of combined experience in elected office when council Chair Marc Boldt and Councilor Jeanne Stewart step down at the end of the year.
Boldt, an independent, lost re-election after finishing third in August’s top-two primary, with Republican Clark County Councilor Eileen Quiring going on to win the general election. Republican Stewart lost re-election to Democrat Temple Lentz in the November election.
In a brief interview after Tuesday’s council meeting, Stewart said she would be taking some time to rest and tend to some deferred house maintenance but would find some way to be active.
“I’m not one for idleness,” said Stewart. “I’m happy when I’m busy.”
When asked about plans for future runs for office, Stewart replied, “I haven’t ruled anything in or out.”
Stewart previously served on the Vancouver City Council for 12 years before being elected county commissioner in 2014 on a countywide vote. But after a reorganization of county government, Stewart faced a more Democratic-leaning district as she pursued re-election.
While in county government, Stewart pushed back against fellow Republicans David Madore and Tom Mielke, who have since left office.
Boldt was elected as the first chair of the Clark County Council in 2015, which was created by the home rule charter passed by voters. Previously, Boldt served as a Republican county commissioner from 2005 through 2012. But he was censured by the party and lost his position to the more-conservative Madore. Prior to the that, Boldt served as a state representative from 1995 through 2004.
Boldt has said that he intends to stay in Clark County and will pursue work in public policy.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, several people thanked both councilors for their service. Both were presented with certificates of appreciation from the Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County for their service.
“Had I known it was this much fun, I would have left a long time ago,” said Boldt, to laughter.
Quiring will be sworn in 10 a.m. Dec. 27. Lentz will be sworn in 10 a.m. Dec. 31. Both will take place at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. in Vancouver.
