In Our View: Little or Gasque for county council District 4 seat

In a crowded field for Clark County Councilor from District 4, The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Matt Little or Dorothy Gasque in the nonpartisan race.

As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to foster discussion and provide information. The Columbian trusts that voters will study the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.

Because five candidates are running to succeed Gary Medvigy, who is not seeking reelection, being knowledgeable about the candidates will require some homework. The top two vote-getters in the Aug. 6 primary will advance to the November general election.

In Little, voters will find a knowledgeable candidate who has vast political experience although he has not held elected office. He has worked in Congress for both Democrats and Republicans, and currently is the director of public policy for Ducks Unlimited and director of the Salmon Watch Youth Education Program. His work gives him valuable insight for a county that is trying to balance growth against rural and environmental needs.

Regarding the issue of homelessness, Little told the Editorial Board: “I think it’s a shared issue and I think the county often considers it a city issue. The county shouldn’t be sitting on money if they can help.” He also demonstrates a strong understanding of land-use laws and policies, which will be essential to improving housing affordability and mitigating a rise in homelessness.

Little stresses that he is running as an independent — a moot point in a race for a nonpartisan position. But his demeanor suggests that he will listen to all sides of an issue before making a deliberate decision.

Gasque is a combat veteran who was elected to the ad hoc Clark County Charter Review Commission, which reviewed the voter-approved charter to remake county government. She stresses that the committee recommended an ethics policy for county government but none has been adopted, saying that would be one of her priorities.

Regarding homelessness, she favors increasing housing density and told the Editorial Board that Clark County “won’t be a beautiful, wonderful area if we allow urban sprawl.” For creating jobs in the region, she recommends innovation incubators and increased resources for small businesses.

The other candidates — Peter Cutile, Joe Zimmerman and Shannon Roberts — all have attributes to recommend them for the council.

Cutile, who is endorsed by the Clark County Republican Party, advocates for cutting costs in county services and lowering taxes. Zimmerman, whose family owns Bi-Zi Farms, writes on his campaign website: “I want a county that cherishes our land, our soil and our open spaces. A county that values local food production and creates an opportunity for local farmers to provide that.” Roberts, who was elected to the Camas City Council in 2019 but resigned during her first term while facing major surgery, stresses the need to cut waste in county services and says she would vote no on any proposal to raise taxes.

While each of those candidates promote policies that will resonate with some voters, they do not demonstrate the depth of knowledge or the thoughtful consideration of complex issues exhibited by Little and Gasque.

As mentioned, divining the differences between five candidates for Clark County Council representative from District 4 might require some work on the part of voters. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for either Matt Little or Dorothy Gasque.