In the reconfigured 17th Legislative District, Democrat Terri Niles stands out as the best candidate for Position 2 representative. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Niles in her race against Republican David Stuebe.
As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to provide information and foster discussion. We trust that voters will examine the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.
In a race that does not include an incumbent — longtime Rep. Paul Harris is running for the state Senate — such homework is particularly important. That need is further enhanced by geographic changes to the 17th District, which recently was altered by a court-mandated adjustment to the state’s legislative map.
In Niles, voters will find a candidate who has worked for 25 years as an intensive care nurse and promotes herself as “the only pro-choice candidate” in the race. She takes a progressive view of most issues but, importantly, demonstrates a deep understanding of those issues and the ability to debate them on their merits.
Niles told the Editorial Board that she opposes ballot initiatives that would overturn programs adopted by the Legislature. For example, in discussing Initiative 2109 — which would repeal a capital gains tax — she says, “The programs we’re going to lose if 2109 passes, that is going to hurt people.”
Regarding Initiative 2117, which would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act, Niles notes that funding from carbon pricing supports forest protection, salmon recovery, culvert reconstruction and various other environmental programs.
On the initiatives, Niles demonstrates a firm understanding of what they would do and a willingness to debate the underlying issues.
Her website demonstrates a stark difference between the candidates. Niles touches on issues ranging from public safety to affordable housing to child care to reproductive freedom — and beyond.
Stuebe, on the other hand, is running a detail-free campaign. As The Columbian wrote editorially before the primary: “He is personally engaging and says his career in the military and work as mayor has prepared him to collaborate with others to find solutions. Stuebe is not as well-informed on the issues as the other candidates; for example, he says he does not know enough about the capital gains tax to render an opinion on I-2109. But he leaves the impression that he is willing and able to learn about the issues involved.”
Regarding affordable housing and homelessness, Stuebe focuses on underlying drug abuse and mental health issues, but does not offer proposals for increasing housing construction.
Stuebe, the mayor of Washougal, says he will remain in that office if elected to the Legislature. That indicates that he is underestimating the amount of work and the public demands that come with being a state representative.
Niles, on the other hand, is intently focused on the needs of the state and the needs of residents in her district. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Terri Niles as representative from the 17th Legislative District.
