The election for state representative from the 18th Legislative District, Position 1, features candidates with differing philosophies. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for incumbent Stephanie McClintock, a Republican, while also acknowledging Democrat Deken Letinich as a strong candidate.
As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to provide information and foster discussion. The Columbian trusts that voters will examine the candidates and the issues before casting an informed vote.
Most voters likely will have little difficulty in assessing the differences between the candidates. McClintock is in favor of repealing the state’s Climate Commitment Act, capital gains tax and other bills passed by the Legislature; Letinich will vote against four initiatives on the ballot, preferring to retain the laws.
During an interview with the Editorial Board, McClintock said, “I think our climate goals are pretty aggressive, and they are to the detriment of Washingtonians. We need to find balance.”
Letinich views the bills as an investment, telling the Editorial Board, “One of the easiest ways to provide jobs is to invest in infrastructure.” Regarding Initiative 2066, he recommends exemptions for industries that rely on natural gas.
Letinich also says he is “100 percent pro-choice” and highlights that as a difference between the candidates. McClintock indicates that she is pro-life but would not support measures limiting abortion access.
McClintock, who works in public affairs for United Grain Corporation, points to support for a bill to streamline professional licensing as a success, and she supports construction of a new Interstate 5 Bridge. For future priorities, she mentions a bill to limit cellphones in classrooms. She also advocates for requiring exit interviews when students withdraw from public school, seeing that as a method for improving public education.
McClintock is seeking a second term in Olympia and says: “There’s a lot to learn. I feel like I know what I’m doing now.” She added: “I have voted against my caucus on a few things because that’s what the people of the 18th District wanted.”
Letinich has worked as a laborer and is now a labor organizer. He focuses on needs of working families and says, “It’s about the people who do the work every day.”
He says he would support legislation to make it easier for school districts to pass bond measures, which currently require 60 percent of the vote. He also mentions reducing the threshold for impaired driving to a blood-alcohol level of 0.05.
Both candidates are well-informed and demonstrate the ability to represent their constituents. Passing legislation requires collaboration with lawmakers from throughout the state.
In that regard, McClintock has earned a second term in Olympia. She takes a sensible approach to lawmaking and is growing into the job. That will be particularly valuable with newcomers guaranteed to take over the other two legislative seats in the 18th District.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends Stephanie McClintock as state representative from the 18th District, but we encourage voters to also take a close look at Deken Letinich.
