Despite not holding elected office, Matt Little has strong political experience and demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of complex issues. Because of that, The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends him for Clark County councilor from District 4.
Little and Joe Zimmerman advanced to the November general election following a five-person primary race for the nonpartisan position. They are competing to succeed Gary Medvigy in a district that covers the southeast portion of the county, after Medvigy opted to not seek reelection.
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 ballot.
In Little, voters will find a knowledgeable candidate who has worked in Congress for both Democrats and Republicans. He 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 demonstrates a thoughtful and collaborative approach to governance. He has earned recommendations from Clark County Democrats, Mainstream Republicans of Washington, and individuals such as state Sen. Ann Rivers, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and former Camas Mayor Nan Henriksen. That represents a broad swath of the political spectrum — a result of his pragmatic viewpoints.
Little notes that the county is running a structural deficit in which revenue does not keep pace with inflation and says he likely would vote in favor of a permissible 1 percent increase to the property tax levy. He stresses public safety, noting that effective services require adequate funding. And he offers insight to housing and land use, saying, “You just have to plan beyond the 20-year horizon.”
Zimmerman also is a solid candidate and has specialized insight to land-use issues. His family has owned Bi-Zi Farms for generations, and he writes, “I have seen our county grow and change, and not always for the better. I want a county that cherishes our land, our soil and our open spaces.” At the same time, he pragmatically says, “We will need to expand the growth boundary.”
Zimmerman notes that Clark County “has been habitually behind on infrastructure” and says he likely would support a 1 percent increase to the property-tax levy: “I want to make sure that we don’t get 20 or 40 years down the road and go, ‘Oh, shoot, we made some decisions we can’t undo.’”
Zimmerman has several attributes that would make him an effective and engaged county councilor, but the Editorial Board believes that Little has a deeper understanding of the issues. His experience in policy development might not be the most enticing qualification, but it is important in assessing complex subjects and devising programs that can prepare the region for a prosperous future.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Matt Little as Clark County Councilor from District 4.
