Voters in the 17th Legislative District have a difficult decision when it comes to choosing a state senator. Republican Paul Harris and Democrat Marla Keethler both are outstanding candidates who deserve thoughtful consideration.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Harris while also commending Keethler.
As always, this is merely a recommendation designed to foster discussion. The Columbian suggests that voters study the candidates before casting an informed vote for a successor to Sen. Lynda Wilson, who did not seek reelection.
In Harris, voters will find a candidate who has served in the state House of Representatives for 14 years. That experience is particularly valuable this year, with several Southwest Washington legislators not seeking reelection. Although Harris would be moving from the House to the Senate, his institutional knowledge and legislative relationships would help ensure that the interests of Southwest Washington receive attention in Olympia.
More importantly, Harris has been an effective representative for those 14 years. He is a traditional Republican, focusing on pro-business policies and limited government regulation without embracing social wedge issues that often distract from important legislation.
During an interview with the Editorial Board, Harris was passionate about the need for governments to address homelessness. He favors strong measures to break up encampments and decries what he sees as human degradation at those sites.
Regarding a proposed Interstate 5 Bridge replacement, Harris said: “I am an absolute, strong supporter of the I-5 Bridge and I will not deviate from that. I know one thing: I need a bridge.”
Although he adheres to conservative principles, Harris is pragmatic. For example, he criticizes local governments that do not take a permissible 1 percent annual increase to the property tax levy, but he would oppose any legislative effort to increase that limit.
That pragmatism is demonstrated by his willingness to work with Democrats, particularly in the realm of public health. He has championed legislation that limits exemptions to vaccine requirements and that raises the minimum age for tobacco purchases.
Keethler, meanwhile, is exceptionally well-informed for a newcomer to state politics. As the current mayor of White Salmon, she has some political experience; as a thoughtful, articulate candidate, she demonstrates the skills to be an effective legislator.
Regarding homelessness, she told the Editorial Board that breaking up encampments is “pushing that problem elsewhere.” Regarding child care, she said “it is an economic development issue” and requires input from employers. Regarding law enforcement, she said, “If you support public safety, you have to fund public safety.”
Keethler also expresses support for reproductive rights and stresses her status as a working mother: “Absolutely, we need different experiences at the table.”
Harris expresses dismay that Democrats have dominated state politics for decades and that they are close to having a supermajority in the Legislature. That should not be a concern for voters in the 17th District, who must focus on which candidate will best serve constituents. Fortunately for those voters, both candidates are thoughtful and capable of working effectively for their district — even if they have differing political beliefs.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Paul Harris in the 17th District.
