September 22, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Traditionally, The Columbian has supported local parks and endorsed ballot measures pertaining to parks funding. In 2005, we supported a property tax levy (voters narrowly passed it) that created parks in unincorporated urban areas. On Nov. 6, voters inside Vancouver city limits face a decision about parks.Times have changed for… Read story
September 15, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
When The Columbian first endorsed legalized gay marriage more than eight years ago, we acknowledged that many polls showed as much as two-thirds of Americans opposed to such a dramatic shift in custom.Times change, but our opinion hasn't. Washington's Legislature legalized same-sex marriage earlier this year, and a recent poll… Read story
September 8, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Unresolved variables in the Columbia River Crossing -- plus the incongruity of raising taxes during an economic crisis -- lead The Columbian to oppose Proposition 1 on the Nov. 6 ballot. The measure, which goes before voters in the C-Tran service district, calls for a sales tax increase of one-tenth… Read story
July 18, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
For several judicial races, the Aug. 7 primary is not a primary at all but a decisive event. Different rules apply in these races. Those rules are complicated and vary between local and state levels. But basically, any judicial candidate who receives a majority of votes in this primary (ballots… Read story
July 17, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Jaime Herrera Beutler continues to strengthen her political bona fides as she nears the end of her first term in Congress. An independent streak that enables her to occasionally step beyond the Republican Party consensus has been refreshing in the bitterly partisan Congressional arena. Her laser focus on "what's best… Read story
July 16, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Replacing Brian Sonntag will be a difficult task for the next state auditor. The retiring Sonntag leaves a legacy of independent accomplishments that is admired by conservatives and liberals alike. During 20 years as state auditor, he consistently championed open government and performance audits to the extent that, last Sept.… Read story
July 15, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Joe Tanner and Ron Barca know a lot about Clark County. Tanner served in the Legislature during the 1980s and was the first director of the Columbia River Economic Development Council. Barca has served 13 years on the Clark County Planning Commission and understands key issues such as growth management… Read story
July 14, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Solid experience in state and local government strengthens the candidacy of incumbent Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt. Fresh ideas and thorough preparation enhance the qualifications of newcomer Roman Battan.Those qualities lead The Columbian to endorse Republican Boldt and Democrat Battan in the Aug. 7 primary. Ballots will be mailed Wednesday.… Read story
July 12, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
For more than a decade, residents of the 18th Legislative District have been served by Republican state Rep. Ed Orcutt. That seat in the Legislature is now open, although Orcutt has not decided to leave the Legislature or move from Kalama. Essentially, the 18th is leaving Orcutt.The decennial redistricting process… Read story
July 11, 2012, 5:00pm Editorials
Although politicians of all partisan stripes chant "jobs, jobs, jobs" as the three most important issues of 2012, it is difficult to overlook education as a key issue in one particular local race for a state representative's post. Read story
