Vancouver resident Katie Bauer offers her thoughts on the race
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Newcomer to the political scene, Kim Hamlik seems nice with an outgoing personality but are the people of Clark County going to get an experienced professional with knowledge of how the county runs? Unfortunately, Clark County voters have been down this path many times before with the likes of Julie Olson and Jamie Herrera Beutler to name a few. Case in point, Mrs. Hamlik admitted at one event that she didn’t know that the Clark County Council and the Clark County Board of Health are one in the same. She claims she has more time to give to the role but does more time equate to a stronger, more proficient county councilor? Or do we want a councilor who has more than 20 years of experience with multi-million-dollar contract negotiations when we need a new jail and bridge to be built? And a councilor candidate who without being an elected official, is already working with local agencies on the homeless issue? Do we want a councilor who is already fully aware of the latest Columbia River bridge project and is working with other candidates and current legislators to overcome the hurdles?
Recently, LifePac.org endorsed Michelle Belkot before the Aug. 2 primary election when they usually wait until the general election in November to endorse a candidate. Mrs. Hamlik was not endorsed by LifePac. What is Mrs. Hamlik’s stance on abortion?
Also, according to PDC filings, why does Mrs. Hamlik have Democrat Jim Moeller’s former treasurer as her own campaign treasurer? Anybody who has been around Clark County politics knows that Jim Moeller, former state representative (49 the District), is one of the most liberal Democrat politicians and to have the same treasurer is a very troubling choice to say the least. Also, Betty Sue Morris appears to have thrown her support to Mrs. Hamlik by donating so Republicans have to ask, is she really a Republican?
Lastly, in a recent candidate interview Mrs. Hamlik shared that she doesn’t believe the people of Clark County have a right to medical freedoms and she’d support in lockstep more lockdowns and follow “the experts.” Michelle Belkot said she stands with the people on this issue and believes we all deserve the right to make those choices for ourselves and our families and believes that Constitutional rights shouldn’t be tossed aside.
These questions are vital for the people of Clark County so we can all be informed voters. There are so many forums, meet and greets, and other events where you can ask these questions of all Clark County Councilor candidates. Based on what I’m seeing, I already know I’ll be voting for the most experienced, most qualified candidate for District 2 – Michelle Belkot.
Katie Bauer
Vancouver
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Your article was really informative! I think both of these candidates don’t really have Clark County’s best interests in mind, so your article has pushed me towards voting for Chartrisha Robert’s.
Your articles are so damn biased. I only read a few of your articles to see what type of garbage you will print next! This is a trashy article from a rotten new source!
So TRUE. More M&M nuts BS.I always look on WA PDC website to see who contributes to who’s campaign, SO I know who NOT to vote for. works every time.
Nurse CG, you used an interesting choice of words: trashy, garbage, rotten, and you even added the cuss word, damn. I don’t think we should follow your example on communication or on voting. Not good!
Katie Bauer is correct in every way. “ Mrs. Hamlik admitted at one event that she didn’t know that the Clark County Council and the Clark County Board of Health are one in the same.” This is the most important issue concerning Clark County. Did Mrs. Hamlik understand why 11,000 people signed the mini-petition? Has Hamlik ever been to a council meeting or spoken out on issues on public record? Why does she have a liberal treasurer? Is she already telling us she is a RINO?
Belkot all the way
Kim is a very nice person with a warm personality but we need a fighter and someone who is willing to ruffle some unelected bureaucratic feathers on behalf of the people. Someone who will be and act like a solid Republican & Conservative. It looks like Kim is already running to the middle ground and the primaries aren’t even over yet. Her answers are soft & squishy. We don’t need another Julie Olsen 2.0
Well said, Katie! Your points are all weighty and ought to be considered carefully. Your article makes it very clear that Mrs Hamlik has too many weaknesses and Michelle Belkot is the best, most qualified candidate.