
As the Charter Review Commission race highlights differing views, voters weigh in on whether the county’s balance of power is working as intended
When Clark County voters approved the Home Rule Charter in 2014, it created a clear separation between the elected County Council and the appointed County Manager — a system meant to ensure checks and balances in county government. Now, more than a decade later, candidates for the upcoming Charter Review Commission are sharply divided on whether that system still works. Some, like Cathie Garber and Duncan Hoss, say the current structure preserves transparency and prevents abuse of power. Others, including Liz Cline, Ann Donnelly, and Brad Benton, argue that too much authority has shifted to the unelected County Manager, leaving the Council with limited oversight and few resources to represent residents effectively. This week’s poll asks: how well do you think this separation of powers is working today?
More info:
Part II: Charter Review Commission candidates express positions on Separation of Powers
Also read:
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- Opinion: The income tax proposal has arrivedRyan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that a proposed Washington income tax creates a new revenue stream rather than delivering tax reform or relief.
- Is it time to lower the legal limit for blood alcohol content to 0.05 in the state of Washington?Mothers Against Drunk Driving and families affected by impaired driving are urging Washington lawmakers to lower the legal BAC limit to 0.05, citing prevention data and personal testimony from Clark County residents.
- Expert in homebuilding has several tips on how to make housing affordableVeteran homebuilder Tracy Doriot shares his perspective on why regulations, taxes, labor shortages, and permitting delays are driving housing costs higher in Clark County and across Washington.
- POLL: If a sub-district is created, what area should it include?Clark County residents are asked where a potential C-TRAN sub-district should be drawn if voters are asked to fund light rail operations and maintenance costs.







