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:
- Letter: ‘Walz’s tough talk is a blatant attempt to deflect his complicity in the massive fraud in his state’
Camas resident Anna Miller argues that a governor has no legal authority to deploy the National Guard to interfere with federal law enforcement and criticizes Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s public statements. - VIDEO: Reykdal tells school districts to ‘abide by the law’ on trans athletes
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal said Washington school districts must follow state law on transgender athletes as citizen initiatives and related Supreme Court cases move forward. - Former legislator and County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Former Clark County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien has announced her candidacy for county auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - WA Democrats push for mid-decade redraw of congressional maps
Washington Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow congressional redistricting outside the normal post-census cycle, drawing sharp partisan debate. - County Council votes to increase sales tax for yet-to-be-finalized plan for affordable housing
Clark County Council approved a sales tax increase intended for housing-related uses despite concerns from one councilor that no final spending plan is in place.
