
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: ‘Don’t take the deal’Camas resident Tony Teso calls Nancy Churchill’s column a partisan recruitment pitch disguised as personal awakening.
- State Representative John Ley files for re-election to Washington House District 18, Position 2Rep. John Ley cites I-5 tolling, a 9.9% income tax, and a $4B pension raid among his top battles in Olympia.
- County’s Commission on Aging to discuss intergenerational housing alternativesBridge Meadows and Cathedral Park CoHousing professionals join Clark County’s Commission on Aging May 18.
- Let’s Go Washington prepares to gather signatures for income tax repeal effortLet’s Go Washington needs 308,911 signatures by July 2 to put the income tax before voters in November.
- Letter: ‘Once you decide your political opponents are sick, you don’t have to listen to anything they say’Camas resident Tony Teso argues Ken Vance’s column reframes political disagreement as mental illness to avoid engaging on substance.







