Six Candidates to Vie for Two Columbia County Commissioner Positions
Incumbents in Districts 1 and 2 will each face off against two challengers in the August primary election.
By Ken Graham
Incumbents Dwight Robanske and Dick Jones will each face two challengers in the primary election for their positions on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. In District 1, Tony Currin and Terry Herrin have filed to challenge Robanske for the four-year position. In District 2, Jones will face challengers Wanda Brooks and Earle Marvin. All of the filers for the commissioner positions listed their party preference as Republican, except for Herrin, who listed no party preference.
For the primary election, voters in the county will vote only for the commissioner position serving their own district. The top two vote-getters in the primary – regardless of party affiliation – will move on to the general election in November.
In another race of local interest, Dayton attorney Terry Nealey, a Republican, is challenging Democratic incumbent Bill Grant for State Representative Position 2 in the 16th Legislative District.Two other Republican candidates, William Jesernig and Tom Cornell, both of Walla Walla, have filed for that position. Again, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will move on to November.
Waitsburg resident Perry Dozier has filed for the Walla Walla County District 2 Commission seat, currently held by Dave Carey, who is stepping down. Also filing for that position are Walla Walla County Coroner Frank Brown, and Walla Wallan Sheryl Cox. All three candidates filed as Republicans.
In other local legislative races, incumbent Maureen Walsh, a Republican, will face Democrat Dante Montoya for the State Representative District 1 position in the 16th Legislative District. Republican State Senator Mike Hewitt, the 16th District incumbent will be running unopposed for another term.
Ballots for the primary elections will be mailed to voters in Columbia County on July 30. Election Day is August 19th. On this and the following pages are profiles of the candidates for the Columbia County Commissioner positions and the State Representative District 2 position.
Columbia County Primary
Ballots Mailed - July 30th
Election Day - August 19th
District 1 Candidates
Tony Currin
Terry Herrin
Dwight Robanske
District 2 Candidates
Wanda Brooks
Dick Jones
Earl Marvin
Dwight Robanske
Preferred Party: Republican
Phone Number: (509) 382-4199
Email: dwightr@hughes.net
BACKGROUND
Dayton Native - 1962 graduate of Dayton High School
BA Degree in Geography from Eastern Washington University
Vietnam Veteran – U.S. Navy
Director of Wholesale Sales - Carr-Gottstein Foods Co. - Anchorage - Retired
Returned to Dayton in 1999
Elected Columbia County Commissioner in 2000 / re-elected in 2004
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
Dayton Kiwanis
Dayton Lions Club
American Legion
Member - United Brethren Church
Fire Distr. 3 – Public Information Officer / Firefighter
ISSUES
Economic Development
"I'm committed to the continued development of wind energy projects in Columbia County, and I am working on a potential project in the county involving biomass energy and continuing to work on a gas fired generation plant near Starbuck."
"I am also committed to increasing investment in the county's infrastructure to help promote tourism activity. These include the county fairgrounds, the golf course and the courthouse. I am also working to obtain funds to build a paved bike trail around the golf course and west-bound from Dayton."
Coordination with property owners during fires
"I am currently working to implement a new Emergency Management Plan for Columbia County which will give greater rights to property owners during fires. I am also working with state and national legislators to expand property owner rights."
City / County Coordination
"It is important that we continue to look for ways to combine services with the City of Dayton to save taxpayer dollars."
Coordination with state and national legislators
"I have worked hard over the last eight years to develop strong relationships with state legislators and members of Congress as we deal with many issues faced by Columbia County."
Tony Currin
Preferred Party: Republican
Phone Number: (509) 386-3514
Email: kcurrin23@msn.com
BACKGROUND
Born and raised in Heppner, OR
BA Degree in Agriculture Business Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Moved to Dayton in 1999
Operated Dayton Quick Stop for seven years
Runs Cattle and Hay Operation
Married to Dayton native Kelli (Fletcher) Currin
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Dayton Days Volunteer - six years
Blue Mountain Christian School Volunteer
ISSUES
Economic Development
"I know wind turbines are an emotional topic and there are pros and cons. As we make plans and zone to have them here, we need to address the concerns of our community. Hopefully a compromise can be reached that provides the economic growth we need to keep our community thriving and to keep our small-town atmosphere and beautiful landscape. So far in Dayton, they have boosted our economy by providing jobs with plans for expansion."
"Having owned a business on Main Street, I know the value of tourism. I feel we need to come up with ideas and events that bring in tourism."
Fire Access
"Our farmers, ranchers and land owners have the right to take care of their property and need to have the freedom to do so. I know a chain of command needs to be followed, but I feel that the local people should have a say in it."
City/County Relations
"City and county officials need to work together to better provide people with services. If the people's concerns are addressed, and the city and county are communicating, I feel the problems that arise can be handled more efficiently and productively."
Terry Herrin
Preferred Party: None stated
Phone Number: (509) 382-9664
Email: cts924@msn.com
BACKGROUND
Originally from Kansas
Moved to Dayton from Minnesota with wife Pat in 1998
("We looked at small towns all over the country and chose Dayton")
Owner of Computerized Technical Services – a nation-wide vending and technical service company
Prior to CTS managed theaters for 25 years
Elected to the Dayton City council in 2002 (resigned due to family emergency)
Rejoined Dayton City Council in March 2008
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Dayton City Council (economic development, public works and personnel committees)
Member of Kiwanis
Chamber of Commerce member
Junior High Soccer Coach
Served on Parish Council and Finance Committee
ISSUES
"We need a Commissioner with management and people skills to promote and grow our county and my past experience lends itself well to the position. As a Commissioner I would be available, visible and approachable"
Economic Development
"At this time, considering our economy, the windmill projects are a necessary evil. I will work for controlled growth in Columbia County through networking with other entities to bring in opportunities to develop our economy and provide a good, clean, safe place to live.
Employee Relations
"I will work to improve communication with and work environment for county employees. I have extensive experience in management and believe that the concerns and suggestions of the county's employees will be valuable tools in the county's decision-making process.
City/County Relations
"It is necessary to improve the County Commissioners' relationship with the City of Dayton. As a current City Council member, I am well placed to address the many issues where coordination between city and county is vital."
"Columbia County has much to offer, including schools, hospital and clinic, pool, parks, golf course, fair grounds, excellent library resources, cultural opportunities and historical preservation, which are the result of the dedication and hard work of so many residents. It is the county's responsibility to promote these assets, while preserving our heritage."
Dick Jones
Preferred Party: Republican
Phone Number: (509) 382-2965
Email: djones@columbiaenergyllc.com
BACKGROUND
Grew up in Tacoma – mother's family farmed in Columbia County
BS Degree in agricultural science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Columbia County Farmer since 1963
Appointed as Columbia County Commissioner in 1998, re-elected in 2000 and 2004
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
20 year member of Dayton School Board
20 year member of Southeast Washington Draft Board
12 year member of Columbia REA Board of Directors
Masonic Lodge member for 15 years
Fire District 3 volunteer firefighter for over 30 years
ISSUES
"Serving the community in Columbia County is my passion! I am committed to promoting and improving communication between citizens and government."
Economic Development
"Diversifying the economy in Columbia County is essential. We must grow economically, and farming cannot provide that growth by itself. At the same time, I will listen to all concerns and all positions when making decisions about new economic entities. For economic development to succeed, it must have the support of the majority of residents."
"Wind is a natural resource that most county residents want to take advantage of. I will support continued growth of that industry here."
County Budget
"I have spearheaded efforts to add a capital reserve fund to the county's annual budget. Through this fund, the county can schedule replacement of road equipment, law enforcement and other vehicles, and other capital equipment. The county has never had an equipment replacement schedule before."
City / County Relations
"The county and the City of Dayton have made great strides in consolidating services, such as law enforcement, emergency management and building inspection. I will work to continue this effort in areas such as planning and public works. Taxpayers in both the city and county will benefit."
Earl Marvin
Preferred Party: Republican
Phone Number: (509) 382-4496
Email: half-s@columbiaenergyllc.com
BACKGROUND
Born and raised in Florida
BA Degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University
U. S. Air Force Retired
Construction Contracts Manager at Hanford for 30 years
Moved to Dayton in 1994
Married to Dayton native Shirley (Walker) Marvin
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
6-Year board member and current president, Columbia County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Benton County Parks and Recreation Board.
ISSUES
Community Growth
"Getting light industry to locate here means more jobs, new residents, increased money for schools, and lower property taxes. We need to become more creative in the ways we attract light industry. I shall work to achieve coordinated community growth which includes County Government."
Land Use Planning
"We must manage the growth predicted in population, light industry, and wind energy systems with laws that protect the heritage of our beautiful Blue Mountains. To assure that this is done without prejudicial influences, elected officials should have final approval of projects where huge amounts of money are involved, not county employees or appointed boards."
Senior Services
"As we experience community growth from retired persons moving into Columbia County, we must anticipate the increased demand for services offered to them. Improved public transportation plus improved facilities for seniors will be required. I shall work for the services that provide seniors the respect and dignity they so justly deserve."
Infrastructure Improvements
"The Fairgrounds and Court House are visited by many out-of-towners. Farmers use county roads to transport their harvest. I shall work to provide the maintenance and replacement of roads and facilities vital to community growth."
Wanda Brooks
Preferred Party: Republican
Phone Number: (509) 382-2448
Email: wanda1@gohighspeed.com
BACKGROUND
Grew up in Dayton – 1979 graduate of Dayton High School
Business Degree from San Joaquin Valley College, California
Self-employed Land Use Consultant/Grant Writer for 20 years
Returned to Dayton in 2003
ISSUES
"I will treat the Columbia County Commissioner position as a full time job."
Economic Development
"My support of the wind turbines is paramount. I lived in Kittitas County when the wind turbines began, attended many meetings concerning the same issues we face and witnessed the positive impact first hand."
"I will work full time to assist in the facilitation of a strategic economic development plan. Economic enrichment can be achieved while preserving our quality of life. I will ensure representation of Columbia County at vital meetings to secure funding."
Fire Access
"I believe that communication between local, state and federal agencies is essential. Multi-jurisdictional agreements and strategic planning should be in place in the event of another catastrophic fire the magnitude of two years ago. Local participation is critical and should be valued."
City/County Relations
"I believe strongly that a positive working relationship between municipalities is vital."
Planning and Zoning
"My work as a land use consultant requires intense knowledge of Washington's Planning Enabling Act, as well as Environmental Impact Assessment regulations (EIA) and SEPA rules. I served on the planning commission in S. Cle Elum, WA, and was instrumental in the development of the town's Comprehensive Plan."
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