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Last night’s “Meet The Candidates” event at Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737...
Challenger Dan Keahey, a native Lewis County resident and current Port of Centralia Commissioner, listed his priorities as growth and development, balancing the budget, and expanding broadband.
Running for Position 2, Bobby Jackson’s background in ministry and radio sports announcing (Lewis County and Albany, GA) put him at ease with his audience. A transplant from Alabama, he focused on the previous evening’s Department of Ecology flood retention and mitigation options (all four unrealistic, in his view), the timber industry and jobs versus ecological interests, and broadband as critical for western Lewis County.
Also running for County Commissioner Position 2, Bob Bozarth owns an underground utilities and excavation business, so he understands how much control and influence State and Federal Departments exert in Lewis County. Targeting bureaucracy and returning decisions to those who live and work in Lewis County heads up his priorities, along with balancing the budget.
Running unopposed for Superior Court Judge Position 1, Andrew Toynbee nonetheless introduced himself to voters and listed his extensive qualifications and experience. One victim stated repeated break-ins involved the same suspect seemingly without respite. Toynbee explained jail overcrowding and court backlogs often compel authorities to free non-violent offenders.
Toynbee promoted the current paperless court, where Plan B involves a fax/scanner for backup in the courtroom, saying “we do still know how to use paper if needed.”
For Superior Court Judge Position 3, Katherine Gulmert came from rural California and a one-room schoolhouse to Lewis County by way of British Columbia, Jefferson County, Grays Harbor and Cowlitz County, where her focus was elder law, veterans and vulnerable adult populations. She brings broad experience to the table.
Opposing Ms Gulmert, Joely O’Rourke has already sat as Lewis County Superior Court Pro Tem Judge, has extensive history as prosecutor and public defender plus NCIS experience following the events of 9/11. She carries the endorsement of Judge Richard Rosie, retiring County Superior Court Judge.
Refreshments followed, with voters and candidates talking over coffee and desserts.
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Today: Toledo Planning Commission meets 7 p.m. in Council Chambers. Public invited. Visit www.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564.
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Also: Toledo School Board meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays monthly at Middle School Library. Dates may change if on or near a federal holiday. Visit Toledo School District or call (360)864-6325.
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Friday: Toledo High School Football away game against Kalama 7 p.m.
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Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
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