The North Kitsap Herald encourages voters to elect the following candidates on Nov. 4.
The Herald makes its endorsements based on written and in-person interviews with the candidates, coverage of candidate forums, and the Herald Community Advisory Board’s series of editorial endorsement interviews.
COUNTY COMMISSION: EDWARD E. WOLFE
Wolfe would bring unparalleled strengths to the commission: A diplomat’s ability (he’s a former U.S. ambassador who negotiated the Pacific Salmon Treaty) to negotiate and find consensus on issues. Knowledge of law (he would have red-flagged unconstitutional provisions of a proposed code-enforcement chapter to the county code, drafted in May but only tabled this month).
The Comprehensive Plan is being updated. The Department of Community Development needs fixing (both candidates say the cost of permits is “stifling.”) The county jail is understaffed. Wolfe will be engaged in those issues, working with DCD and Kitsap’s law enforcement agencies to build collaboration, identify issues and improve how those departments meet current and future needs.
Having a commission with members of two parties will improve the system of checks and balances on the board, something that will be important as the Kitsap’s population grows, the economy improves, and the county works to achieve balance in economic development and in protecting the environment that sustains us.
Wolfe will provide that balance. We recommend a vote for him.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY: TINA ROBINSON
Robinson (J.D., Seattle University School of Law) will bring fresh leadership and a new management style to the office.
There is much that Russell Hauge has accomplished in his 16 years as prosecuting attorney. But the office is showing signs of strain: A murder victim’s family was not notified in time to provide a statement at sentencing. A deputy prosecutor is on the job after causing a DUI collision with her children in the car; she was charged with a misdemeanor instead of a felony because the extent of another driver’s injuries was not included in the report. In another case, a deputy prosecutor said she couldn’t recuse herself from a case because it would strain other prosecutors’ workloads.
Robinson, a criminal defense attorney for eight years and a former Group Health manager (she managed more employees and a larger budget than the PA’s office does), has worked for the Kitsap County Public Defender’s Office since 2011.
Robinson differs from Hauge in management style. Hauge said he is “in the position of coaching the coaches,” but Robinson believes the prosecuting attorney “must decide how the work is going to be done.” As a public defender, she has a unique perspective on the challenges facing the PA’s office. She’ll bring a business-management approach to directing the PA’s office. She’s as committed to alternative courts as Hauge. She will work with the courts to revise the Felony Early Plea Unit to free up more resources for prosecution.
We believe it’s time for fresh leadership. Vote for Robinson.
KITSAP COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE: CLAIRE BRADLEY
Bradley, Kitsap County’s chief deputy prosecutor, is clearly the most qualified for the job, She’s been a prosecutor since 1997, after a year as a public defender. She’s served as chairwoman of Kitsap Special Assault Investigations and Victims Services since 2000. She’s tried all levels of cases. She helped implement electronic document systems that the public and the courts benefit from today. She helped establish policies and procedures for the administration of the court she seeks to represent.
The retiring judge she hopes to succeed, James Riehl, wrote, “Claire will bring a wealth of expertise, experience and common sense to the bench.” We agree.
Vote for Bradley.
WE ENDORSE …
Oct. 10 edition
— Poulsbo Fire Department Proposition 1: Yes.
— North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Proposition 1: Yes.
Oct. 17 edition
— 23rd District state House: Sherry Appleton, position 1; Drew Hansen, position 2.
— County Assessor: Paul Andrews.
— County Auditor: Dolores Gilmore.
— County Clerk: Dave Peterson.
— County Coroner: Greg Sandstrom.
Oct. 24 edition
— County Commissioner, District 3: Edward E. Wolfe.
— Prosecuting Attorney: Tina Robinson.
— Kitsap County District Court judge: Claire Bradley.