1. Robin Edmondson

Robin Edmondson
Mr. Edmondson has “over 25 years experience encompassing Executive Management, Project Management, Strategic Planning, Finance, Securities, Budget Analysis, Business Development and International Marketing demonstrating proficiency in Leadership, Negotiation, Persuasion, Innovative Problem Solving, Evaluation, and Perception,” quoting his website.
He told the Yelm Community Blog, “I am running for County Commissioner because I am absolutely in favor of open government.” He pointed out that his agenda is “where your opinion is eagerly sought and you are an integral part of the decision making process.”

2. Sandra Romero

Sandra Romero
Mrs. Romero has been a resident of Thurston County for 24 years and for 12 years, represented her constituents in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and much of Thurston County in our State’s House of Representatives. She worked to build consensus on issues as diverse as civil service reform, animal cruelty laws and landuse issues.
Her vision as County Commissioner from her website says, “I believe that we can develop both sensibly and sensitively. But we need to start now by cherishing our land, our trees and our water, not squandering them.
In governing wisely, the county can be a good and helpful neighbor. We must strike a balance between respecting private property rights and personal freedoms, while promoting public health and the joy of daily living here.”

Quoting The Olympian,
“The public has several opportunities to get to know more about candidates for two seats on the three-member Thurston County Commission, which faces some big tasks in the coming year – including managing a tight budget and staffing a new jail in Tumwater.

Although each seat represents a specific district, the two commissioners will be elected by voters countywide in the Nov. 4 general election. Commissioners serve four-year terms and receive a salary of $105,278 a year.

Democrat Sandra Romero and Republican Robin Edmondson are competing in District 2, which represents the eastern third of the county including Lacey, Yelm and Rainier. The seat is being vacated by Democrat Diane Oberquell, who is retiring after 20 years….

The candidates summarized their platforms thusly:

Robin Edmondson: With a rapidly declining economy and slowing of goods and services, I want to trim county government, compact and reduce regulations, flatten the budget and speed service delivery to county residents at affordable rates without increasing any fees or taxes. I will develop win-win community partnerships.

Sandra Romero: We have to have a sustainable county budget. I would establish a centralized budget team, freeze hiring and freeze budget spending. I would also consider the impacts of endless litigation. In addition, we have to be careful and vigilant about how we manage growth. That doesn’t mean we can’t grow, just that it must be balanced and must reflect the policies of the state Growth Management Act. Also, the county’s Web site must be improved so that it is accessible to people.”

Following is a partial list of upcoming debates and candidate forums, sponsors and addresses. Each includes all four candidates unless otherwise noted.

Oct. 8: noon, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Saint Martin’s University Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave. S.E., Lacey.

Oct. 8: 5 p.m., debate between Cathy Wolfe and Judy Wilson (District 1), Tenino Elementary School, multipurpose room. For information, call 360-264-3700

Oct. 9: 1:30 p.m., retired Public Employees Council, debate between Robin Edmondson and Sandra Romero (District 2), Olympia Senior Center, 220 Columbia St. N.W. For information, call Nancy Heley, 360-456-1236.

Oct. 16: noon, West Olympia Business Association, Red Lion Hotel Olympia, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive S.W.

Oct. 19: 9:30 a.m., First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. S.E., Olympia, debate between Wolfe and Wilson

Oct. 26: 9:30 a.m., First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. S.E., Olympia, debate between Romero and Edmondson

Online
For more information on upcoming events, see candidates’ Web sites:

Robin Edmondson: www.robinedmondson.com

Sandra Romero: www.sandraromero.com