Incumbent District 3 County Commissioner Candidate Karen Valenzuela

The Olympian says:
Valenzuela should serve full, four-year term on commission

“In February 2009, former Tumwater City Councilwoman Karen Valenzuela was appointed by the governor to a vacant position on the three-member Thurston County Commission. Last November, Valenzuela stood for election for the remaining year of the unexpired term. She squared off against Republican Pat Beehler and beat him soundly in the 2009 general election.

Now, Valenzuela, 60, is running for a full, four-year term. Her opponent is once again Pat Beehler, so voters are seeing a replay of last years election.

The Olympians editorial board endorsed Valenzuela a year ago and renews that support today…

Our problem with Beehler this year and last is that he offers no compelling reason to oust Valenzuela.”

Ed. Note:
The Yelm Community Blog also supports this view. I have been very impressed with the way Valenzuela & her colleagues took-on very stark budget challenges, inheriting a mess from her predecessor and finally “righted-the-ship” in the midst of the economy tanking.

This paragraph from The Olympian underscores this writer’s view:
“Like last year, Valenzuela has demonstrated her leadership abilities through a tough economic downturn. We believe Valenzuelas grasp of planning and development issues, her collaborative approach to decision making and her leadership and experience in local government, make her the superior choice for Thurston County commissioner.”

Yelm and vicinity voters will be able to cast their 1st vote for Valenzuela to serve a full, four year term this Autumn.