“Thurston County Commissioner Edwards faces challenge from Democrat Michael Steadman”

• Editor’s note: Thurston County Commissioner candidates will participate in a virtual townhall style question and answer session sponsored by the Yelm Chamber. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 12n. View here

Sara Gentzler did an outstanding analysis in The Olympian:

“Edwards, 74, is a Yelm native and Army veteran whose family has been in the area for seven generations. He ran as a Republican for the Sheriff’s role he held for two decades and has told The Olympian he advocated for the position to be nonpartisan at the time.

“Steadman, 50, has served on Lacey City Council since 2014. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and owns Steadman Properties, a commercial leasing company.

“Steadman has far out-raised Edwards — he started with a balance of just under $850 and has received almost $100,700 in reported contributions, according to state Public Disclosure Commission data.

Edwards had a campaign starting balance of a little under $3,200 and has received nearly $24,600 in reported contributions.

“In response to a question in The Olympian’s voter guide survey, Steadman wrote in part that his top-three priorities in office would be to ensure a strong economic recovery for “ALL citizens from this pandemic,” a balanced, sustainable, and transparent budget that “builds healthy reserves,” and a healthier environment “through remediation, acquisition and preservation.”

“To the same question, Edwards wrote that his top-three priorities for a second term would be to “revitalize our local economy while creating living wage jobs,” “reduce regulatory roadblocks to create more affordable housing,” and “ensure public safety and support for law enforcement.”
Read more of the full text.

Blogger Klein has endorsed Michael Steadman and is a contributor to the Citizens for Michael Steadman campaign.