Experience makes Raiter, Johnson best choices for Cowlitz County
Friday, October 10, 2008 1:18 AM PDT
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Cowlitz County voters could view next month’s election as something of a referendum on their county government. Two of the three Cowlitz County commissioners — George Raiter and Kathleen Johnson — are up for re-election. Raiter squares off on the November ballot against political newcomer Rama Mitchell, a Longview drug counselor, while Johnson faces a challenge from natural gas industry executive and former Woodland port commissioner Tom Wilson.
While both challengers are able and well-motivated, we urge voters to return Raiter and Johnson to office. The county is best served by retaining their demonstrated leadership skills and acquired knowledge of what the job requires. Certainly, this is not a time when the county can afford one or two new commissioners who would require some on-the-job training.
Cowlitz County, like the state and nation, is headed for a rough stretch. County government will have to deal with a budget shortfall of $2.4 million or more this year and an additional shortfall of $2.7 million the following year. Experience will be at a premium in the years immediately ahead, and both Raiter and Johnson can boast a wealth of quality experience in public service.
Raiter brings an especially impressive resume to the table. In both the public and private sectors, he’s demonstrated an uncommon ability to recognize needs, identify solutions and bring people together to get the job done. As cable plant manager for Reynolds Metals Co. more than two decades ago, Raiter led difficult contract talks, winning praise from union workers after negotiating concessions that kept the plant operating. Raiter served on the Longview City Council from 1978 through 1985, serving as mayor for 2 1/2 of those years. He went on to serve a term in the Washington Legislature in 1989-90.
After spending the next decade in the private sector, Raiter was elected to the Cowlitz County Commission in 2000. Raiter’s first two terms as a commissioner have been exemplary. He’s utilized leadership skills honed over decades in the public and private sectors to help reform and streamline county government.
First elected to the county commission in 2004, Johnson also came to the job with a strong background in public service. That service included stints as deputy mayor of Kelso and as a member of the Kelso Planning and Zoning Commission. Johnson also is a long-time member of the Kelso Kiwanis and has served on the Lower Columbia Leadership Academy Board. She understands the county, its needs and potential, and, after four years as a commissioner, is well-grounded in the intricacies of county government.
The difficult times immediately ahead demand steady, dependable leadership. Raiter and Johnson will provide that leadership.
Kelso Parent wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:13 PM:
She tried to influence a judge in an on-going case.
She was removed as Chair of the commission due to her incompetence.
She has publicly stated that we need to take a wait and see approach to the economic woes and development.
Now she is trying to get out in front of the septic issue, but she was nowhere to be found during the run up of the rule.
With issues like metering of private wells, the economic downturn and the budget gap, it is time for change.
Tom Wilson and George Raiter are getting my vote. "
El Gabilon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:56 PM:
wazzu coug wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:07 PM:
Johnson's just too unstable for me. "
phoenix wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:28 AM:
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