McShane the Logical Choice for Council Appointment

County Executive Pete Kremen is charged with appointing Bob Kelly’s replacement on the Whatcom County Council by the end of the month. The Whatcom Democrats encourage you to call Pete Kremen at 676-6717 this week and ask him to appoint a candidate who keeps the current balance, has experience, and has been tested in public.

It’s very important that the appointment reflect the political philosophy of Bob Kelly for 3 reasons:

1. to respect the voters’ decision when they put Bob in that seat,

2. to avoid a major policy shift on the Council, and

3. to keep a balance that best reflects the will of the voters in Whatcom County.

The Voters

Bob Kelly was elected in 2007 by a majority of citizens in District 1. It is important that Bob’s replacement reflect the voters’ wishes. He campaigned as an environmentalist and a progressive. He should be replaced by someone with a similar philosophy.

Dan McShane received 62% of the vote in District 1 and lost countywide by around 307 votes when he was outspent by more than 2 to 1.

Experience

Ask Pete to appoint a candidate who’s been tested in the public eye, either by running for office or serving on the Planning Commission. Dan McShane stepped up and ran for this office and it was a close race. He brings 8 years of legislative experience, an unparalleled understanding of land use issues in Whatcom County, and has proved that he can work productively with both conservatives and liberals on the county council as well as with the County Administration. Because this is just a 1 year term, Pete should appoint someone who will be up to speed at the first meeting.

Balance

The voters have been consistently electing 1 progressive and 1 conservative from each district. The voters want a diverse council without extremes and are not interested in dramatic movement in one direction or the other. With a conservative in the other District 1 seat, this selection should be a progressive to keep the balance.

It is especially important that the new appointment not create a powerful majority that can push through agendas with super majority votes. We need a balanced Council so that all ideas are well vetted and coordinated with the County Administration.