By The Herald Editorial Board
The editorial board learned Tuesday that a candidate for the 10th Legislative District, Clyde Shavers, a Democrat, had made two serious misrepresentations regarding his career record.
Because of those misrepresentations, the editorial board is rescinding its endorsement of Shavers, first published on Sept. 20, and now endorses the incumbent, state Rep. Greg Gilday, Republican.
Regarding the misrepresentations, Shavers indicated on a state Public Disclosure Commission form and in campaign literature that he works as an attorney; however, Shavers, while he has graduated law school and has worked for a law firm, has not passed the Washington state bar exam, a qualification that the editorial board believes is necessary to make that claim.
Shavers also made statements to the editorial board and in campaign literature that he had served aboard a submarine while in the Navy, before transferring to a public affairs office; however, while he completed some training for submarine certification, he switched to public affairs.
Because of these misrepresentations, and the questions they raise regarding Shavers’ integrity, the editorial board must rescind its recommendation that voters support Shavers for the state Legislature. Candidates for public office, because of the trust that is required to represent the interests of the residents of one’s district and the state, must be held to a high standard regarding the veracity of their record and their positions. Shavers has violated that trust.
In the initial endorsement, the editorial board noted that Gilday, having served one term in the House, had shown a dedication in serving his community and had demonstrated he can work collaboratively with Democrats as well as those within his own party.
Regardless of the doubts around Shavers’ background, Gilday is worthy of voters’ support for reelection.
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