Owen deserves new term as the lieutenant governor

The lieutenant governor’s job isn’t the most exciting in the state, but the incumbent has done a solid job in office.

Brad Owen deserves re-election to a second four year term.

The Democrat’s main opposition comes from Republican Mike Elliott, who is the mayor of the town of Rainier and a member of a number of Thurston County boards. Also on the ballot is Libertarian Ruth E. Bennett, who advocates that the Legislature use its constitutional authority to abolish the post in order to save $400,000 per year.

That suggestion has, at least, provoked some attention to the campaign. Considering the relatively small cost for the office, though, taxpayers receive their money’s worth. The lieutenant governor is available to serve as acting governor when the governor is out of state. In addition, the office holder presides over the state Senate and serves on a variety of state boards. And since the late Joel Pritchard took over the office in late 1980s, there has been a practice of the lieutenant governor devoting special efforts to one issue.

Owen has involved himself deeply in the worthy cause of encouraging young people to avoid illegal drug use. If he can be faulted in that regard, it’s for an instance in which he came to the edge of a technical violation of the state’s bizarrely stringent rules about public officials’ campaigning on initiatives. In 1998, he agreed to pay $7,000 to settle a complaint before the state Executive Ethics Board about his opposition to an earlier medical marijuana initiative. Owen admitted no wrongdoing, and according to a news account at the time, his questionable conduct involved not his responses to questions he received about the initiative but the fact that he sent copies of his responses to state legislators. No matter how that incident is viewed, it’s good to have a state official so dedicated to anti-drug messages.

In day-to-day matters, Owen has succeeded in restoring more decorum to the state Senate’s conduct and in serving as a fair arbiter of questions concerning parliamentary rules. In addition to anti-drug efforts, he has also devoted considerable attention to economic development.

Elliott also has the skills to provide good leadership in the office. He retired from a military career in 1991 after developing strong leadership skills, and has added experience in public office since. He’s a straightforward advocate for a number of conservative views, including charter schools, vouchers and gun-ownership rights.

There is good sense, though, in sticking with Owen for his low-key, capable handling of the lieutenant governor’s office.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Feb. 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

State single-payer health care bill offers many advantages

I was excited to read in Will Geschke’s report (“Everett lawmakers back… Continue reading

Important national story missing from Herald

I couldn’t find a report in The Herald that the Trump administration… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s ‘Man-of-Steel’ shtick will make U.S. weaker

Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum will harm allies we need and won’t help industries here.

Comment: AG Bondi’s DEI memo more messaging than lawsuit threat

Talk of criminal investigations is intended to panic corporations into abandoning their DEI programs.

Goldberg: Why Musk, Vance went to bat for self-desribed racist

While a former Trump official is on the outs for doing his job, a proud racist gets his job back.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 12

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Welch: State Democrats’ bill would undermine parental rights

The bill would allow kids as young as 13 to make mental health decisions without notice to parents.

Kristof: Child malnutrition lost in politics over aid cuts

A young journalist describes the scene in Madagascar where a nutritious porridge provides a lifeline.

Comment: Trump sticks with NOAA official who bent to his ego

We haven’t seen the last of Trump’s Sharpie-amended reality and it’s destabilizing effect on scientists.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.