CAMPAIGN - Crowded Primary Editorial

     There is an interesting editorial in Wednesday's News-Review, and I would encourage anyone to read it. It summarizes how there are seven candidates in the race for Douglas County Commissioner, which means it will be next to impossible for any one candidate to walk away with more than fifty percent of the votes in the May primary. In other words, the top two vote-recipients will likely have a run-off in the November general election.
     The candidate with the most money, Tim Freeman, is reported to have spent $32,802 so far, and still has $33,002 left in the bank. Some of that money is carry over from last year, when Freeman, according to the editorial, is seeing his time in Salem "paying off in contributions and endorsements from political action committees."
     The second-highest spender is Monte Smith, having spent $4,691 and $446 left over in the bank. Three of the candidates, including myself, were referenced in the editorial as not having reported spending any money on our campaigns. It's important to note that state law does not require a candidate to report their expenditures until they reach the $750 mark (it used to be $2,000), AND the money spent is only for the first reporting cycle. Obviously, the candidates will spend much more money before the race is over. The filing fee alone is $50 and the Voters Guide statement filing fee is $600.
     I look forward to participating in the May primary election, and hopefully the November election as well. I pride myself as being the most qualified candidate in the election. NONE of the candidates has experience at being a Douglas County Commissioner, because there is no incumbent in the race. However, I do have the most experience -- 20 years -- when it comes to researching local and state political issues and interacting with government leaders. My twenty years as a journalist has prepared me well for having the background information that's needed to be a commissioner, And, my experience serving on the Oakland School Board has already gotten my feet wet at working with other government workers.
     So stay tuned and stay informed! I appreciate all of the input that I've received from you so far!
Monte Muirhead