Tuesday's election-- What we recommend

This editorial roundup appears Nov. 1, 2009, in the Yakima Herald-Republic.

During the past few weeks, the editorial board for the Yakima Herald-Republic has provided its opinion on a number of races for public office, a countywide criminal justice sales tax and two statewide measures. Here's a rundown on those endorsements, with excerpts from our editorials, which might prove helpful to voters who have yet to cast their ballots for Tuesday's election:

State and county measures

Initiative 1033

Vote NO

"We find (Tim) Eyman's passion for spending restraint laudable but not his initiative. It overreaches and puts an unfair shackle on cities and counties, as well as on public services, that is unacceptable."

Referendum 71

Vote APPROVED

"It's about granting the same rights and responsibilities of married couples to same-sex couples and to senior domestic partners. We have no argument with this, given the state and federal constitutions' clear guidance on equal rights."

Proposition 1: Yakima County Criminal Justice Sales Tax

Vote APPROVED

"Those in law enforcement and the judicial system are there when we need them. Now it's our turn to be there when they need us."

Yakima City Council

MAUREEN ADKISON

Paul George

"While George has received our endorsements in the past, this time we see virtue in supporting Adkison in her first campaign for public office. She has strong leadership qualities as evidenced by her solid background in community organizations ... ."

MICAH CAWLEY

Mary Place

"But in terms of building a compelling argument for her return to public office, Place brings few fresh ideas to the table. While Cawley still has to iron out a few wrinkles in his council-performance portfolio, we see no reason to send the one-term councilman packing."

SONIA RODRIGUEZ

Dave Ettl

"While Ettl likes to get in the last word, this time we're not giving him that opportunity. Instead, we are using our final words to endorse Rodriguez. She indeed has forged the beginnings of a solid record of accomplishments in public office and deserves a full four-year term on the council."

BEN SORIA

Bill Lover

"We prefer someone who sets his sights on the future, and that's why our preference is for Soria. The former superintendent provides a disciplined and rich background in planning and goal-setting that should serve the city well in the years ahead."

Union Gap City Council

DAN VANOVER

Delta Vincent

"We find Vanover a well-versed and level-headed councilman. With difficult decisions ahead, Union Gap needs a candidate of Vanover's skills to be in office."

ROGER WENTZ

Aubrey Reeves

"We find the incumbent (Wentz) knowledgeable about the budget process and committed to seeking a solution to the city's intractable sewer and water problems."

Selah City Council

JOHN GAWLIK

Allen Schmid

"We are impressed with Gawlik's thoughtful answers to questions about Selah's future. We also think his streak of independence may serve him well on the council."

Yakima School Board

JIM SCOGGINS

Raymond Navarro Jr.

"While Navarro is also a strong candidate, we believe Scoggins is a better fit on the board as it takes on the challenges presented by diminished revenues and impending construction at the two high schools."

WALT RANTA

Earl Lee

"(Ranta) has the skills to help deal with the budget difficulties that confront the district and will provide guidance as the district prepares to embark on its multiphased construction project."

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.