FAQ's

Q: What is my platform, and what are my thoughts on improving the Charter?

Improve public safety and response times – Our Sheriff’s Office is underfunded and short-staffed. Currently, only four deputies are available to work on each shift and serve the 512 square miles of unincorporated Clark County. Increase the budget allocation to ensure the Sheriff’s Office has competitive salaries and sufficient funding. This can be outlined in the Charter, as it was in the San Bernardino, CA Charter. Balance the distribution of power – Too much authority is concentrated in the County Manager, who is not accountable to the voters. There should be a realignment of authority, giving more power back to our elected County Councilors. Balance the county budget – The county must have a balanced budget and protection from structural deficits. Explore options to lower citizens’ tax burdens through Charter policy amendments. Enhance the operational efficiency of all county offices by implementing performance metrics, including external reviews from citizens (e.g., Planning Dept, Permits, etc.). Establish annual performance reviews for all county employees that include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to employment retention, pay raises, and improved employee productivity outcomes. Enhance transparency and accountability by clarifying and improving the Charter’s language, and requiring open disclosure of county operations upon request. Consider making the Medical Director an elected position , requiring them to reside in the county and be elected by voters, instead of being appointed the County Manager. (The current Medical Director, Alan Melnick, MD, lives in Lake Oswego, works for OHSU, and receives a $206K/year salary from Clark County for his part-time duties.)

What is the Clark County Home Rule Charter?

Established in 2015, Clark County voters adopted a constitutional form of government known as the Home Rule Charter. Our county was the seventh in Washington to do so. This 26-page document outlines the structure of the county’s government, transferring much of the executive power from elected county counselors to an appointed county manager. The five elected county counselors primarily serve a legislative role, making policies and approving budgets but not handling administrative duties. The day-to-day operations of the county are managed solely by the county manager. All elected county officials, including the County Council, Assessor, Treasurer, Sheriff, County Clerk, Auditor, and Prosecuting Attorney, remain accountable to the voters of Clark County rather than the county manager.

What does the Charter Review Commission do?

The Charter Review Commission consists of 15 members. Each of the five County Council Districts elects three members every five years, and these members serve for two years or as needed during the five-year period. On your November ballot, you'll see candidates who have filed for Positions 1, 2, and 3 in each district. These are nonpartisan and unpaid elected positions. Once elected, the commissioners are sworn in and take office in January 2026. Their meetings are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act. The commissioners’ role is to review the Home Charter and assess it to identify ways to improve it through Charter amendments. The proposed amendments are then presented to Clark County voters in the November general elections of 2026 and 2027 for their approval.

Why is this such a critical race, and how could it impact life in Clark County?

As a candidate for the Charter Review Commission, I am committed to protecting our local government from harmful amendments. I will actively advocate against policies like Ranked Choice Voting (which Clark County voters have already rejected), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives (also rejected), and attempts to eliminate elected positions in favor of appointing them under the County Manager. For example, when the County Clerk’s position was recently threatened with being moved from elected to appointed status, I stood firmly against that change—and I will continue fighting for accountable representation.

I will always defend our community’s values and remain vigilant, even if facing a liberal majority. I promise to resist damaging proposals and work transparently so voters remain in control of charter amendments. Your voice and the integrity of our local government will always be my top priority.

What is my platform, and what are my thoughts on improving the Charter?

Improve public safety and response times – Our Sheriff’s Office is underfunded and short-staffed. Currently, only four deputies are available to work on each shift and serve the 512 square miles of unincorporated Clark County. Increase the budget allocation to ensure the Sheriff’s Office has competitive salaries and sufficient funding. This can be outlined in the Charter, as it was in the San Bernardino, CA Charter.

Balance the distribution of power – Too much authority is concentrated in the County Manager, who is not accountable to the voters. There should be a realignment of authority, giving more power back to our elected County Councilors.

Balance the county budget – The county must have a balanced budget and protection from structural deficits.

Explore options to lower citizens’ tax burdens through Charter policy amendments.

Enhance the operational efficiency of all county offices by implementing performance metrics, including external reviews from citizens (e.g., Planning Dept, Permits, etc.).

Establish annual performance reviews for all county employees that include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to employment retention, pay raises, and improved employee productivity outcomes.

Enhance transparency and accountability by clarifying and improving the Charter’s language, and requiring open disclosure of county operations upon request.

Consider making the Medical Director an elected position, requiring them to reside in the county and be elected by voters, instead of being appointed the County Manager. (The current Medical Director, Alan Melnick, MD, lives in Lake Oswego, works for OHSU, and receives a $206K/year salary from Clark County for his part-time duties.)