Experience versus a new set of eyes

Editor's note: This election, the Daily News asked candidates in contested races in Whitman and Latah County the same five questions about the position they are seeking. Candidates were given two minutes to answer each question. At the end of the interview, each candidate was offered three minutes to speak on anything they wish. Those interviews were used to profile each candidate.

Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent, a three-term incumbent, will face his first opponent - John-Mark Mahnkey - in 12 years this November.

Mahnkey, a Pullman resident, said while he does not intend to become a career politician, he is running for Whitman County Commissioner to address areas the county has failed to in the past.

Mahnkey said he would strive to be accessible to the public and encourage business growth in Whitman County.

Largent said his experience as county commissioner and his detailed knowledge of the issues the county faces, specifically the changes of balancing a tight budget with many needs, would make the transition into another term seamless.

What makes you qualified for the position?

Largent said his education and experience are his most significant qualifications to serve a fourth term as county commissioner.

He said he has been involved with nearly 12 budget cycles and knows how to balance the limited funds with the county's priorities.

"I think experience really does make a difference," he said.

Mahnkey said while he has never run for a political office before, he believes he can provide attention the county needs.

"I have a desire to serve the county, and I am not certain that the county has been given its due," he said

Mahnkey said while working in radio, he learned how to manage a significant budget, getting the best value for his dollar while still addressing needs that should be met.

"What it comes down to is I think I can do a better job than what is being done right now," Mahnkey said.

What are some of the largest issues you would like to address in the next term?

Mahnkey said he would encourage businesses to come to Whitman County and work to increase tourism if elected.

"It is a great way to add to the tax base without stressing the infrastructure," he said.

Mahnkey said he would also like to increase the public's access to the County Commissioners.

"I want to make sure I am a full-time commissioner - that someone can always get a hold of me," he said.

Largent said he would continue to focus on making government processes more efficient.

"The state is not going to come in on a white horse and provide funding. So we have to look at problems that are unique to us with the resources we have and address them," Largent said.

What do you think the role, or biggest responsibility, of a county commissioner should be?

Largent said encouraging a partnership between other county officials and the commissioners office is one of his priorities.

"The department implements county-wide change, but we can only do so with the cooperation and support of other elected county officials," he said.

Largent added constitutionally, the County Commissioners are the legislative authority on the local level and the vast majority of what their office does is as agents of the state.

"Our job is to allocate scarce resources amongst unlimited needs. That is not easy," he said.

Mahnkey said he believes the largest responsibility of the County Commissioner's office is to be transparent and accountable.

"I would love to make sure everyone in the county knows what is going on in the county, or at least make that information readily available," he said.

Other significant functions of the position include setting the budgets for various departments, he said.

Are there any areas within the county you believe need extra attention?

"I would love to raise the wages for county workers. There are a lot of workers out there that are tip-toeing around the poverty line," Mahnkey said. "It is hard to call it a living wage."

Road maintenance would be Mahnkey's second priority.

He said constituents have expressed to him concerns that rural roads are not being graded, snow is not being removed and washouts are not being repaired.

"The road infrastructure has to be maintained. I don't think it is getting the attention it deserves," Mahnkey said.

Largent said for the past several years, the commissioner's office has been striving to implement a geographic information system.

"We have been collecting cash for (a GIS system), and I believe we are going to pull the trigger on that this year," he said.

Largent said in recent years, the commissioners have also worked hard to make the budgeting process more efficient.

"We pre-negotiate budget issues and a lot of departments are much more aware of where they fall in the grand scheme," he said.

Other areas Largent hopes to allocate more attention to are county employees health insurance and staying ahead of the states indigent defense funding.

What are some ways you would help promote economic development throughout the county?

Largent said it is specifically the Port of Whitman County's task to promote economic development and it is his job to create an atmosphere where businesses and people can thrive.

"I don't think I would ever support taking funds away from our law enforcement, our parks, or other important services to create a new initiative," he said.

Mahnkey said the commissioner's office needs to put a stronger emphasis on drawing businesses to Whitman County.

He said the county should work more closely with the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association to market itself better.

Closing remarks

Largent said in his opinion, this election cycle is more partisan than in the past.

"(County commissioners) are the parks that people go to, the other end of a 911 call, the health department where you get your flu shots at. We are elections, we are all those things that everyone thinks is important. The issues that are troubling at hand are certainly not partisan," he said

Mahnkey addressed what his campaign is founded on.

"My slogan is 'Common sense, common ground.' Once we find that common ground, we can work from there using common sense to build," Mahnkey said.

Katie Short can be reached at (208) 883-4633, or by email to kshort@dnews.com.