Candidates speak to voters in Othello during forum

OTHELLO — A candidate forum held at Reichert’s Showhouse the evening of Oct. 19 gave community members a chance to meet county, state and congressional election hopefuls.

The forum, hosted by The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce and the Adams County Farm Bureau, allowed for each candidate to give a four-minute introductory speech, followed by questions from the Chamber and the Farm Bureau, as well as the audience.

Adams County Commissioner candidates present for the evening included John N. Marshall, Roger Hartwig, and Ken Johnson.

Marshall, who currently serves as District 1 Adams County Commissioner, said that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as commissioner.

Marshall is a business owner and Army veteran who resides in Ritzville. He is a festivals and an American Legion member. He served on city council, and currently serves on various other county committees.

District 2 Adams County Commissioner, Roger Hartwig, is also running for reelection.

“Should I be privileged enough to be elected, this will be my fourth and final term,” Hartwig said.

Hartwig believes the commissioner position demands someone who is willing to put in all the hours and dedication needed to attend all outside meetings focused on keeping the county alive.

“It is a full time job focused on many meetings,” he said.

Hartwig discussed marijuana licenses and how they are a state issue. He explained the only thing a county can do is place a moratorium on and keep the cities safe. He water issues continue to be a main priority.

Ken Johnson is also running for the District 2 commissioner seat and is a local business owner.

“I am a hometown person,” he said.

Johnson and his family, who own and operate Johnson’s Glass and More, are invested in the community.

“Adams County is our future,” he said, for his business and everything else that goes on within the county.

Johnson has served as an Othello City Council member for 14 years, served six years as Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Othello, and was the very first city council member to earn the Association of Washington’s Municipal Leadership Award.

As a member of the Adams County Development Council, Jonson is also strong on economic development for the county. He said that the county has experienced economic and population growth which puts demand on public services.

In order to avoid county citizens from having to front the bill, he suggested that increasing the tax base with economic development would help reach this goal.

Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner was also present. He said his career in Adams County has been amazing, and lot of it is because he loves his job.

“There’s no better job in the world,” he said. “I will fight for everything to help you be safe.”

Wagner said he brings experience to the table, including the knowledge of what goes on in the county. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community.

Other candidates present were District 4 Congressional candidate Clint Didier, Washington State Senator Mark Schoesler, and State Representative candidates Mary Dye, Jennifer Goulet and Joe Schmick, all of whom discussed and answered questions regarding agriculture and transportation.