Time for change in Washington County

Prior to every election year many folks start to ask the question "what if?" What if he didn't run for re-election? What if we had a another vote or two we could count on when our issue came to the table? This year in Washington County, we have a chance to answer these questions and find out a lot more.

Even with gubernatorial primaries for both parties, the real excitement of this election cycle is in Washington County, where the balance of power could change by the end of 2010 for the betterment of conservation issues. OLCV has endorsed three candidates for the Washington County Commission and all are ready to bring a pro-conservation majority to the commission.

Leading the group of our candidates is longtime conservation champion and Washington County Commissioner Dick Schouten, who is running for Washington County Commission Chair. Schouten has already been a strong voice on the commission for increasing our transportation choices, growing sustainable communities and neighborhoods, and protecting parks and natural areas. The county is ready to take its next steps into the future and Schouten will provide the vision and leadership needed to take it there.

Hoping to join Schouten on the Commission from Washington County's District 4 is Greg Mecklem. There isn't much Mecklem hasn't done when it comes to keeping our communities healthy. A retired M.D., Mecklem now raises Alpacas on his farm in Helvetia, where he powers the operations with a solar array. Before deciding to run, Meklem faught to keep Washington County's farm and forest land safe from sprawl. Meklem will be a strong champion for rural Washington County and for smart growth to keep our cities growing and healthy.

If one Greg...If one Greg M...If one Greg M who is a farmer wasn't enough, how about two? Greg Malinowski is running to represent District 2 on the Washington County Commission. Malinowski currenlty helps manage a 60-acre farm with his brother. When he isn't tending to his farm work Greg has been a tireless advocate for growth policies that benefit all of his neighbors and that create great neighborhoods.

With a great slate of candidates in Washington County the opportunity counldn't be better or more rare. Remember: Of the three county commissioners not running for re-election to their own seats, two have served in their current role for more than 10 years. This election could bring great opportunities to Washington County and OLCV hopes you will join us in supporting these three candidates.

Check out the blog for updates on how you can help bring big change to Washington County and sign up for our e-mail list to get up to date information.