Accusations fly as commissioner’s race enters home stretch

Peninsula News Network

9/23/03

Clallam County, WA - The ballots from last week’s Primary election haven’teven been boxed up yet… but the candidates for Clallam County commissioner are already turning up the war of words in their battle for the East End post.

For only the second time since the campaign started at the end of July, incumbent Steve Tharinger and his challenger, Sue Forde, faced off in a public appearance Tuesday before the Sequim Chamber of Commerce.

The pair dug in for their respective positions, each arguing that their approach was better for the long-term well being of Clallam County.

Forde, the GOP challenger, criticized the county’s policies for not being “business friendly” and said more needs to be done to protect private property rights.

But Tharinger defend his work on the commission, saying a lot was being done for local economic development, and achieving a balance to help county business and residents work through the regulatory environment that exists now days.

While the two sparred at great length over spending, septic tanks and the Olympic Discovery Trail, Tharinger went on the attack as he gave his closing statement. He attacked Forde for her past involvement with the Libertarian Party, saying her positions were confusing. Forde didn’t respond to the affiliation question in her closing remarks, but took Tharinger to task for the court battle over the Critical Areas Ordinance three years ago.