Hulse, Cooper a winning team

We have clear choices in the Thurston County Commission race.

Kelsey Hulse and Jim Cooper are focused on preserving the quality of life in Thurston County. Their opponents are aligned with so-called “property rights defenders” who chafe at land-use regulations.

Their opponents (a former sheriff and a former police chief) seem preoccupied with what they view as crimes committed against the sheriff’s budget. They are in lock step with Commissioner Bud Blake, who voted against the 2016-17 budget because he wanted a bigger share for the sheriff.

Hulse and Cooper acknowledge that law enforcement is important, but it is not the only function of county government. If elected, they would ensure that the budget includes a fair balance of money to help the county staff meet all of the important obligations of county government, including public health, public works, and planning for the explosive population growth coming to Thurston County.

Governing is not easy. Hulse and Cooper have keen minds, financial savvy, and compassion for others. These traits equip them to become excellent commissioners who will represent the interests of all Thurston County residents.

It comes down to this: We can elect two candidates with youthful energy and fresh ideas, or two aging ex-law enforcement officers whose ideas are narrow and whose time for public service has passed.

This story was originally published October 25, 2016 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Hulse, Cooper a winning team."