Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent expects the challenges of the coming years to look a lot like the issues he has encountered during his previous 12 years on the board — unfunded state mandates, critical technology upgrades and a shortage of public feedback.
“What you want is an effective representative,” he said, “and you don’t really care what their political affiliation is.”
Republican incumbent Largent, 60, of Colfax, faces Democrat John-Mark Mahnkey, 49, of Pullman, for the Commissioner Dist. 3 position. Ballots will start going out Friday for the Nov. 6 election.
Largent operates his own farm-related business and has worked as an corporate accountant. He has a bachelor’s in finance accounting from Washington State University.
Campaign finance records show Largent has so far raised $8,161 and spent about $3,700. His top-three contributors include Avista Corporation ($500), Dennis McDonald of Colfax ($300), and Allen Cochrane of Colfax ($300). Other notable donors include fellow commissioner Art Swannack and Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson.
County commissioners have approval authority over departmental budgets and handle many of the legislative functions at the local level. The position is full-time and will make $72,252 a year.
Looking at the next few years, Largent said the county will continue to work to balance its financial needs against the demands passed along by the state Legislature. He explained many required costs put the board in a difficult position as they allocate funding.
“Things are a little better now than they were during the economic downturn,” he noted.
Whitman County received a clean audit earlier this year for the first time in more than a decade.
This year’s budget process currently has the county spending about $1.2 million (Update as of Oct. 15: $996,000) more than it expects to bring in through revenue. Largent noted the board has set aside reserves that should cover the difference as well as some necessary one-time investments.
County officials hope to implement a new Geographic Information System to track district boundaries more precisely and facilitate many government functions. Most Washington counties have had such a system for a while. Largent estimates the system may cost between $500,000 and $750,000.
“In the near term, that’s probably the biggest capital expenditure,” he said.
As the county assesses its budget priorities, Largent called public input an essential part of the process. He said the board values transparency and tries to make budget documents accessible. In the past, they have held budget hearings in the evenings, but struggled to get much attendance.
“Most of what you do in county government is just not that interesting,” he said. “It’s difficult to get people to participate. … (But) I think we’ve done a pretty good job.”
Largent said he is proud to receive endorsements from the Washington State Farm Bureau and former state Rep. Don Cox, R-Colfax.
As the election nears, Largent admitted to some frustration with the increased polarization of local politics. He said the divisive issues at the national level do not reflect the challenges local officials deal with. Voters should evaluate candidates based on ability to govern, not political party.
“If you’re looking for somebody to advance a partisan agenda,” he said, “I’m probably not your guy.”
ADDITIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE:
League of Women Voters: Vote411 questionnaire
Palouse ProActive: Candidate questionnaire
Daily Evergreen, Oct. 19: Incumbent, newcomer compete for county commissioner seat
Two candidates are running for the position of Whitman County commissioner in the November elections.
Daily News, Oct. 4: Experience versus a new set of eyes
Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent, a three-term incumbent, will face his first opponent – John-Mark Mahnkey – in 12 years this November.
Lewiston Tribune, Sept. 28: Whitman County voters face distinct choice for commission seat
The candidates in Whitman County’s District 3 commissioner race both have lengthy family histories in the area, but their individual backgrounds and experiences differ widely.
*Updated on Oct. 23: Largent turned 60.