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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Editorial: Arritola is best choice to represent 4th District

One of the consequences of the top-two primary is that it can produce a general election contest between two candidates from the same party. And so it is with the 4th District, Position 2 race, pitting Republican incumbent Matt Shea against Republican newcomer Josh Arritola.

No matter the outcome, this conservative legislative district will produce a conservative winner. However, there are stark differences between the candidates. Shea is the most controversial lawmaker in the state. Arritola is perhaps the most inspirational newcomer.

Shea, as usual, declined to participate in an endorsement interview. That’s in line with his reputation for no-shows at debates and community events where he might be asked to explain himself. You have a better chance of running into him at a police standoff with lawbreakers, such as occurred in Nevada with scofflaw rancher Cliven Bundy, than at a mainstream public function.

Suffice it to say that if you fear the government is on the verge of eliminating all constitutional liberties, vote for Shea. He will happily grandstand for you.

But if you think the Legislature is a place to work on real-world problems related to education, transportation and the economy, then send Arritola to Olympia. His path from a rough childhood that included homelessness to forming a consulting firm specializing in energy issues is impressive. He speaks passionately about adoption and improving the state’s foster care system. He says the Republican Party needs to care about social issues.

Arritola is equally passionate about improving economic conditions throughout the region. He supports improved infrastructure and other measures to make the state more competitive and to retain businesses. If the state is too complacent, he notes, others will “steal our lunch.”

In a rare move, the Association of Washington Businesses declined to endorse the incumbent Republican in this race. Instead, it chose Arritola. He’s also collected endorsements from Spokane Home Builders, Washington Association of Realtors and Associated General Contractors. Former legislator Lynn Schindler has endorsed Arritola, as have former congressman George Nethercutt and Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.

Arritola wants the North Spokane Corridor to be completed, but like other Spokane Valley candidates is wary of increasing the gas tax. He says Washington freeways are among the most expensive, and he’d like to make changes that would lower those costs.

Where does Shea stand on all of these issues? You’ll have to find his website, or maybe you’ll bump into him. He has declined to tell us.

The state has serious issues in the coming legislative session, and it needs lawmakers who are engaged and willing to collaborate. Arritola is the candidate who will roll up his sleeves, rather than dash off to the next “constitutional crisis.”