Williams Has The Edge
Conservatives have to get beyond mere ideology - pro-life, anti-crime, anti-taxes - if they are going consolidate their power and extend their influence into all areas of state government.
To do this, conservatives need to elect more people like Jim Williams. He hopes to represent the 4th District in the House.
As a grandfather of nine and father of five, Williams holds his own on the “family values” front, even in a contest with his opponent, Lynn Schindler, grandmother of three and mother of 10.
Indeed, these two Republicans share similar values and each is pleasant, articulate and respected in the community.
But the differences are important. Schindler has been an outside critic of public schools and her passions run to such issues as abortion, where politicians tend to generate a lot of fireworks but little in the way of social progress.
Williams has more to say on the full range of state policy. He has spent decades on the front lines of public service, volunteering in numerous local positions where he made government, business and his community more successful.
He has served on the West Valley School Board since 1983. He chaired the Public Facilities District board, overseeing construction and operation of the Spokane Arena, one of the most successful, efficient and controversy-free public works projects in local history. He’s been a leader in Rotary and the Valley Chamber and serves on the advisory board for Mirabeau Point, soon to become the Valley’s community center - provided state funding is secured.
Over and over, Williams has shown the ability to defuse controversy and make progress happen. He notes, correctly, that Eastern Washington’s legislative delegation must unite around common community goals such as better roads, rather than bickering while West Siders capture available state funds.
Either Williams or Schindler would do a good job, but Williams has demonstrated breadth, gifts and experience that would make him a leader in Olympia and an effective servant for his community.