Incumbent Phil Harris believes he’s the best choice in the Republican primary for Spokane County Commission. His opponent doesn’t necessarily disagree.

Retired psychology instructor Larry Vandervert says Harris has performed admirably during his 12-year tenure, but he wants to use the campaign to promote a form a government that allows commissioners to step back and be more visionary while county managers handle day-to-day decision-making.

Under such a system Vandervert feels he would be the better candidate. That change isn’t going to happen – at least not overnight – so the realistic choice for Republican voters is Harris.

The three Democrats running for Spokane County Commission are united in their view that Harris has a deal-making style that they’re fed up with.

They say he has ignored the tenets of good government by planning for sprawl rather than smart growth. They say he has exhibited questionable ethics in allowing his sons to be hired by the county. They say he pits the interests of the county against those of the city to the detriment of most people. And they say he and his colleagues aren’t too interested in open government or commission meetings would be held at more convenient times.

But while they offer significant differences from Harris on the issues, they don’t disagree on much among themselves. Voters instead will have to turn to the candidates’ knowledge of the issues, resumes and performances in current and previous posts.

Barb Chamberlain offers the best leadership skills for the wide range of responsibilities facing a county commissioner. She has done her homework, demonstrating knowledge of key details on many facets of county government. Her work experiences give her insights into the issues facing business, education and government. She has a master’s degree in public administration.

In the early 1990s, she represented Post Falls in the Idaho Legislature. She served on the governing board of North Idaho College and led the successful levy campaign for Spokane schools this year. She also worked on various boards and committees for the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce. For the past eight years, she’s worked as communications director for Washington State University-Spokane, a role that would position her nicely to understand the important educational and health care interests represented by the Riverpoint campus.

This range of public service and work experience helps shape a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Along with that, she has demonstrated the ability to work with people of varied ideologies, which is an important trait because if she’s elected she will be serving with two Republican commissioners with different viewpoints.

Bonnie Mager is a tireless and passionate representative of neighborhood and environmental interests. For the past 19 years, she’s been the director of the Neighborhood Alliance, which she co-founded. She has also been involved with Citizens for Clean Air and the Washington Environmental Council.

The question for voters is whether her activism translates well to an executive position that should balance the needs of competing interests. Plus, there’s concern over whether would she be able to work effectively with commissioners with whom she’s had political clashes.

Retired firefighter George Orr has served in the Washington Legislature and is proud to be the only Democrat to represent Spokane Valley in the past 25 years. That’s due, in part, to being likable, but his vow to shake things up on the commission could lead to more turmoil than progress. He notes that his rivals have more patience for collaboration that he does.

Like it or not, collaboration is the only way the winner will be able to move the county forward. Chamberlain won a key endorsement from Kate McCaslin, a former Republican commissioner, which indicates her moderate style appeals to diverse interests. She is best suited to the task.