Voters who live in the 3rd Legislative District should envy Goldilocks of fairy tale fame. At least she found a bowl of porridge that tasted just right. None of the district’s legislative candidates – including incumbent Alex Wood – is “just right” for the job.

Republican Laura Carder tried for the same seat in 2006, but lost by a wide margin. The former computer programmer is most passionate about cracking down on illegal immigration, not an area the state Legislature spends much time working on. Chris Bowen, another Republican, is getting his feet wet in civic life through Spokane neighborhood committees. Neither Carder nor Bowen has adequate experience or expertise to become an effective legislator at this time.

Incumbent Wood, a former radio show host, has plenty of experience. He’s served in the Legislature since 1997. He prides himself on being a team player rather than a superstar. So he hasn’t initiated much legislation or taken on leadership roles in other ways, and he’s critical of new legislators who arrive in Olympia gung-ho about both. But constituents should expect, and reward, leaders who act the part. Wood told us that if his personal retirement financials line up, he won’t run again in two years. “After 14 years, there are younger people who need a shot,” he said.

John Waite is running as an independent. A year ago, we recommended him for a Spokane City Council seat. He lost in the primary. The small business owner was informed about city issues and earned respect in the business community for being active in downtown revitalization efforts. He’s less informed about state issues, but his energy, intelligence and ability to challenge the status quo give him the potential to be the right representative for the 3rd District.

Serving as an independent, however, would likely render him irrelevant. He wouldn’t be included in party caucuses where Democrats and Republicans outline strategy and broker committee assignments.

He’s running as an independent because he says the state needs leadership not beholden to the major parties. Voters would take a risk sending Waite to the Legislature as an independent, but if he gets there he might realize that to get things done he must align himself with one party or the other.

Voters should give Waite a shot rather than send back a placeholder counting down the days to retirement.