Our View: Republican is ready, able to represent 4th District

In the Aug. 19 primary election, for the first time since 1996, Lynn Schindler’s name will not be on the ballot in the 4th Legislative District. Three Republicans and two Democrats are competing to succeed her.

In the state’s new top-two system, there’s no guarantee that the candidates who advance to the general election will be from different parties. Three, however, stand out: Republicans Diana Wilhite and Matt Shea and Democrat Tim Hattenburg.

The sprawling 4th District stretches to the Pend Oreille County line, but the population is concentrated in the south to include Spokane Valley (where Wilhite has been a city councilwoman since the city was incorporated) and Liberty Lake.

Wilhite is a small-business owner and has been visible in community life for as long as she’s lived here. She grasps the tensions between business and government, having been on both sides of that divide. The local branch of the National Federation of Independent Business has endorsed her.

She’s a political conservative, but her interest in government grows out of a basic appreciation of civics. Living in Washington, D.C., more than 35 years ago, she longed to work on Capitol Hill. She started out helping constituents of a New Jersey congressman – a Democrat, it so happens. The political process has fascinated her since, to the advantage of the community where she’s been an involved contributor who can transcend party lines.

Shea is a young trial lawyer with a family history in Eastern Washington and a military record that includes two combat tours. He’s a social and fiscal conservative who does free legal work on religious liberty issues.

Shea cites his experience as an Army captain as an example of leadership qualities. We admire his service, but Wilhite’s background is more relevant for a legislative role.

Hattenburg is a retired teacher with his own civic involvement – he’s a Spokane Valley Library District trustee and a leader in 4-H, Boy Scouts and the Special Olympics. He’s a Central Valley High School graduate.

As a Democrat in a Republican district, Hattenburg is an underdog. But his views reflect common sense, and his background in education gives him a hands-on understanding of the challenges facing schools. A stint as a school athletic director allowed him to demonstrate responsible stewardship of public funds.

In our view, Diana Wilhite has demonstrated her readiness and ability, making her the best choice.