Our primary picks stand for Nov. 3 general vote

The commentaries below summarize endorsement positions taken by The Spokesman-Review’s editorial board before the Aug. 18 primary that remain applicable for the Nov. 3 general election.

The full editorials can be found online at www.spokesman.com /tags/2009-election-endorsements.

House of Representatives, 9th District: Republicans Susan Fagan and Pat Hailey both argue for less regulation, fewer mandates and lower taxes. What matters in this ideologically matched race are experience and qualifications.

The stronger credentials belong to Fagan, former director of public affairs for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Pullman. She understands the economic issues of manufacturing as well as family farming, with which she also has personal experience. She also worked in Washington, D.C., for three of Idaho’s U.S. senators.

Fagan has the philosophy and preparation for the job. (July 29)

Spokane City Council, District 2: Councilman Mike Allen, who was appointed to fill a council vacancy in 2008, has owned a small business, overseen a college athletic department budget and directed foundation and corporate relations for Eastern Washington University – a credible resume. As a council member, he’s pushing for the city to clarify its capital priorities and to control police and fire salaries to preserve more police and fire jobs.

His challenger, Jon Snyder, publisher of Out There Monthly magazine, is bright and animated, but less committed to confining city government to the essentials.

Allen has done a commendable job for the past 18 months. Voters should reward him with a full four-year term. (July 31)

Spokane City Council, District 3: Incumbent Nancy McLaughlin is a fiscal and social conservative who has made employee compensation at City Hall a top issue, voting against the past three labor contracts.

Her opponent, Karen Kearney, says unions have already made significant concessions, and she would not vote against employee contracts agreed upon by the city. We think the city would be better served by McLaughlin. (Aug. 1)

Spokane Public Schools, Board Position 3: Board member Jeffrey Bierman was appointed last year to fill a vacancy. His opponent, Heidi Olson, taught secondary education in Utah and has taught foreign students at Eastern Washington University’s extended learning program.

Bierman is a physics professor at Gonzaga University and has worked at educating the district on why the math curriculum is insufficient. With his insistence on more openness and academic rigor, Bierman is the right choice. (Aug. 4)

Spokane Public Schools, Board Position 4: Rocky Treppiedi has been a school board member for 12 years. His resistance to more open government is troubling.

But he advocates increased academic rigor and early education.

Challenger Laura Carder wants change, but it’s the wrong kind, such as teaching creationism in science classes.

We endorse Treppiedi with trepidation. (Aug. 5)