John Ladenburg is moving on – possibly to the state attorney general’s office – and somebody will have to replace him as Pierce County executive.
Of the four candidates seeking the office, we think Republican Shawn Bunney and Democrat Pat McCarthy – in that order – come closest to filling Ladenburg’s big shoes.
This is an unusually diverse field.
All four candidates are serious contenders with impressive credentials. The other two are Calvin Goings and Mike Lonergan. Goings, a Democrat, has extensive experience in public office, including the Legislature. Lonergan, who is running under his own “Executive Excellence” banner, has served as a Tacoma city councilman and as the executive of two nonprofits, the Salvation Army and Tacoma Rescue mission.
We like Bunney’s calm thoughtfulness, analytical ability and inclination to work behind the scenes solving the knottiest problems.
We’ve been particularly impressed in recent years by his leadership on transportation issues crucial to Pierce County. He performed hard, thankless work as chairman of the Regional Transportation Investment District, balancing competing interests and helping negotiate delicate compromises.
Bunney hasn’t always taken as hard a line on growth management as we might have preferred, but he understands the importance of urban growth boundaries and density. He won’t preside over an orgy of suburban sprawl.
Because this is a “ranked choice” election, we are endorsing a second candidate; voters can choose up to three on their ballots.
Our No. 2 is McCarthy, the present county auditor. In one respect – experience in public administration – she stands out. She’s been running a major department of county government since 2003 and had been chief deputy auditor since 1999. She was a member of the Tacoma School Board from 1987 to 1999.
Given her record in the auditor’s office, McCarthy is likely to do well at running the machinery of county government. Our hesitancy about her stems from her vagueness on major issues a Pierce County executive must face, especially regional transportation and growth management.
Good cases could be made for both Goings and Lonergan. Goings has a somewhat amazing political resume that includes appointment to the state Senate at the Guinness Book age of 22. We’ve often been impressed by his work on the county council. He’s full of ideas and blessed with almost manic energy, but we’re concerned about his temperament. Goings sometimes displays a reckless, confrontational streak, and he needlessly creates enemies.
Lonergan is also a respectable choice. He’s served well on the Tacoma council and has often been the one who’s asked the tough questions about city policy.
Lonergan has a strong intellect. His broad experience in human services reflects a genuine concern for the disadvantaged and down-and-out. Lacking the backing of a major party, though, he looks a long shot at best for the county’s top job.
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