Effective and responsible government starts with good people putting themselves forward as candidates and presenting a vision for the future of their community. In the election for Cowlitz County Commissioner Position 1 we have such a candidate in Mike Reuter. He has served as the mayor of Kalama the past 7 years as well as being very civically active. Kalama is flourishing economically and is a destination from around the region for recreation, dining, and shopping. Under his leadership the city has developed positive relationships with the Port of Kalama, Kalama Schools, Cowlitz Fire District 5, and Cowlitz County. He has served in leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and the Kalama Walk and Knock food drive. There is a saying that what you think, say, or believe doesn’t matter, it's what you do that counts. Mike Reuter is a doer who is well prepared to serve all of Cowlitz County citizens the way he has served Kalama. Vote Mike Reuter.

Brad Thurman

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I’m concerned with the lack of appropriate experience of two of the candidates for Cowlitz County Commissioner. The two who are qualified to run a county government are Amy Norquist and Mike Reuter.

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Amy has a degree and recent experience advising counties and cities across the country. Her opponent’s experience in government was some 40 years ago — times have changed.

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Mike Reuter has, since 2017, been presiding, rather smoothly, as mayor of Kalama. It has been stated that Mike is unemployed. That is incorrect.

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Both of Amy and Mike’s opponents seem to answer most questions about policy or programs by saying “we would look at whether the county should be doing that or not.” Eliminating programs and not following laws and mandates is negative governing. Amy and Mike will work cooperatively to provide positive solutions to our problems.

Jim Bain

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In the past few years, our county commissioners have provided me with lots of entertainment. Lots of chuckles, even the occasional outright guffaws as to their antics and decision making.

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I mean take for instance wanting to turn over management of our landfill. Appointments to our health board who were totally unqualified. Returning $954,014 to the state which could have been used to promote health services to county residents, you know, like kids. Those were tax dollars we paid which could have done a lot of good for us, instead they went elsewhere. Our money not used for us.

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And talk about dumb ideas, our commissioners wanted to basically kill drug court which actually does something about our county drug problem. And how about the fact they want to ignore the possibility of our rural neighbors possibly having arsenic in their water wells?

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Mayor of Kalama Mike Reuter faces a challenger who is simply, I believe, a continuation of what our county commission is and has become. Politics over competent governance. Personal priority over the best interest of our county and we who live in this county.

Mike Reuter is the embodiment of what an elected should be. Experienced and proven.

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We need a positive change in our county and its leadership. Mike Reuter will be exceptional and I encourage you to join with me and elect him. We need him.

Jim Hill

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If you’ve had enough Cowlitz County chaos and dysfunction, join me to elect Mike Reuter for Cowlitz County Commissioner, position 1.

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Being from Kalama, I’ve seen Mayor Reuter’s work ethic, dedication, integrity and selflessness move our city forward through some turbulent issues.

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I’ve seen him early on Saturday mornings over the years picking up trash or tending city flower beds. More than once, I’ve come across Mike talking to local business owners about their concerns and needs. He cares.

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Mike is a “git ‘er dun” guy. He isn’t hampered by ego, he doesn’t care who gets credit, just looks for what’s best for our town and works with anyone to advance a good idea.

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As a Democrat, I don’t often vote for Republicans. However, Mike is one that I enthusiastically support. Let’s elect Mike Reuter for Cowlitz County commissioner. You’ll be glad you did.

Stu Richard

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As two members of the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners retire, we’ll have two new members and one who has only been there two years.

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Look closely at both candidates for position No. 1 before you cast your vote. I think you’ll end up voting for Mike Reuter.

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Look at who has donated to these candidates. As I write this letter, Mike Reuter’s donations come almost entirely from individual supporters.

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His opponent, Steve Rader, has less than half the number of donation entries listed with the PDC, and almost 40% of the total dollars come from the cannabis industry or principles of those businesses. Make of that what you will.

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Many of us see Kalama as a shining example of what our cities can be. It’s well managed and has an enviable sense of community. The work the Port of Kalama does in creating a tourism hub is a bright star in Cowlitz County.

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Of course, Mike can’t take credit for all the work the port has done, and doesn’t, but his work has helped.

Mike has been Kalama’s mayor for two terms. He can bring that experience collaborating with other government bodies to Cowlitz County.

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Mike’s experience working within government, with relationships already built, and with an understanding of how to maneuver to the benefit of all of us is impossible to ignore.

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Mike’s sign says: Experienced. Tested. Ready. He is those things and so much more.

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Please join me for voting for Mike Reuter.

Carol Bales