Why does Ben Elenbaas deserve a promotion to the State Senate after his ineffective term on the County Council?
When asked about his lack of Conservative performance on the County Council, Elenbaas likes to remind folks that Republicans on the County Council are in the minority - but he seems to conveniently forget that Republicans in the State Senate are in the minority as well. If we continue to accept our position as the minority, we will never become the majority. We need leaders who are unafraid to stand by their convictions regardless of the popular opinion.
In the two-month legislative session, Sen. Simon Sefzik, whom Elenbaas is challenging, hit the ground running proposing solutions and championing legislation to reduce taxes and bring much-needed flood relief to Whatcom County. Sen. Sefzik was willing to reach across the aisle to find solutions - something that Elenbaas has been unwilling to do on the Council.
Furthermore, Elenbaas has had 15x the amount of time on the County Council that Sen. Sefzik had in Olympia and yet, Elenbaas has never proposed any solutions to improve life in Whatcom County. I want to be represented in Olympia by a senator who fights for me, not one afraid to work with those he disagrees with.
Elenbaas has touted his years of “experience,” but it’s starting to look like he’s had a long time to get nothing done.
Nate Higashi, Lynden
