📢VICTORY FOR THE PEOPLE: Effort To Strip Voters Of Right To Elect County Clerk Stalls

Today, several citizens showed up and gave thoughtful, compelling comments opposing the proposal to make the County Clerk an unelected position. The most persuasive argument—and the one that ultimately won the day—was that, with Charter Review Commission elections already underway, it makes far more sense to allow that process to play out before taking any drastic action.

But make no mistake: this was a power grab, led by none other than Judge Derek Vanderwood—the very judge who was supposed to be presiding over my Preliminary Injunction hearing at the same time today but instead recused himself and was promoting this change. Rather than have the County Manager appoint the Clerk, Judge Vanderwood was pushing for JUDGES to make the appointment themselves.

Thankfully, this idea was rejected—for now. Judicial representatives, including two judges I've stood before (who have previously ruled against me), left visibly frustrated and on the losing end of today’s outcome.

Frankly, it’s troubling to see members of the judiciary—those tasked with being the final guardians of our constitutional rights—so willing to abandon the fundamental principle that the people should elect their public officials over what appears to be internal disputes about record keeping. It’s a dangerous precedent, and it was important that several came and called it out... respectfully and peacefully, that is.

Below is the public comment I shared with the Council today:

Good afternoon, Clark County Council, fellow citizens and judges. I oppose the idea of a charter amendment to make the County Clerk an unelected position. This extreme response to a judicial-executive dispute is like trying to kill a fly with a sledgehammer, undermining the democratic foundation of our county.

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.” Our right to elect the County Clerk ensures accountability in managing court records and upholding judicial transparency. The U.S. Supreme Court in Powell v. McCormack (1969) affirmed that the people’s right to choose their officials is fundamental, striking down an attempt to exclude a duly elected representative. Appointing the Clerk would strip voters of this power, risking an unaccountable office.

The Washington State Constitution, Article I, Section 1, declares, “All political power is inherent in the people.” An elected Clerk maintains impartiality, free from judicial or executive control. This amendment, driven by a branch dispute, overreaches. The Supreme Court in Bond v. United States (2011) emphasized that separation of powers limits government overreach to protect liberty. Changing the Clerk’s status is a disproportionate solution that weakens checks and balances. James Madison called an independent judiciary “an impenetrable bulwark” of liberty. An elected Clerk ensures this independence, serving the public, not other branches.

This sledgehammer approach threatens our democracy. I urge the Council to reject this effort and preserve the people’s right to elect the County Clerk. Resolve disputes through dialogue & education, not by silencing the people’s voice.

Speak up, show up, give respectful & thoughtful comments, pray, and good things will come your way. You won’t win every battle, but I’ve found that we're made stronger, even in defeat.

It was a good team effort today, and it only happens when we all rise up together.

URGENT HELP NEEDED: CLARK COUNTY FAIR BOOTH LEADER

Having a booth at the Fair is an important tool to reach thousands, especially for our Charter Review effort.

The Clark County Republican Party is currently seeking a dedicated individual or team to manage the Clark County Fair Booth this year. As of today, we have not received any volunteers. Please note that our contract must be signed and payment submitted by the end of this week.

If you are interested in taking on this important responsibility, kindly reply to this email or contact Chairman Matt Bumala (info@clarkrepublicans.org) directly with your information. Without a volunteer, we will unfortunately be unable to maintain a presence at the fair this year.

Clark County Fair August 1-10, 2025

ICYMI: COUNTY MANAGER & OTHERS WANT TO CHANGE THE CHARTER TO MAKE COUNTY CLERK APPOINTED RATHER THAN ELECTED

The Clark County Manager, and others from the judicial branch, are aiming to strip the people the right to elect their County Clerk. In short, some don’t like the way the Clerk runs things (who’s also a conservative) so their answer is change the Charter so that the County Manager makes the choice (then to be rubber stamped by the Council), rather than the people (the proposed selection process is not known so I’m speculating based on how others are appointed - so the process might be different in the end).

It’s clear, the people can’t be trusted with the important decisions so the elites need to take control… for our own good, of course.

IYMI: POSTPONED AGAIN!

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION HEARING

In a last minute move, Judge Vanderwood has recused himself because he’s the presiding judge that interacts with the Council. 

THIS IS EXACTLY THE REASON I FILED IN SKAMANIA COUNTY. WILL I (AND THE PUBLIC) GET JUTICE IN CLARK COUNTY WITH A LAWSUIT AGAINST CLARK COUNTY?

Justice delayed is justice denied. 

This case is not just about one Councilor or one issue—it’s about transparency, public trust, and protecting your right to be informed and involved in decisions that shape the future of Clark County. I’ll keep you updated as the case progresses, and I hope to see many of you there in support of open and accountable government.

NO NEW UPDATES AS OF 7/9 - Still waiting for the new judge to be assigned to reset the hearing date

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