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Two of the three candidates vying for state Rep. Paul Harris’ 17th Legislative District Position 2 seat — including the mayor of Washougal — recently faced off during a League of Women Voters of Clark County candidate forum.

Washougal Mayor David Stuebe, who is running as a Republican for the state House of Representatives position, will compete against Democratic candidate Terri Niles, of Vancouver, and Republican candidate Hannah Joy, of Carson, in the Aug. 6 primary election. The top two vote-getters will run in the Nov. 5 general election.

Stuebe and Niles attended a June 26 League of Women Voters of Clark County candidate forum to promote their hopes for the 17th District. Joy declined to participate in the forum.

League of Women Voters moderator Jane Johnson asked Stuebe and Niles a number of questions about issues impacting the 17th District, which includes the cities of Camas and Washougal.

In their opening statements, the candidates explained why they were running for the Position 2 seat now occupied by Harris, the Republican state representative who hopes to succeed retiring Republican state Sen. Lynda Wilson in the 17th District.

Stuebe said he wants to “bring people together, focus on what’s important and solve problems.”

“I have a lot of passion and concern about local politics, but also national politics … so I just want to do more,” Stuebe said. “I’ve got time. I’m retired. I’ve been in service my whole life, so I want to keep going with that and try to help out our neighbors. I care about unity, community and bringing people together.”

Niles, who worked for nearly three decades as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse, said that, as a single parent and healthcare professional, she understands the challenges facing many residents in the 17th District.

“Rising costs of education, housing and basic necessities make success seem out of reach for too many people. I believe we must make these opportunities achievable for everyone, particularly our youth,” Niles said. “My vision for our state is clear. I envision a Washington where prosperity is inclusive, opportunities are accessible to all and our economy fosters success for every individual not just a select few. I envision safe, livable cities, which means affordable housing, quality education with fully funded schools, high-paying jobs, affordable and accessible childcare, roads in good repair and critical infrastructure, including broadband.”

The candidates offered their views on everything from funding for public schools and the Interstate 5 bridge replacement to protecting water rights and election integrity during the candidate forum. Following are a few of their responses to the League of Women Voters’ questions:

Water issues

Niles said state leaders are “constantly grappling with water supply issues” thanks to a burgeoning population and growing agricultural demands.

“Sustainable water management practices are going to be essential to ensure a reliable water supply for the future,” Niles said. “These practices include protecting water sources from pollution, investing in water infrastructure and promoting water-conservation measures. Recent events, exacerbated by climate change, especially flooding and landslides, have also intensified the need for investment in a robust infrastructure to manage and protect water.”

Stuebe said he believes access to affordable water is “a huge issue out there.”

“Even as a city, I’m dealing with that,” Stuebe said. “It’s crazy (that) we’re in Washington where it rains nine months out of the year, and we have some of the highest water rates out here.”

Stuebe added that water rates in the city of Washougal are high.

“We have all these mandates coming from, not only the state, but from the federal government, with our wastewater treatment, clean drinking water … and it’s just really hard.”

Stuebe said he wants to make sure that water supplies are clean but also affordable.