On Wednesday, both candidates vying for Benton County Commissioner this year met for a wide-ranging debate touching on topics such as the Coffin Butte Landfill expansion, the BLM threat to Marys Peak, economic development, gaps in local health care, housing and homelessness… and, well, the list could go on.
Spanning nearly an hour and half, incumbent Pat Malone and challenger John Wilson kept it civil and on point. Former City Club vice-president Helen Higgins and Corvallis Advocate publisher Steven J. Schultz moderated the debate.
Whoever wins this Democratic Party primary race for Commissioner will almost certainly go on to win the general election in November. Area voters consistently elect Democrats. At press time, no other candidates have filed to run.
Malone has served two terms and is seeking a third. Wilson is an Adair Village City Councilor that also serves on the Benton County Planning Commission.
This primary is set for May 19. Benton County residents have until April 28 to register to vote if they haven’t already.
So, enough from us, click on the video above to learn more about Pat Malone and John Wilson, and what they would differently from one another if elected.
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