Building industry offers suggestions for filling out ballots

The Building Industry Association of Clark County has picked its favorite candidates on the November ballot.

Here’s who they endorse, according to a news release from executive director Avaly Scarpelli:

Vancouver Mayor: Tim Leavitt

Vancouver City Council: Jack Burkman (Position 1), Jeanne Stewart (Position 2) and Anne McEnerny-Ogle (Position 3)

Battle Ground City Council: Mike Ciraulo (Position 1), Mike Dalesandro (Position 5) and Bill Ganley (Position 6)

Camas City Council: Melissa Smith (Ward 1, Position 2), Steve Hogan (Ward 2, Position 2)

Ridgefield City Council: Sandra Day (Position 7)

Washougal Mayor: Sean Guard

Washougal City Council: Brent Boger (Position 1), Dave Shoemaker (Position 6)

“These candidates understand that housing is the third largest industry in the state of Washington and vital part of the economy in Clark County,” said Paul McGraw, 2013 president of the BIA. “As housing recovers, so does the local economy and these candidates support efforts to ensure the upward trajectory of employment growth in the housing sector. We appreciate their willingness to engage the BIA with thoughtful discussion on pressing issues impacting housing,” McGraw said.

The trade association represents more than 12,000 employees in the construction industry and has a political action committee, Building Industry Group. According to the state’s public disclosure commission, the committee has raised $24,984 and spent $15,241 to date this year.

(It should be noted the BIA has its critics, as some observers say that the reason Clark County has done such a poor job of setting aside employment land is because officials have caved to residential real estate interests to create a sprawling bedroom community for people who work south of the Columbia River.)