On the trail

Ridgefield resident Joe Tanner, who said last month he’ll run for the Board of Clark County Commissioners, said he had a terrific kick-off event on Tuesday.

In the August primary, Tanner faces Battle Ground resident and fellow Democrat Ron Barca, whose campaign kick-off was last month, and incumbent Tom Mielke, a Republican.

About 150 people showed up at Mill Creek Pub for Tanner, a former state senator. Tanner highlighted his economic background, including being founding president of the Columbia River Economic Development Council and his 25 years in the private sector.

The crowd also heard from former state Sen. Al Bauer and former county Commissioner Betty Sue Morris.

Here, in honor of Facebook acquiring Instagram, is a photo taken using Instagram of, from left, Bauer, Battle Ground City Councilor Mike Ciraulo, Morris and Tanner.

Other attendees included: Val and Dan Ogden, candidates for Clark PUD Phil Parker and Julia Anderson, former county Commissioner John McKibbin, former Vancouver City Councilor Dan Tonkovich, Washougal Mayor Sean Guard, Clark County Treasurer Doug Lasher and 49th District Senate candidate Annette Cleveland.

Tanner also took a moment to talk about his granddaughter, who was born on Easter Sunday, said his campaign manager, Nick Ande.