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Republican commissioner candidates on the KRFY podcast: http://www.krfy.org/podcast/ Challenger: Kunzeman. Incumbent: McDonald. All county voters vote for both commissioner seats.

MacDonald has worked in government less than two years; Kunzeman 13. Both said transportation is a top issue, favoring road maintenance and the BNSF railroad bridge (both ignoring oil/coal spill risks) Kunzeman brought us the SPOT bus.

Kunzeman listens: against the smelter. Supports votes on Medicaid expansion and Scotchman’s Wilderness proposal.

MacDonald refused to take a position on the smelter for legal reasons. That did not stop his making a radio spot against Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Rock Creek Mine and Medicaid expansion. He criticized the state for not looking at other options. (Other options have already failed, even those with Otter’s support.) Why not try Medicaid for 62,000 workers in the meantime? “I don’t want to throw money at it,” he said. Money may trump compassion for McDonald, but compassion is free in this case, and Medicaid coverage empowers people to work, pay taxes and raise families.

Kunzeman is more open and honest, more passionate and compassionate.

MacDonald claims to have saved the county money, but his conception of his duties and leadership role is too narrow. Commissioners are charged with our safety and health, that’s what taxes pay for. I want someone who has passion and a wide vision — who is not blind to the sacrifice of health, recreation, wildlife, environment, our very way of life, only so that we can save money. And someone who listens.

NANCY GERTH

Sagle