Mielke changes mind, will run for County office

By Steve Jackson

A former state representative has decided to drop out of the race for the Congressional seat being vacated by George Nethercutt. Todd Mielke has instead opted to run for a seat at the local level.

Republican Mielke was a state representative for the 6th District in the early and mid 90s. Since then, he has worked on lobbying efforts for the business community. Late last year, he said he would seek the 5th Congressional seat being vacated by George Nethercutt.

Wednesday, Mielke announced he has abandoned those plans and will instead focus his efforts on the County Commissioner seat held by the lone Democrat on the commission, John Roskelley.

Mielke says he made the change after consulting with business and private interests in the community.

"Over and over again their message was pretty clear, which is if you really want to help me on a day-to-day basis look at local office," says Mielke. "Federal government is nice, but the issues that impact me most are local. It's about trying to bring more jobs into the community."

Mielke says important issues facing the County include adequate funding for transportation, like the North-South Freeway and I-90, deciding how to protect the region's underground aquifer, and keeping jobs from relocating to Idaho.

He says in that regard he believes he has stronger support for small businesses than his opponent, John Roskelley.

"Sometimes that means getting out of their way, sometimes that means recognizing they have limited resources," says Mielke. "I think we differ in the fact Mr. Roskelley sometimes sees businesses and business growth as something that's a negative. I don't see it that way."

Mielke says he already received endorsement from commissioner Phil Harris, the Spokane Police Guild and state lawmaker Lynn Schindler.