Candidate Comparison – Commissioner Candidate Amanda McKinney

Allow me to repeat myself.  The Yakima County Commission District #1 race is an interesting contest.  The incumbent is Yakima businesswoman Vicki Baker.  In 2019 she was appointed to the seat formerly held by Mike Leita.  Leita resigned early after serving 15 years and the two remaining commissioners ultimately appointed Baker to fill out the remaining year of Leita's term.

One of the finalists not chosen by the commissioners was current challenger Amanda McKinney.  She didn't let the selection process set-back dull her taste for the job and she went right to work campaigning, spreading her message and philosophy in preparation for the August Primary.

Her outreach and social media messaging proved effective and she won the Primary with 47.3% of the vote.  Baker, the chosen incumbent received 34.7% .  So the race is on for November 3rd.

McKinney works in the home lending industry.  She says she works with complex rules, regulations and red tape not unlike a government entity.  She is fiercely passionate about Yakima and looks forward to working to make sure government is efficient, effective and works for all the residents of the County.

She has ideas and energy and shared her story this morning on Newstalk KIT.

Both McKinney and Baker are running as Republicans and both are high quality, qualified candidates.  In my editorial opinion it's too bad either one has to lose.  However, I can predict a winner already...and the winner is... the people of Yakima County.