In race for Whatcom County Council, Melious and Larson debate who is better for local economy

Whatcom County Council candidates Jean Melious and Tony Larson say electing them would be good for business.

But the candidates for the nonpartisan District 1 seat offer voters a choice between different views of governing.

Larson says county government is regulating families and businesses “into poverty” and that elected officials need to be more mindful of how their decisions affect the public.

Melious says responsible long-term planning will protect the region’s quality of life and rural character, keep taxes lower by preventing sprawl, and provide stability to businesses.