EDITORIAL: Kelly or Stober for Clark County auditor

For several reasons, the race for Clark County auditor is one of the more prominent contests on this year's local ballot. The Columbian's Editorial Board recommends a vote for Mitchell Kelly or Ty Stober.

As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to provide information and foster discussion. The Columbian trusts that voters will examine the candidates and study the issues before casting an informed vote for a position that oversees local elections and several public-facing departments.

For the first time since 1998, voters will be selecting somebody other than Greg Kimsey, who is retiring after seven terms. That, combined with growing scrutiny of election security, adds to the interest surrounding this race for a nonpartisan position. So does the fact that three candidates have a strong history in elected politics, having held public office for several years.

Despite a lack of public prominence, Kelly has strong qualifications. He is a deputy county auditor, has worked in the office for more than a decade and previously worked for the state auditor's office. He has a full understanding of what the job entails, and during an interview with the Editorial Board, he demonstrated the demeanor necessary for ensuring public confidence in our elections and our local government.

When asked about election integrity, Kelly calmly explained the various security measures in place, including signature verification. When accused by another candidate of unethical behavior, he clinically - and convincingly - described the processes undertaken by the auditor's office.

When asked what he might have done differently from Kimsey, Kelly said he would have added security cameras to drop box locations earlier, before one was bombed in 2024. He added that "what Greg has been able to do is build great teams."

Part of the auditor's job is to advocate for policies in front of county officials, legislators or federal officials; that will not come naturally to Kelly, but it is easy to see him effectively and collaboratively managing an office of approximately 50 employees.

Stober, meanwhile, has been a Vancouver city councilor for 11 years. He has a strong interest in improving voter turnout and demonstrates a solid understanding of the office's inner workings.

"We have benefitted as a county from the stability that Greg Kimsey has lent to this office for 28 years," Stober told the Editorial Board. "You're a leader of teams, teams of professionals."

Given their notoriety, Sharon Wylie and Eileen Quiring O'Brien likely will garner support. But given the job's technical and compliance requirements, continuity in office is a factor. Neither Wylie nor Quiring O'Brien, both in their late 70s, can promise that.

Wylie, a Democrat, has been a state representative before declining to seek reelection this year; Quiring O'Brien, a Republican, is a former chair of the Clark County Council.

Wylie has a strong record of collaboration and a good understanding of the job. She stresses election security and public engagement and said, "I would reach out and find what people are thinking about election integrity."

Quiring O'Brien has a stridency that suits her for making policy rather than implementing it at the bureaucratic level. When asked if she would have qualms about her office issuing marriage licenses to members of the LGBTQ+ community, she said, "I'd have to think about that." A few minutes later, she said, "I've thought about it, and I would follow the law."

Such hesitation should be enough to disqualify Quiring O'Brien in the minds of voters.

Instead, we recommend voters focus on Mitchell Kelly and Ty Stober for Clark County auditor.

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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 7:08 AM.