Clark has earned election to council

One important local contest should not get lost in the hubbub over national and legislative election campaigns. Seattle City Councilwoman Sally Clark, who has served as an appointee the last nine months, ought to be elected in her own right.

Clark was appointed last January from a long list of nearly 100 candidates seeking to fill a post left vacant by Councilman Jim Compton's early departure. She stood out in that group and she stands out this election. "She's a thoughtful, ask-good-questions kind of legislator," observed Council President Nick Licata.

In many ways, Clark is a quiet student of the council, so this endorsement is based on an expectation that she will grow into a more-dynamic role.

Clark joined a council that too often rubber-stamps Mayor Greg Nickels. Once elected, she ought to spread her wings and become more independent-minded.

Clark is in favor of the mayor's tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct and she supports his still-sizable road-and-bridge-improvement package on the ballot. But she gets credit for joining with three others in opposing the employee tax portion of the transportation package.

She also opposes a trash facility in Georgetown and a proposed strip-club zone just outside the neighborhood, an admirable pro-neighborhood stance.

In the final year of the term, Clark should stick her neck out and not be afraid of conflict or putting her own stamp on things. Sometimes, we call that leadership.