The following are Whidbey News-Times recommendations for Nov. 4 general election. The decisions were based on editorial board interviews and coverage of local candidate forums:

JACKS FOR COMMISSIONER

Though the candidates for Island County commissioner offer a very distinct choice, this was not an easy decision.

Karla Jacks, a Democrat, gets the slight edge because of her breadth of experience and grasp of county issues. Republican Rick Hannold faces a steeper learning curve.

We are concerned by Hannold’s affiliation with the so-called “Mean Girls” website, a source of vicious railing against political and public figures who don’t agree with their viewpoints. We don’t want to see a return to the sort of battles that bogged down the commissioners during Kelly Emerson’s tenure on the board.

To serve voters well, Jacks will need find her true voice. Party platforms and loyalties play a role in the shaping of public policy, but many issues in the county arena require free thinking and divorce from partisan influence.

Being from Camano Island, Jacks also offers representation on the board of commissioners that part of Island County needs.

GRONE FOR TREASURER

For Island County treasurer, Wanda Grone, a Republican, is our recommendation over Democrat Ana Maria Nuñez, the incumbent.

Nuñez’s four years in office yielded far too many errors. It’s time for someone new to take the reins.

Having served as deputy treasurer for years, Grone has the experience to do the job and deserves the opportunity to prove herself.

CRIDER FOR AUDITOR

In the race for Island County auditor, Republican Sheilah Crider, the incumbent, is the best fit of the two candidates. While several mistakes occurred under her watch as well, Crider also ushered in positive changes.

First and foremost, the auditor’s office abandoned a long-standing and archaic cash-only policy and now accepts debit cards.

We were underwhelmed by Democrat Rebecca Wagner’s stated reasons for seeking the job.

RETURN SMITH TO OFFICE

Norma Smith, R-Clinton, should be returned for another two years in Position 2 of the 10th Legislative District. Smith is responsive to the public and isn’t afraid to challenge state or local offices when needed.

Also, it’s hard to take seriously her challenger, Libertarian Michael Scott, who declined to meet with Whidbey News Group’s editorial board and failed to show for candidate forums.

HAYES FOR HOUSE

Incumbent State Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano, should be reelected to the 10th District’s position 2 seat. A soft-spoken family man and career police officer, Hayes appears the embodiment of a small-town lawmaker representing Island County in Olympia.

Hayes is a reliable conservative who has done a fine job.

Democrat Nick Petrish is also a working man — a Boeing electrician — but his plan to use a state bank as a recipe for fixing the state’s budget woes is unlikely to gain traction and may lead to some wheel-spinning.