Business paper editor/publisher gets involved in politics

Pat Muir of the Yakima Herald-Republic profiles Bruce Smith, editor and publisher of the twice-monthly Yakima Valley Business Times, whose involvement in Washington state politics has raised eyebrows.

Muir writes, “Critics say he’s a kingmaker, a guy who can influence local policy like an elected official without worrying he’ll be voted out. Former Yakima City Councilman Ron Bonlender contends Smith wields ‘insidious power’ behind the scenes.

“‘State representatives come to see him,’ says Bonlender, a Democratic activist. ‘Charles Ross, whenever he’s away from Olympia, meets with Bruce Smith. Ross doesn’t dance to the marching orders of Bruce Smith, but he checks with him.’

“A Yakima native, Smith has dabbled in politics for decades. This year he’s become a familiar subject of controversy.”

Read more here.