Experience counts.

With that rubric and an established political base, incumbent mayor Darlene Kordonowy breezed through Tuesday’s primary election with a comfortable margin over three challengers. Not unexpected, given the

paucity of purpose exhibited by two of the candidates (unless you count “The Right to Keep and Bear Campaign Signs”). Voters likewise were thoughtful in advancing freshman councilor Nezam Tooloee as Kordonowy’s November opponent, setting up what should be a general election season rich in ideas and vision for our island community.

That is, if Kordonowy presents any ideas or vision. While Tooloee has wasted no time staking out platforms on fiscal prudence, growth management and regional challenges, the mayor has yet to articulate exactly why she deserves four more years.

The challenger’s website (www.tooloee.com) makes for interesting reading. One of his planks – as we read it, managing island growth by rationing building permits – is unusually charged, in an age when most politicians studiously avoid anything resembling a specific goal that foes might seize upon and criticize. His discussion of issues ranging from downtown parking management to island-wide water conservation suggest that the community would see a number of tangible initiatives during his term. Love him or hate him, you get an idea where he stands.

Kordonowy’s site (www.kordonowyformayor.com), by contrast, includes a biography, a gangling list of seven accomplishments, and a “Donate” button. The incumbent has so far campaigned on her incumbency, but little else; in so doing, she has let Tooloee frame the debate for the five weeks leading to election day.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as Tooloee raises issues in areas with which Kordonowy is well familiar. Financial stability may well be the city’s biggest challenge in the next few years, and it’s one sphere – budgeting – where a mayor has considerable sway. With the city facing constricting revenue streams, what programs might each candidates propose for funding, and to which constituencies would they say, “Sorry”? It’s an excellent subject for discussion. Likewise, the recent flap over the ferry maintenance yard illustrates the relevance of a mayor with regional vision and clout. And we islanders never tire of talking about growth management, where Kordonowy cut her political teeth – drafting the Comprehensive Plan.

This week, Tooloee challenged Kordonowy to a series of public appearances beyond the usual late-campaign “candidate forum,” calling for open debate on the dais. It’s a calculated move, playing to the challenger’s strength as a forceful presenter. Kordonowy demurs a bit, saying she would agree to events that “serve the community, not one candidate or the other.” Well and good, but at some point, she’s got to come out and offer her plans and goals for…something.

The Bainbridge community can move forward with or without Kordonowy in the mayor’s chair; we need to know where she wants to take the city in a second term. What does she want to do?

Yes, experience counts. But it only counts for so much.