Candidates to replace Turlay seem to differ most on how to achieve goals
The candidates for Vancouver City Council’s Position 6 are diverse in a number of ways — they span four decades in age, they come from a host of different backgrounds and bring a vast range of expertise to the table.
They are, however, all game for a selfie.
Following The Columbian’s Editorial Board meeting with six of the seven primary candidates Tuesday afternoon, the group snapped a few photos together in a show of camaraderie. And as the 90-minute discussion showed, they have more in common policy-wise than meets the eye.
Each touched on affordable housing, homelessness and working-wage jobs among their top issues. Where they differed most came down to methods, and as they jostle to replace incumbent Bill Turlay, who’s not seeking re-election, their ability to execute and communicate will likely be the deciding factor.
What follows is an abridged version of the topics discussed with the editorial board, and each candidate’s response.
The seventh candidate seeking the seat, local pastor Dorel Singeorzan, canceled Tuesday morning. A member of his congregation was dying, he wrote in a message, and he was spending the day with the congregant’s family. For a link to a previous interview with him, visit this story online at columbian.com.
Topic I: A Stronger Vancouver
The Stronger Vancouver plan relies on $30 million in additional annual revenue, collected through an evenly spread increase in business taxes, property taxes and miscellaneous taxes and fees. The result of nearly two years of committee deliberation, the plan was unveiled to the city council back in March.
Proponents argue that it’s a necessary investment in the community’s future, especially as the population booms and city staffing levels have been held at Great Recession levels. Opponents worry about the additional tax burden for residents and businesses.
Mike Pond: Stronger Vancouver is the largest issue before the city council, Pond said, but he would need to hear more feedback from community stakeholders before forming an opinion on the package.
Topic II: Homelessness
The regional Point in Time count shows rising homelessness. Back in 2016, Vancouver voters approved Proposition 1 and established a $42 million, seven-year fund to support affordable housing projects, including new buildings and renovations.
Pond: When Vancouver’s residents voted for Prop. 1, they voted to see people get off the street, Pond said, and in that regard they haven’t seen much success. He said the city badly needs a new homeless shelter, as well as more options for transitional housing that would help people move into long-term stability. “It’s a homegrown problem. It’s not people coming here because it’s great to be homeless in Vancouver,” he added.
Topic III: District Elections
Forming electoral districts was the top priority to come out of the Charter Review Committee’s analysis of Vancouver’s governing document.
Currently, Vancouver’s city council is elected at-large. Establishing districts would allow for more local campaigning, the committee reasoned, and hopefully encourage people from more diverse backgrounds to run for office.
The current city council shelved the proposal but vowed to discuss it further in August.
Pond: In favor. Turlay is the only city councilor who lives east of I-205, he said, leading to a lack of geographic diversity.
Topic IV: What’s your final pitch to voters?
Pond: Pond is the youngest person running for city council and if elected would be the only renter, representing the half of Vancouver residents who aren’t homeowners. He’s been to more than 100 meetings of community groups and understands the issues, he said. “I have been one of those free- and reduced-lunch kids.” He’s endorsed by former State Rep. Jim Moeller.