23 hours Ago By Alexis Weisend
As filing week comes to an end, new and familiar candidates are rushing to declare their intent to run for office in Clark County. As of 2 p.m.
Friday, 140 people had filed for 92 positions . Three political newcomers are vying for seats on the Vancouver City Council, including Pooneh Gray, 57, a Vancouver woman who garnered media attention for her efforts to reopen her mother’s 1989 murder case . With a focus on homelessness, mental health and public safety, Gray is challenging incumbent Councilor Kim Harless.
“I really think I can help, and I think I can do it cost effectively,” Gray said. Joining her is 19-year-old Robert Elkin, who is challenging incumbent Councilor Diana Perez. Elkin said he’s been politically active since he was 4, when his family petitioned against closure of Fire Station 6 , which the city shut down due to budget cuts.
If elected, Elkin wants to focus on public safety, public health, economic development and transportation. “I think now is the perfect time to use my skills, my youth, my experience to help better the city that I grew up in and love,” he said. Derek Thompson, 74, is challenging incumbent Councilor Erik Paulsen.
Thompson, a former cosmetology instructor, said his priorities are homelessness, affordable housing, mental health, and improving relationships between residents and police. “We have work to do to get the city on the road to the place to where it should be,” he said. Although some incumbent councilors in other cities around Clark County are running for re-election, some new and old candidates have risen to the challenge.
Philip Johnson, former Battle Ground mayor and city councilor — who ran unsuccessfully in 2024 for the Washington House District 18, Position 2 seat — is challenging Battle Ground City Councilor Jeanie Kuypers. Former Battle Ground City Councilor Brian Munson, who lost to current Battle Ground Mayor Troy McCoy in 2021, is vying for Councilor Cherish DesRochers’ seat. Newcomer Dave Terry and former Battle Ground Mayor John Idsinga are facing off for Position 5 on the Battle Ground City Council.
Mahsa Eshghi is challenging Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen, while Geoerl Niles faces Councilor Marilyn Boerke. As of 2 p.m.
Friday, there is a three-way race for Woodland City Council Position 1, with Keith Bellisle and Aaron Brown challenging Councilor John “JJ” Burke. Jennifer De Luz is running for Position 6. Marty Swofford Jr.
and Cam Stevens are vying for Position 6 on the Washougal City Council. Louis Rivara is running for Position 1 on La Center City Council. Several newcomers are vying for spots on Clark County’s school boards.
As of 2 p.m. Friday, Solina Adelson-Journey, Marshall Marrott, Sabrena Worthy, Lorri Sibley and Jennifer Heine-Withee had filed to run for seats on the Battle Ground school board.
Other newcomers include Louis Bernard and Jacob Smith running for the Evergreen school board; Kelly Jones and Paul Hooper running for the Washougal school board; Larry Roe running for Vancouver school board; and Marie Wodaege vying for the Woodland school board. Filing closes at 5 p.m.
Friday..
