Another candidate has already announced a try for Vancouver City Council Position 1, with two months to go until candidates can formally file. Adam Shetler, 43, says he’s planning to run.
The position was recently filled by the appointment of Councilor Laurie Lebowsky. It was necessitated by the death of Scott Campbell last year. Campbell’s name remained on the 2017 ballot, and he was ultimately elected. Lebowsky was then appointed by the council on Feb. 5 from a pool of 56 applicants.
However, the law requires a special election this year for the remainder of the four-year term. Lebowsky launched her campaign the day after she was appointed.
Mary Elkin, a finalist for the appointment in February, has also formally announced her intent to run. She announced her candidacy after being nominated for the position and losing to Lebowsky on a 4-2 vote.
Shetler said he wants to focus on five things: road safety, homelessness and mental health, school safety, a new interstate bridge without light rail, and boosting jobs in Vancouver.
“I’m excited about running for city council, and I’ll make Vancouver great again,” he said in a Facebook Live video asking for donations to fund his $233 filing fee.
Shetler had previously announced on Facebook that he planned to seek one of the 17th District House seats currently held by Reps. Vicki Kraft and Paul Harris, both Republicans. But upon the advice of friends, Shetler said he opted to seek election to the council.
“They said city council position 1 (would) be a good run for me because it’s my first time running for office,” he said.
Shetler is already getting the help of a local resident familiar with the campaign process: Justin Forsman.
Forsman, known as an unconventional candidate, sought a seat on the council in 2015 and 2017 as well as the 49th District in 2016.
Shetler added that he has “a heart for people and I love to serve.”
The filing deadline is May 18.
