Scott Campbell, the government and community affairs liaison with Waste Connections, is confident if elected to the Vancouver City Council he could help repair the relationship between city government and the Clark County council.
“The past few years, the city and the county’s relationship hasn’t been strong,” Campbell said. “I work with all the current county councilors through my professional work and nonprofit boards, and I want to bring that collaborative relationship to Vancouver City Council, help build trust and move the region forward.”
Campbell, who sits on a variety of boards and nonprofits, including the Fort Vancouver National Trust, the Clark County Parks Foundation and the Veterans Therapeutic Court, announced he was running for the city council this week.
Campbell is running for Position 1. Councilor Jack Burkman, who currently holds Position 1, has decided to enjoy traveling and time with his grandchildren and is not running for re-election.
If elected, Campbell said he would focus on making sure the city budget was being spent efficiently and that the city was preparing for growth and economic development.
One reason he believes the city should be prepared for an economic spike is the current waterfront development, which he called “a game-changer for the entire metro area.”
“I think this has broad positive impacts throughout our city and county, and if the council plans wisely to leverage the waterfront growth, it can impact all areas of our community,” Campbell said.
Like several other candidates vying for city council, Campbell agrees tackling the issues surrounding homelessness and affordable housing are key.
“I would try to bring our entire community together on this. I don’t think we’ll solve this individually or working in silos,” he said.
One of his other priorities is public safety, he said.
“With our thriving community, our residents need to be safe and secure. We need adequate funding for police, fire and other emergency services,” he said.
Campbell, who is 59, has been battling cancer for several years. His treatments are working, he said, and his prognosis is good.
“One thing it’s taught me is to have a laser focus on what’s important. My family is important and my priorities, the community and I work and live in and continuing to move this community forward.”
Although Campbell shares a name with The Columbian’s publisher, the Campbell who is running for city council is not affiliated with the newspaper.
The candidate filing period is May 15 through 19. Should any race attract more than two candidates, the primary election will be Aug. 1. The general election is Nov. 7.
