Anne McEnerny-Ogle was reelected as Vancouver’s mayor — continuing her role since her initial election in 2017.
Tuesday polls showed McEnerny-Ogle in the lead with 67.48 percent of the vote as her challenger, Earl Bowerman, followed with 32.52 percent.
“I’m so excited and absolutely honored that the voters believe in my work (and) that they gave me the job to continue that work,” she said.
McEnerny-Ogle added that the city council is now in a stronger place to move projects forward and find solutions to Vancouver’s concerns.
During her campaign, McEnerny-Ogle mentioned plans for Vancouver’s future, such as expanding bus rapid transit, “going up more than out” in building for population growth and redeveloping former gravel pits.
Bowerman backed his campaign with slogans such as “Vancouver must not become Portland!” and “No new taxes!” He supported funneling funds into the police department to improve public safety and generally opposed using city resources for homeless encampments.
Bowerman was unavailable for a comment.
City council seats
John Blom is leading the race against Kim Harless by a slim margin as of Tuesday night. Both candidates are running to succeed Laurie Lebowsky for Position 1 on the Vancouver City Council.
As of Tuesday, Blom had 51.25 percent of votes, with Harless trailing at 48.75 percent.
“I’m optimistic, and I’m excited about the potential that Vancouver has,” he said. “I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Blom, a former Clark County councilor for four years, credited his experience as a real estate agent for solving problems the community is facing. He also served on community boards including the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Washington, the Historic Trust and Columbia River Mental Health Services.
Harless said it’s too early to declare the results, but is happy overall with how her campaign unfolded.
“I am impressed by the community fighting the status quo,” she wrote in a statement.
During Harless’ campaign, she stressed the importance of focusing on climate change — something she is well-versed in with her degree in environmental science.
Similarly to Blom, Harless also has an impressive history of public service. She was the board president for Slow Food Southwest Washington, co-chair of the Clark County Charter Review Commission, and a council member for the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
Incumbent Erik Paulsen is leading by a large margin — about 80 percent — against Kara Tess for his Position 2 seat on the city council. Both candidates shared similar perspectives on issues such as pandemic recovery, climate change and homelessness.
Paulsen said Tuesday that he felt gratified to see the confidence voters have in his work. He added that the city has many important issues to work on and is looking forward to having those conversations with his new colleagues.
Diana Perez will likely win Linda Glover’s Position 3 seat on the council.
On Tuesday, she received 60.23 percent of votes and her opponent, David Gellatly, had 39.77 percent.
Both candidates supported initiatives for helping people experiencing houselessness, as well as the implementation of body cameras in the Vancouver Police Department.
Perez said she is prepared to tackle large issues and feels that her previous background, skills and education will bring a “fresh voice” to the council.
“I’m committed to the voters,” Perez said. “It’s not just about winning — it’s about bringing voices together in Vancouver.”
Perez never held a position in elected office, rather she worked in various community roles. She served on the Stronger Vancouver committee, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, and the board of the County Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Gellatly prioritized addressing homelessness, supporting businesses that create jobs, and listening to constituents. Regardless of the election outcome, Gellatly said, he will work toward moving the city in the right direction whether he is on or off the council.
“I’m not going to stop being involved in the community,” he said.
