The race for Clark County Councilor from District 3 offers two very different candidates. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Wil Fuentes.
As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to foster discussion and provide information. The Columbian suggests that voters study the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot.
Fuentes and Chuck Keplar are running to succeed Karen Bowerman, who did not seek reelection in District 3, which covers the southern portion of the county between Interstate 205 and Camas.
In Fuentes, voters will find a candidate who has held several civic leadership roles. He has served with the Clark County Low Income Housing Committee, The Heights Community Investment Committee, the Comprehensive Climate Community Working Group and Fourth Plain Forward. In the process, he has developed a broad understanding of county policies and how they impact citizens.
During an interview with the Editorial Board, Fuentes said he would support the permissible annual 1 percent increase to the county’s property tax levy, and he believes density is the key to adding affordable housing and mitigating a homeless crisis. There is “ample land to build within the growth boundary,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving rural spaces.
Most important, Fuentes clearly articulates his position on the issues and demonstrates an understanding of their complexities.
On his campaign website, Fuentes writes, “Through zoning reforms and by streamlining the permitting process we can meet the housing needs of everyone, across all income levels and generations. … Additionally, an efficient permitting process will accelerate development and increase the number of houses available.”
Regarding homelessness, Fuentes says the county should support funding of Safe Stay Communities, which have been established by the city of Vancouver, and writes, “Mental health services, job training, and addiction treatment then create pathways out of homelessness.”
Fuentes has support from lawmakers Annette Cleveland, Monica Stonier and Sharon Wylie — the 49th Legislative District delegation — along with several Vancouver City Council members. Keplar has endorsements from the Clark County Republican Party and County Councilor Michelle Belkot. Although council positions are nonpartisan, the endorsements reflect the political differences between the candidates.
On his website, Keplar writes, “families are overtaxed and getting less for their money in Clark County.” He stresses a desire for lower taxes and opposes proposed tolls on a new Interstate 5 Bridge — an issue beyond the purview of the county council.
Rather than offer specifics about which services should be reduced if taxes are lowered, Keplar says, “Getting into the budget is a deep dive.”
Keplar embraces populist positions that might sound good but don’t necessarily reflect reality. For example, he told the Editorial Board that he longs for a day when “everybody can have a backyard.”
Either Fuentes or Keplar could be an effective councilor who engages with the public. But Fuentes demonstrates a forward-thinking focus that will better prepare Clark County for the future. His experience with community groups provides him with an understanding of the needs facing all local residents.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Wil Fuentes as Clark County Councilor from District 3.
