Thompson said he is ‘running for City Council because my practical experience and compassionate approach are what Vancouver needs now. My priorities are focused on the well-being of all our citizens’

Ken Vance, editor
Clark County Today

Vancouver City Council candidate Derek Thompson says his belief for his city is simple: “when the citizens thrive, the city thrives as well.”

Thompson is running for Council Seat 2, which is currently held by Erik Paulsen, in the November general election. Thompson has made Vancouver his home for the past 13 years.

“For the past 13 years, Vancouver has been my cherished home,’’ Thompson said. “I’ve witnessed its transformation from a close-knit town into a vibrant city, and I am running for City Council to ensure our growth is guided by thoughtful, compassionate leadership that serves every resident.’’

Thompson’s journey in Vancouver began as a cosmetologist, a profession he says “taught me the power of connection and encouragement.’’ That career led Thompson to found HANDS of Favor in 2013, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in the community. 

“For seven years, we provided free haircuts and grooming services to the homeless and underserved, building partnerships with 24 organizations across four counties, including Open House Ministries and Project Homeless Connect,’’ Thompson said. “Through this work, I had the privilege of listening to countless stories and directly touching the lives of over 20,000 people. This experience gave me a deep, first-hand understanding of the challenges facing our community.’’

Thompson said he is “running for City Council because my practical experience and compassionate approach are what Vancouver needs now. My priorities are focused on the well-being of all our citizens.’’

Those priorities Thompson referred to included:

• Ending homelessness with sustainable solutions: “I have seen firsthand that temporary fixes are not enough. I will champion evidence-based, compassionate solutions and advocate for responsible funding to help individuals reintegrate into our community. Individuals experiencing homelessness must take some responsibility for their own path forward. Assistance should be a two-way street, where we provide help, but individuals must be expected to actively participate in their own rehabilitation and reintegration.’’

• Strengthening public safety and community trust: “Vancouver residents deserve to feel safe. I will be a strong advocate for a fully funded police force, while also supporting comprehensive mental health and addiction services to foster positive relationships and guide people back to productive lives. Addressing the safety needs of Vancouver involves looking at several key aspects of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), including its funding, staffing, and training.’’

• Addressing our mental health crisis: “We have a burgeoning mental health problem that must be addressed and fixed. I will work with local health organizations and community partners to expand access to affordable mental healthcare, ensuring our residents have the support they need to thrive.’’

• Supporting our veterans: “It is our duty to support the men and women who have served our country. I am committed to developing innovative solutions to ensure our veterans receive the assistance they need and deserve.’’

• Cultivating educational excellence: “A strong city is built on a strong educational foundation. I will work collaboratively with our schools and parents to ensure safe and nurturing learning environments that produce responsible students. Parents need to have a voice in the what and how our children are taught. Student safety and disciplinary issues are a problem that needs attention, as does the support for students with disabilities. Financial instability is a big issue.’’

• Fostering responsible growth: “We must manage our city’s growth with foresight and equity. I will work to invest in infrastructure, protect our green spaces, champion small businesses, and address the critical need for affordable and sustainable housing.’’

• The case against tolling: “My opposition to the proposed tolling of the new bridge is not a stance against progress, but a stand for the economic well-being of our community. While I fully recognize the urgent need for a new bridge to address our region’s critical infrastructure challenges, traffic congestion, safety deficiencies, and seismic vulnerabilities, I cannot support a funding mechanism that places an undue burden on our working families. The economic realities facing many of our residents are stark. Many families in Vancouver are already struggling to make ends meet, balancing the high cost of housing, utilities. and groceries. Adding a significant toll potentially costing commuters hundreds, if not over $1000 annually, would create an insurmountable obstacle for those simply trying to earn a living. This is not a sustainable or equitable solution. It would effectively tax our most vulnerable residents just for the privilege of getting to work. We must pursue a new bridge that is both safe and accessible. The current bridge is an outdated and dangerous relic, lacking the necessary safety features and resilience against natural disasters. We must replace it. However, the solution should not come at the expense of our community’s financial stability. The proposed tolling plan does not align with our values. It’s a proposal that would prioritize a fiscal shortcut over the economic security of our citizens. I urge us to find a more responsible, equitable, and sustainable funding model that meets our infrastructure needs without deepening the financial struggles of our hard-working neighbors.’’

Thompson said his experiences with his nonprofit organization has given him the ability to work with others to achieve those goals.

“My time with HANDS of Favor taught me the power of collaboration and unwavering dedication,’’ he said. “I am prepared to work diligently with my fellow council members, city staff, and, most importantly, the residents of Vancouver, to bring about tangible, positive change.

I humbly ask for your trust and your vote for Vancouver City Council. Together, we can build a safer, more compassionate, and more prosperous Vancouver for all.’’

For more information, visit Vote for Derek Thompson 2025.