Justin Forsman announces mayoral campaign and a ‘bold new vision for Vancouver’

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

VANCOUVER — I am proud to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Vancouver, offering a clear and unapologetic platform to deliver the leadership and advocacy this city has been waiting for.

As Mayor, I will advocate for school choice, working alongside the city council and community leaders to ensure families and students have meaningful options to pursue the best educational opportunities. I will push for practical solutions to homelessness, focusing on reintegration, job opportunities, and restoring dignity to individuals ready to rebuild their lives.

To strengthen Vancouver’s economy, I will promote tax reductions and incentives for businesses that hire local workers and help people re-enter the job market. By supporting policies that reward companies investing in our residents, we can stimulate economic growth, support families, and help create a resilient city.

Infrastructure will be a top priority. I will push for building a third bridge across the Columbia River and replacing the aging I-5 bridge, focusing on projects that serve commuters and businesses without burdening taxpayers with costly light rail. I will also explore the possibilities of tunneling systems connecting the Portland metro area, opening new transportation solutions and economic opportunities.

I will rethink how we accommodate bicycles by promoting the use of alleys as alternative bike routes. This approach will help keep cyclists safer by reducing direct mixing with vehicles and offer a smarter solution than adding bike lanes on busy streets. I will stand up for automobile infrastructure and support thoughtful lane expansion and improvements that benefit all road users.

I am a firm advocate for Second Amendment rights and medical freedoms and will champion policies that protect these essential personal liberties. As Mayor, I will use my platform to advance policies that preserve the community’s autonomy and protect individual rights.

Lowering local taxes will be a central goal. I will work with the city council and city manager to prioritize budgets that make Vancouver more affordable for families, homeowners, and small businesses. I will also support partnerships with federal law enforcement to address illegal immigration challenges and help ensure Vancouver remains a safe and secure place for everyone.

Basic city services must be prioritized. I will advocate for timely pothole repairs and support the creation of a public hotline so residents can report road issues and receive prompt responses. As Mayor, I will make sure residents’ everyday concerns are taken seriously and addressed effectively.

I will promote responsible land expansion to ensure Vancouver has the housing, business space, and infrastructure it needs to meet future growth. I will stand against extreme climate mandates and divisive DEI initiatives that pull attention away from the real needs of our community. Vancouver’s focus should always be on building strength, independence, and a unified identity.

It is time to reevaluate unnecessary international partnerships. As Mayor, I will advocate for ending Vancouver’s involvement with the United Nations, ICLEI, and other global institutions that do not directly serve the interests of our residents. Our focus must remain on serving the people of Vancouver first and foremost.

Public health will continue to be a key priority. I will push for the removal of fluoride from our drinking water and work to ensure residents have access to clean, transparent, and safe water systems. I will also promote the exploration of a city owned bank, an ambitious idea that could enhance Vancouver’s financial independence, create new opportunities for local investment, and potentially reduce or suspend property taxes in the future.

This is a time for bold leadership, clear advocacy, and strong representation. Vancouver deserves a Mayor who listens to the people, stands up for their rights, and advances policies that create lasting prosperity and opportunity.

I bring to this race the experience of an entrepreneur, a small business owner, a civil rights advocate, and a student of economics, law enforcement, legal studies, and global policy. My life has been shaped by a commitment to service, learning, and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

With unwavering ethics, determined leadership, and a clear vision, I am ready to serve as Mayor and help guide Vancouver into a new era of prosperity, freedom, and opportunity. Stand with me, and together we will build a future that every Vancouver resident can be proud of.

Justin Forsman
Vancouver

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