Pond announces second run for Vancouver City Council

Candidate touts youth in bid to replace Lebowsky

A young Vancouver man threw his hat into the ring for Vancouver City Council, joining two other candidates running for the seat currently held by Councilor Laurie Lebowsky.

Mike Pond announced his candidacy Friday. Pond, a political consultant who’s worked on several local and federal campaigns, also serves as chair of the Young Democrats of Clark County.

In a media release he emphasized his youth; if elected, Pond would be the youngest person on the city council at 33.

“It is more clear now than ever before that we need to prioritize safe and affordable places to live, accessible transportation options, and robust training for living wage careers in order for Vancouver to continue to thrive and grow,” Pond said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many residents live and work, and COVID recovery will not be successful without a holistic look at the structural changes needed to help our community flourish again,” he said.

Pond sought a city council position once before during a seven-way primary race in 2019. He fell short of the ballots needed to advance to the general election, bringing in 9.3 percent of the August vote.

As a senior at Prairie High School, Pond organized a student march to show support for a schools levy in Battle Ground in 2006 and went on to join the student government at Western Washington University. Upon returning to Vancouver, he worked on several campaigns, including Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s mayoral bid and Jim Moeller’s 2016 run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently works as a marketing specialist for ADCO Commercial Printing & Graphics.

Pond’s campaign will hold a rally via Zoom at 5 p.m. May 21.

Lebowsky announced last month that she would not seek reelection to a second term on the city council. Along with Pond, two others are hoping to replace her: former Clark County Councilor John Blom and Clark County Charter Review Commission Co-chair Kim Harless Felix.

Lebowsky has publicly endorsed Blom as her preferred replacement, citing his expertise in housing and homelessness issues. Blom, a real estate agent, had served a four-year term on the Clark County Council but lost his reelection bid last year after dropping his affiliation with the Republican party.

In addition to her work on the charter review committee, Harless Felix also serves as the board president for two local food security nonprofits, as treasurer of the Clark County Food System Council and as a member of the Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens. She works as a program coordinator for PaintCare, a paint recycling nonprofit.

Community Leader Mike Pond Announces City Council Candidacy

VANCOUVER, Washington, - Mike Pond, a lifelong Vancouver resident and community leader, is formally announcing his candidacy for Vancouver City Council, Position 1. Pond’s long-term investment in the city and its residents makes him the ideal person to fill the now vacant Position 1, Council seat. 

As a youth in Vancouver, Pond received the honor of Eagle Scout for service to the community. While attending Prairie High School, Pond began investing in local politics by volunteering for the “Yes for Vancouver Libraries” campaign, as well as leading student engagement in local levy support. As a high school senior, Pond organized the first “March to the Middle” for Battleground and Prairie High School students to show support for the 2006 Battleground School District levy. After high school, Pond received his Associate’s Degree in Vancouver at Clark College, then went on to Western Washington University, where he earned a degree in Communications and Sociology. While there, he assisted in the passing of a Green Energy Fee and co-managed a $2.3 million budget as the Associated Students’ Vice President for Student Life.

After returning to Vancouver, where he currently is a renter in the Ellsworth Springs Neighborhood, Pond began working on local campaigns to help transform leadership at the city of Vancouver, and in Clark County, the state legislature, and the 3rd Congressional district. His work on these elections led to a solid understanding of the hard work it takes to advocate for constituents as an elected official in Vancouver and Clark County and has given him a depth and breadth of knowledge regarding critical issues facing our city that elevates him in this race. Pond currently works as a Marketing Specialist at ADCO Printing & Graphics Inc.

Over the last nine years, Pond has supported, volunteered for, and worked on several important community initiatives, including affordable housing, local school district bonds and levies, and clean industries at the Port of Vancouver. A 2015 graduate of Leadership Clark County, 2017 & 2020 nominee for the George C. Marshall Public Leadership Award, Board Member for the Queer Youth Resource Center (QYRC), and Chair of the Young Democrats of Clark County (YDCC), Pond demonstrates consistent community engagement. As a candidate under 35, Pond embodies a diverse perspective not yet seen on the city council. Pond brings creativity, strategic thinking, and a long term perspective to the council that will lead to a more intentional look at how the city is representing all residents.

“It is more clear now than ever before that we need to prioritize safe and affordable places to live, accessible transportation options, and robust training for living wage careers in order for Vancouver to continue to thrive and grow,” said Pond, who is running his campaign on three tenets: Safety & Quality of Life, Transportation & Infrastructure, and Jobs & the Economy. “The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way many residents live and work, and Covid-19 recovery will not be successful without a holistic look at the structural changes needed to help our community flourish again. My experience as a long-time community leader will give me the background knowledge needed to assist the mayor and the city council in leading Covid-19 recovery in the state of Washington.”

Please join Pond and his team at a Zoom “Voter Rally!” Friday May 21st, 5-7pm. 

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Pond will bring new dedication, energy, and passion to the Vancouver City Council when elected. For more information visit votepond.com, or @votepond on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. 

A Real People-First Candidate, Mike Pond

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Mike Pond, candidate for Vancouver City Council, Position 6, filed for office the morning of May 13, 2019. Pond was able to waive the candidate-filing fee after collecting 340 signatures from registered voters of Vancouver, exceeding the required amount of 240 signatures.

One signature is required for every dollar of the filing fee ($240.60 for the Vancouver City Council). Pond was required to be witness to every signature gathered for the petition. During his regular attendance of community events and meetings, including several neighborhood associations, and spending time at the Vancouver Farmers Market, Pond spoke to voters, who overwhelmingly decided to give him an opportunity to appear on the ballot.

According to the Clark County Elections Office, Pond is the first person to successfully file for candidacy in Clark County history by collecting signatures in lieu of the filing fee. Instead of relying on the donations of a few people, Pond appealed directly to the constituents he desires to represent. This is a reflection of his commitment to reach out to the community and build meaningful relationships.

When asked about this achievement, Pond stated “It was never about the money, it was about knocking down any barriers to participating in the political process.”

Mike Pond & the Columbia Talk Issues

Candidates to replace Turlay seem to differ most on how to achieve goals

The candidates for Vancouver City Council’s Position 6 are diverse in a number of ways — they span four decades in age, they come from a host of different backgrounds and bring a vast range of expertise to the table.

They are, however, all game for a selfie.

Following The Columbian’s Editorial Board meeting with six of the seven primary candidates Tuesday afternoon, the group snapped a few photos together in a show of camaraderie. And as the 90-minute discussion showed, they have more in common policy-wise than meets the eye.

Each touched on affordable housing, homelessness and working-wage jobs among their top issues. Where they differed most came down to methods, and as they jostle to replace incumbent Bill Turlay, who’s not seeking re-election, their ability to execute and communicate will likely be the deciding factor.

What follows is an abridged version of the topics discussed with the editorial board, and each candidate’s response.

The seventh candidate seeking the seat, local pastor Dorel Singeorzan, canceled Tuesday morning. A member of his congregation was dying, he wrote in a message, and he was spending the day with the congregant’s family. For a link to a previous interview with him, visit this story online at columbian.com.

Topic I: A Stronger Vancouver

The Stronger Vancouver plan relies on $30 million in additional annual revenue, collected through an evenly spread increase in business taxes, property taxes and miscellaneous taxes and fees. The result of nearly two years of committee deliberation, the plan was unveiled to the city council back in March.

Proponents argue that it’s a necessary investment in the community’s future, especially as the population booms and city staffing levels have been held at Great Recession levels. Opponents worry about the additional tax burden for residents and businesses.

Mike Pond: Stronger Vancouver is the largest issue before the city council, Pond said, but he would need to hear more feedback from community stakeholders before forming an opinion on the package.

Topic II: Homelessness

The regional Point in Time count shows rising homelessness. Back in 2016, Vancouver voters approved Proposition 1 and established a $42 million, seven-year fund to support affordable housing projects, including new buildings and renovations.

Pond: When Vancouver’s residents voted for Prop. 1, they voted to see people get off the street, Pond said, and in that regard they haven’t seen much success. He said the city badly needs a new homeless shelter, as well as more options for transitional housing that would help people move into long-term stability. “It’s a homegrown problem. It’s not people coming here because it’s great to be homeless in Vancouver,” he added.

Topic III: District Elections

Forming electoral districts was the top priority to come out of the Charter Review Committee’s analysis of Vancouver’s governing document.

Currently, Vancouver’s city council is elected at-large. Establishing districts would allow for more local campaigning, the committee reasoned, and hopefully encourage people from more diverse backgrounds to run for office.

The current city council shelved the proposal but vowed to discuss it further in August.

Pond: In favor. Turlay is the only city councilor who lives east of I-205, he said, leading to a lack of geographic diversity.

Topic IV: What’s your final pitch to voters?

Pond: Pond is the youngest person running for city council and if elected would be the only renter, representing the half of Vancouver residents who aren’t homeowners. He’s been to more than 100 meetings of community groups and understands the issues, he said. “I have been one of those free- and reduced-lunch kids.” He’s endorsed by former State Rep. Jim Moeller.

Letter: Candidate has a Clear Vision

By Audrey L. Mattoon, Vancouver
Published: July 30, 2019, 6:00 AM

During the Vancouver City Council Position 6 Columbian interview, the first candidate to call for more community involvement in Stronger Vancouver was Mike Pond. This stuck out, as many of our friends and neighbors don’t even know what Stronger Vancouver is. Pond calling for more community engagement shows that he is well-informed about Stronger Vancouver and how it will change the lives of residents, and he wants to make sure everyone is more informed before he and the council make a final decision. I’ll be supporting Mike Pond for city council, and I urge you to do so as well.

Pond Snags Young Democrats Endorsement

Mike Pond, one of seven people competing for the Position 6 seat on the Vancouver City Council, got a boost this week with a plum endorsement from the Young Democrats of Clark County.

Mike Pond answering questions at a candidate forum.

The endorsement is on-brand for the former campaign adviser, who over the last few months has made a point of emphasizing his youth. Upon announcing, the 31-year-old pointed out he’s the youngest person in the race. He’s repeatedly reminded voters that he’s a renter, not a homeowner. And just last night, at a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters Clark County, he drew the first and only laugh from the room with a cheeky, “I’m an Eagle Scout, so you know I’m trustworthy!” Oh Mike, you scamp.

Endorsements in the crowded Position 6 race matter more than most. The seat is wide open — the incumbent, Bill Turlay, isn’t seeking reelection, and with just three weeks left until primaries the candidates are jostling to distinguish themselves. Others have drawn notable endorsements from the Columbian’s editorial board, the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, state Rep. Monica Stonier and Turlay himself. 

In an email, Pond expressed thanks “to the strong, dynamic group of active community leaders for their support and endorsement.”

“Their boots on the ground, and campaign support are invaluable.”

Whether that support will be enough to carry him to the general election is another question entirely. Historically, off-year primary elections for city council races aren’t exactly bursting with young voter turnout. But who knows?

In a media release, the Young Democrats of Clark County wrote that each candidate on the endorsement list “was chosen based on their platform, their vision for the future of Clark County, and their investment in the young people of Clark County.”

They also endorsed the incumbents, Erik Paulsen and Ty Stober, for Vancouver City Council Position 2 and 5 respectively. 

The group additionally endorsed:

Clark County Council, Position 4: Adrian Cortes 

Vancouver School District (VSD), Position 1: Caressa Milgrove 

VSD, Position 4: Lindsey Luis 

VSD, Position 5: Tracie Barrows

Letter: Support Pond for City Council

By Scott Kershaw, Vancouver
Published: July 30, 2019, 6:00 AM

Over 50 percent of Vancouver’s residents rent, yet we don’t have anyone to represent renters on city council. After watching the Vancouver City Council candidate interviews, I will be supporting Mike Pond for Position 6.

Mike shared his experiences as a renter. He also demonstrated a clear understanding of what the city should do with the Affordable Housing Fund in order to keep people in their homes, and get those currently without housing into homes.

Our city has a lot of work to do when it comes to caring for our most vulnerable, and Mike Pond can help lead that conversation.

Letter: Pond is Invested in the City

By Tyler Smart, Vancouver
Published: July 30, 2019, 6:00 AM

Remember the saying, “dress for the job you want”? Mike Pond has been doing the job he wants, for the last five years that I’ve known him. Mike has attended hundreds of city and county council meetings, neighborhood associations, and been present at a myriad of other community functions. Mike has his finger on Vancouver’s pulse and has a vast knowledge and understanding of what our community needs. I’ve never met anyone who is as invested in (and loves) their community more than him. #VotePond.

Letter: Support Pond for City Council

By Bill Dickey, Vancouver
Published: July 27, 2019, 6:00 AM
Source: Columbian.com

Mike Pond is my choice for Vancouver City Council, Position 6. Mike’s dedication to Vancouver is unsurpassed. I am ready for a young voice on the city council. From earning his Eagle Scout badge to volunteering for many community nonprofits, Mike has proven his dedication to our city.

Mike works for the company I founded; as an employer I can give him a good recommendation, too. Mike believes in affordable housing options, investing in infrastructure to maintain our transportation system, and training centers to move the homeless to jobs so they can grow and thrive. Please vote for Mike Pond.