Building a Stronger Future for Clark County
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ABOUT JOHN
John Jay is proud to call Clark County home and is committed to advancing the county’s future through thoughtful leadership, transparency, and efficient government. He is running for County Charter Review to ensure that the county operates efficiently and with the best interests of the community in mind.
John currently serves on the Vancouver Planning Commission, as treasurer of his Rotary Club, and as a precinct committee officer. His previous service includes time on the Clark County Parks Advisory Board and as Vice-Chair of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce Government and Public Affairs Committee.
With over a decade of experience in the private sector, John specializes in marketing financial services to military families and veterans. His professional background, combined with his public service, gives him a well-rounded perspective on the needs of Clark County’s residents and businesses.
Outside of his work, John enjoys hiking with his nieces and nephews. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
John Jay is ready to lead with integrity, listen to the community, and deliver real results for Clark County.
ISSUES
"My goal is simple: make sure the county operates efficiently, fairly, and with the best interests of the community in mind," said Jay "I believe we can improve how decisions are made, streamline county processes, and create a government that is responsive to all residents."
The charter’s current checks and balances limit the Council’s ability to effectively counterbalance the unelected County Manager. Provisions that restrict oversight, investigations, and access to information weaken the Council’s ability to fulfill its legislative role and serve constituents. I would support exploring ways to strengthen Council oversight, improve access to information, and consider a full-time Council so members have the time and authority needed to ensure County government is responsive, accountable, and working for the public.
Strengthening Checks and Balances
Public offices such as the County Clerk should remain elected positions to ensure officials are directly accountable to the people they serve, not the politicians that appointed them. When voters choose their representatives, they retain the power to evaluate performance, express community priorities, and guide the direction of local governance. Keeping these roles elected rather than appointed helps preserve transparency, responsiveness, and public trust by keeping decision-making power in the hands of voters instead of political insiders.
Keep Offices Elected
Keeping housing-related costs lower can help more families afford to buy a home, remain in their current homes, and invest in the local community. Additional costs, including property taxes, can reduce housing accessibility in Clark County. Raising the voting threshold to a supermajority of four councilors for any levy lid lift or property tax increase would make it more difficult for the county to raise taxes, requiring broader agreement among councilors and ensuring more deliberate consideration before adding costs for families.
Control Cost of Living
Clark County initially adopted the home rule charter in 2014 to give residents the power to propose initiatives and referenda, allowing the public a direct voice in local government. However, no citizen-led measure has ever succeeded under the current system, as the threshold for qualifying is very high. Lowering these barriers would make it easier for residents to propose, support, or challenge legislation, enhancing transparency, accountability, and public engagement.
Empower Voters
Support
Nancy Barnes- Clark County Public Utilities Commissioner
Paul Harris- Washington State Senator, 17th LD
John Horch- Clark County Sheriff
Myrna Leija- La Center City Council
Leslie Lewallen- Camas City Council
Garry Lucas- Former Clark County Sheriff
David Stuebe- Mayor of Washougal and Washington State Representative, 17th LD
Kevin Waters- Washington State Representative, 17th LD
Sarah Akey
Jon Anderson
Dan Barnes
Ray Davenport
Ann Donnelly
Jenn Duvall
Brian Gellatly
Henry Harbert
Anthony Ho
Marjorie Ledell
Everett Lindberg
Dan Sockle
David Wetmore
Join John!
"I look forward to speaking with the Voters of Clark County. Sign up to receive campaign updates and to join the team!"
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