My name is Don Vanney Jr. and I’m announcing my candidacy for the position of Mayor of the City of Arlington in 2023.
I was born in Arlington in 1959 to Don Sr. and Norine Vanney. As a lifelong Arlington resident, I happily spent my youth roaming the beautiful Stilly Valley countryside in and around Arlington. Over the course of the last few years, I’ve come to realize that the residents of the once small town I’ve spent my entire life in is wanting a change from our current leadership. With the present state of rapid growth and development happening in our community, I feel our Administration needs to be communicating continuously with our schools and businesses so we can better meet our future needs. I feel our businesses and schools are the lifeblood of our community. Therefore, consider this my official declaration to enter the Arlington mayoral race for the November 7th, 2023 election. As Mayor it’s my clear intention to bring our beloved town back into the hands of the people.
I’ve had the great opportunity to serve the last several years on the City Council. During this time, I have completed the Association of Washington Cities Certificate of Municipal Leadership, as well as earning their Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership. I serve on the Arlington LEOFF1 Retirees Board, Council Liaison to the Airport Commission and I serve on the Snohomish County Regional Law and Justice Council, as well as the National League of Cities Federal Public Safety & Crime Prevention Committee.
It is my belief that the citizens of Arlington would be best served by someone local with lifelong ties and a true deep-set investment in the community, as well as someone with knowledge of the city’s historical past and its unique appeal as an ideal place to live and work. With Downtown, and Smokey Point being the priority, it’s my vision to work inside out, to keep the vibrant business environment the city has enjoyed but at the same time, further explore opportunities in the Smokey Point area in conjunction with our thriving Airport and surrounding vicinity.
The first order of business will be to reestablish trust in our civic leadership and build upon current local commercial entities with a profoundly positive business environment. Business leaders will find an open-minded administration, a willingness to work with others, and encouragement of open discussions on a wide variety of topics. Facing a multitude of issues, we’ll address infrastructure with respect to roadway improvements and traffic issues.
I will address head-on tough social issues like the ongoing drug crisis, particularly with our youth, and also deal, in a humane way, with the pervasive problem of increased homelessness.
The feelings I have for Arlington are shared by all resident’s past and present, you may leave town, but the town never really leaves you. I believe we all want the same thing – we want Arlington to be that place with a small hometown feel, a place where our families can grow and be proud to call home. I invite all citizens of our big little town to join my campaign and work with me to make our city a place we can be proud of.
Together we will compel this cherished community to flourish above and beyond what it once did. While always paying homage to its storied past, it’s important to look to the future and strive earnestly to leave this a better place for our children and grandchildren.
It is my steadfast belief that I, Don Vanney Jr. am the right person for the job at exactly the right time for Arlington.
ENDORSEMENTS
I am proud to say that of my fellow Council Members, I have the endorsements of
- Marilyn Oertle,
- Michelle Blythe
- Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam
I also have the following endorsements.
- The Washington State Council of County and City Employees. Union representing the City of Arlington union represented employees.
- The Affordable Housing Coalition.
SOURCE: The Don Vanney Jr. Campaign
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
