With months still to go before the 2016 election, there’s already a contender for Clark County Councilor David Madore’s seat.
Gregory Noelck, a 48-year-old Republican, called for “collaborative leadership” and “efficient governance” in his candidacy announcement for the Clark County council District 3 seat. District 3 covers Vancouver from Interstate 205 eastward to the Camas city limits.
“I am running for county council in the Third District because I care about this county and believe I have the skills and temperament to provide healthy, collaborative leadership and policy for the benefit of all,” Noelck said in a campaign announcement.
Noelck is a newcomer to countywide politics, though he is a precinct committee officer for the Clark County Republican Party and former vice chair of the 17th Legislative District Republicans.
Noelck listed economic development, improving transportation options, public safety and building a “spirit of collaboration” among his priorities.
“There’s a lot of talk about party politics and things, and those things tend to divide us,” Noelck said. “I really want to focus on the community.”
Noelck, his wife and their five children have lived in Vancouver for nine years. He is a physical therapist with HomeCare Southwest.
Madore, a Republican, is up for re-election this year, though he hasn’t announced whether he intends to run again.
Madore has been among Clark County’s loudest conservative voices since being elected in 2012. He has, however, been in the minority vote on controversial issues since the council expanded from three members to five with full implementation of the home rule charter this year.
District 4 Councilor Tom Mielke, also a Republican, is also up for re-election this year. Like Madore, he has not indicated either way whether he plans to run again. Both elections will be ones to watch, however, as the replacement of either or both councilors could represent a significant shake up of personalities and politics on the council.
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