Bill Turlay deftly manages what could be a difficult situation on the Vancouver City Council.
As the lone conservative on the governing board — although city council positions are officially nonpartisan — he could use his position to be a persistent thorn in the side of other councilors by fighting political battles that are ideological but ultimately unwinnable. Instead, as Turlay notes, “I don’t take actions based on party politics. I do what I think is best for the city.”
Because of that and because of the diversity he brings to the council, Turlay is deserving of another term. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a vote for Turlay in his race against George Francisco for Vancouver City Council Position 6.
As always, this is merely a recommendation. The Columbian trusts the ability of voters to examine the candidates and the issues before making an informed decision, and we recommend video of the Editorial Board’s interview with the candidates (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtUcGSLIC_o) as a useful tool for assisting with that decision.
In four years on the council, Turlay has walked a tightrope in finding common ground with his colleagues. But while his opponent suggests that Turlay has not been conservative enough in pursuing his agenda, Turlay says, “We haven’t had issues that I would regard as partisan. I’m willing to listen; I bring diversity to the council.”
Turlay stresses the importance of working with organizations such as the Columbia River Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce to bring jobs to the area, and he criticizes councilors at the county level for fostering animosity with those organizations as well as with the city. While Francisco has attempted to paint Turlay as a crony of county councilor David Madore, Turlay has endorsed Marc Boldt in the race for county chair, which places him in sharp opposition to Madore.
During the Great Recession and the budget turmoil that came with it, Turlay strongly advocated for preserving the city’s level of fire and police protection in the wake of proposed cuts. He points to his leadership in saving those positions — as well as his ability to work with and sway other councilors to his side — as his most notable success on the council. “I think I have a record that warrants my being re-elected,” he said. “I’ve got too many irons in the fire. I want four more years.”
Francisco, an insurance business owner with a background in sales and marketing, argues that Turlay should be more assertive when disagreeing with the majority on the council. “I feel that he’s being swayed too much by the fact they’re a friendly, cohesive group,” he said.
Francisco joined Turlay in pointing to Madore as the primary cause of tension between the county and city governments, saying, “I 100 percent put the blame on David Madore and his ambitions. He wants to run our city.” The candidates disagree, however, on the transportation priorities for the area, with Francisco believing that replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge should be the first target, and Turlay advocating for a third bridge across the Columbia River.
Of his role as a bit of a lone wolf on the council, Turlay says: “I attempt to ask hard questions at council, to ensure I fully understand how my vote will affect our citizens, their lifestyles, safety, well-being and quality of life.” He has done that effectively, and that should earn Bill Turlay another term on the Vancouver City Council.
