During four years on the Vancouver City Council, Sarah Fox has been engaged and insightful while bringing valuable skills to city government. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends her for reelection to Council Seat 6.
As always, this is merely a recommendation designed to generate discussion and provide insight gleaned from studying and interviewing the candidates. The Columbian recommends that voters examine the candidates and the issues before casting an informed ballot in the Nov. 7 general election.
During an interview with the editorial board, Fox’s passion for her work and her attention to detail became clear. She understands and can articulate the intricacies of city policy and how those policies impact residents. From housing to climate change to public safety, she discusses the details of complex issues.
In some cases, that can be a detriment for a candidate. Voters typically are more interested in ideology and catchy sound bites, but those things do not necessarily lead to solutions or progress or good governance.
Fox, who is a U.S. Army veteran, is the climate program manager for the state Department of Commerce. She has a master’s degree in urban planning and previously worked as a planner for the city of Camas. Each of those experiences is beneficial for developing the Vancouver of the future. “I’ve really delivered on the things I said I would,” she told the editorial board. “I wouldn’t say there’s anyone on council who has the same expertise.”
Along with other council members and Vancouver residents, Fox recognizes housing and homelessness as a pressing and difficult issue: “70 percent of land base is single-family. Where to rezone, how to upzone, how to encourage existing homes to embrace having a duplex or a triplex next to them, because that’s what we really need. We’re doing everything we can.”
She added, “I’m actually really proud of our city” before mentioning voter passage of a property tax levy to support affordable housing.
Leah Perkel, Fox’s opponent, is focusing on housing during her campaign. She believes the city should invest more in single-family housing and supports programs for tiny homes in an effort to increase the housing stock.
A longtime activist and community organizer, Perkel stresses the issues of food insecurity, crime and public safety while also advocating for improved public transit.
Most important, she says: “I see bringing in people’s voices. What I’m hearing from eastside residents is they’re being ignored. I don’t feel like we’re being heard.”
At the same time, Perkel praises many city initiatives. She supports Safe Stay communities and a pending Climate Action Framework. She says of the city budget, “I don’t know if there’s any cuts (I would make) right now.”
Perkel is an engaged and concerned citizen, but she falls short of making the case that Fox should be replaced. Fox demonstrates a deeper understanding of the issues and articulates an approach that leans toward thoughtfulness rather than ideology.
For example, she notes that the city’s climate plan could make it eligible for grants to help bring that plan to fruition — an important piece of the machinations involved with governing. “It’s a good thing to put out to the world that you have high goals,” she said. “There is nothing wrong with setting high goals for our community around that climate framework.”
Because she is better suited to helping Vancouver reach its lofty goals, The Columbian Editorial Board recommends Sarah Fox for reelection to the city council.
