Whatcom County - Council District 5
Whatcom County - Council District 5 - Nonpartisan Office - 4 year term
Endorsed Candidate: Ben Elenbaas
Elected Experience: Whatcom County Council, District 5, 2020-present (won with 59%); Whatcom County Charter Review Commission, 2015 (led all candidates in votes; unanimously elected by fellow members to chair commission). Other Professional Experience: Farmer and environmental steward of 300+ acres. Operations Foreman, BP Cherry Point Refinery. Ten-year member, Cherry Point Emergency Response team. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Natural Sciences, with minors in Environmental Studies and Geography, Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University. Community Service: Past youth football coach; volunteer with 4-H and FFA. appointed to Whatcom County Planning Commission; leadership roles with Farm Bureau and Cattlemen’s Association.
Statement: It has been an honor representing you on the Council. Four years ago, I ran to restore a balance to local government residents deserve. I grew up on a farm. I work at an oil refinery. I live in a rural area. On our farm and at the refinery, I help produce things that people need every day. One of the major concerns I hear is that our current council majority continually tries to apply failed solutions, expecting better results. We have a mental health, drug, and affordable housing crisis, family wage jobs are still under attack. Activists say we can’t have clean water and agriculture. They say we can‘t have clean air and thriving industries. In the world I live in we have both, we must have both. This is the perspective I’ve brought to the council. In an echo chamber, it takes a bold voice to present an alternative opinion to the majority. I have been that bold voice. Business as usual has only served to strengthen the issues our community faces. I will always stand for you, even if it means I’m standing alone. I ask you to re-elect Ben Elenbaas County Council District 5. For More Information: (425) 395-4833 Elenbaas4council@gmail.com elenbaas4council.com