Who is Don Vanney Jr.?
I am a proud lifelong resident of Arlington! I was born here, graduated from Arlington High and was raised in the very home I reside in now. I love this town so much; I have never left!
It is my belief that the citizens of Arlington would be best served by a local candidate. Someone from here with a lifetime investment in the community. Someone who has knowledge of the city’s historical past and its unique appeal as an ideal place to live, work and raise a family.
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 are 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.
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 candidate for the job at exactly the right time for Arlington.
Accomplishments / Service
Endorsements
I’m proud to be endorsed by,
Transform Arlington’s current state to adhere and align with what the people want.
Have an open-door policy, promote accountability, and fight corruption.
In our local businesses and with you, the citizens!
Work to bring quality businesses to Arlington and surrounding areas while aiding existing businesses with the support they need.
Make our government financially accountable.
To provide our City administration and service departments with the leadership and tools needed to promote excellence.
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My community involvement includes 30+ years volunteering and coaching athletes for Special Olympics in basketball, volleyball and track and field with teams participating annually in the State’s Fall, Winter, and Spring tournaments. I feel that this is a very important activity for these athletes, to help keep them active and healthy, as well as a social interaction with friends, family, as well as other athletes from around the state. I personally enjoy the excitement of their great achievements when they participate in these events regardless of winning or losing. There is always a great big smile and hug. I have had the great privilege of being awarded the Volunteer of the Year from the Marysville Special Olympics Program, as well as the Snohomish County Children’s Commission Award.
Each holiday marks a time when my family and I make something special out of our home to bring enjoyment to the community. It’s about more than just decorating for friends and family to see; it’s about decorating to bring enjoyment to the general public and passers-by. The spirit that we show and hard work that my wife, my brother Jerry, and myself put in each and every holiday is just one component to the overall dedication that I strive to achieve and will continue to strive for throughout this election and for the future to come.
Support the Arlington Police Department, and the Community Outreach team as they continue their work – especially as it relates to domestic violence, homelessness and the opiate/fentanyl crisis.
Continue to make Arlington’s downtown, as well as Smokey Point, stronger – work on recruitment of additional businesses to fill the needs of the community – such as another grocery store and more businesses to support an increasing labor force and residential population.
Encourage citizens to be involved in local government by: registering to vote, bringing issues to city staff and council members and attending public meetings where their voices will be heard. I will always have an invitingly open-door policy.
Work to regain trust in our local government for the citizens of Arlington and all of the Stilly Valley.
Re-establish Arlington’s existing Mayor Council form of Government – where the Council has the control and the ability to review issues, discuss and vote equally on the issues. The Mayor position is only required to vote on issues when there is a tie vote through the council.
We need to ensure our infrastructure is able to serve our existing community before we add further High-Density Housing and Development.
We need to ensure we have the staffing in all departments to maintain our parks and streets as well as continue to operate and serve the citizens of Arlington to the level it deserves.
Support City Staff and allow them to do their Jobs – one of Arlington’s greatest assets are the number of long-term city employees who amongst them carry a vast knowledge of the inner workings of the city. It has been frustrating to watch as we lose employees to other jurisdictions. After 12 years with our current mayor, it is time for change!
Need a yard sign? Message us using the contact form below and we’d be more than happy to drop one off and install it for you. Thank you for your support!
Have any questions, concerns, or general inquiries? I’m here for the community and would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me directly using the form below or via email at [email protected]. Prefer a phone call? I’d love to chat. Call or text me at +1 425.308.2073 and we can have a discussion.