Template Support Email
Use this email template to send a message to your contacts and tell them why you support Leavitt 4 Mayor, to bring positive change to Vancouver!

Where Are We Going?
Downloadable campaign brochure that outlines Tim’s platform.

Victoria Taft Show 10-26-09
Vancouver Police Officers’ Guild President Ryan Martin discusses the race with Victoria Taft on KPAM Radio.

5 Things
Open letter describing 5 things that WILL happen when Tim is Mayor, and 5 things that WON’T happen.

CVTV Candidate Interview
Brief interview with Jeff Mize from The Columbian.

Just for Fun!
Running for office means lots of campaign fundraisers. At an August event, Mike and Doris Hale created the Leavitt Campaign Martini list! Celebrate positive change in Vancouver with one of these refreshers (and for the kids, substitute lemon-lime soda for the alcohol, and they can participate, too!).

“Real” State of the City Report
Tim’s report on the “Real” State of the City.

“Real” State of the City Press Release
A press release announcing Tim’s “Real” State of the City report.

January 5, 2009 Press Release
Candidate Announcement

Here are some of the letters to the editor
that have appeared in the paper lately, as well as comments from the blogosphere.

(In cases where the papers made edits that changed the writer’s intent, we are printing the letter as they sent it, before the edits.)

Incumbent’s Behavior A Disappointment

Mayor Pollard’s television ads gave me a whole new perspective on the mayoral race. Considering myself a friend of Tim’s for a long time, I’m also a friend of Mayor Pollard.  A few times throughout the campaign season, I’ve been torn about campaigning for either or neither.  Frankly, I haven’t seen a lot of difference between the two candidates and think they both have City of Vancouver tattooed on their upper arms and close to their hearts.

My attitude toward the mayoral race has changed since watching the slick, but nasty, television ads produced by the Pollard group (or is it a community activist group?). They have taken me aback. They are in bad taste and reek of the ugly side of big-muscle type politics.  The ads are more like those produced by a major national political campaign.

Tim Leavitt has always been someone who crosses the finish line first and best.  He is slow to deliberate before speaking or taking action – giving careful weight to the topic at hand.  I sincerely hope that he continues to live his public, and private, life in a manner that matches his true self.  Tim will be a good mayor for Vancouver.

I’m sorry for the mudslinging.  It seems so out of character for Mayor Pollard whom I’ve always admired.

It’s a shame the race took an ugly turn particularly since we know that Mayor Pollard held Tim in such high esteem… until Tim decided to run for Mayor.

When some other attributes and qualifications seem confusingly similar, it seems better to vote for the honorable guy.

Jennifer Petersen, Carnelian Rose Tea, Vancouver
Submitted to The Columbian October 13, 2009

The Oct. 6 story reported, “Union criticizes Leavitt’s voting record.” We should not be surprised that union boss Mark Johnson came out swinging against front-runner Tim Leavitt. We need to read between the lines (the Vancouver Firefighters Union endorsed Royce Pollard) and realize there’s a cozy relationship between the union and the mayor, so we should not be surprised by these last-minute smear tactics.
For the voters of Vancouver, the real issues continue to be leadership in this tough economy and tolling issues on the I-205 and I-5 bridges. Leavitt has a plan and a vision for Vancouver. It’s time for new leadership.

Peter Eliason, Vancouver
The Columbian, October 10, 2009

After reading the latest blogs and what Pollard has said and based on the attacks of those under 40, I will be voting for Tim Leavitt. I am well past 40, but think it is definitely time for a change in leadership. I am very opposed to putting tolls on the bridges to pay for a new one. We need jobs and future development and someone with fresh ideas to get things back on track.

New Leadership Is Needed

After 16 years as Mayor, do we still want a man who approved the sale of the old jail at an assessed loss of approximately one million dollars and then accepted a contribution from the purchaser in the amount of $1,000.00 for his re-election campaign?  I THINK NOT.
Should we support a Mayor who approved the purchase and sale of the Monterey Hotel for a loss of over $600,000 dollars?  I THINK NOT.
Can we trust a man who took a trip to Japan to visit SEH using tax payer dollars, and then received a contribution for his re-election in the amount of $5,000 dollars from SEH?  I THINK NOT.
Our city needs a local government that permits new ideas and benefits all of its constituents.  We do not need any full time politicians concerned only with their re-election year after year.  We need a Mayor willing to listen and then prescribe new policies and procedures.
Be sure to vote.  As a voter please make up your own mind how you want to vote.  Weigh the facts, then cast your ballot.

Don Yingling
The Columbian, June 7, 2009

You know that line in the Kenny Rogers song, “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold them”? Mayor Pollard hasn’t figured out that it is time to fold his hand and step down with dignity.

After 20 years at City Hall, and at the age of 70, he wants to hold on for another four years? Effective leaders know when its necessary to step aside. Instead of moving on gracefully, the voters of Vancouver will have to “help” Pollard into retirement.

Tim Leavitt is the right choice to move our community forward; it’s unfortunate that Pollard insists on trying to hang on.

Andy Wade, Vancouver
The Columbian, October 10, 2009

A view through the lens

As a professional photographer for more than 31 years here in Vancouver, I’ve worked with many, many local politicians. I feel fortunate for the opportunities of exposure on a personal level with these individuals. Yet at no time during my career did I ever dabble into supporting or opposing a candidate.

Now, as a retired senior citizen, I am watching from the sidelines like everybody else. And, I will say without reservation that Vancouver City Councilman Tim Leavitt is one of those rare and genuine articles. He is sincere and passionate about the prosperity of our city, and he serves without ego. We would be so blessed with Leavitt representing us as the mayor of Vancouver. His integrity is impeccable. The camera doesn’t lie.

Cliff Barbour
The Columbian, March 9th 2009

‘Pie in the sky’ approach unrealistic

It is amazing that Mayor Royce Pollard is able to find jobs where none exist. (Feb. 27 story, “SEH jobs expansion will take time to materialize.”) SEH may add 800 to 1,000 positions. It is good news but it really works for a politician in a election year.

These jobs aren’t here yet; no one knows when they will happen or if they will for sure. But it is an election year and it makes Pollard look good when he emphasizes it in his State of the City address.

Then there is the Columbia River waterfront proposal. Money that could be used on normal street repairs will go to build more streets so some business might develop on the waterfront.

Again may, might, maybe.

Maybe Pollard ought to look at the streets that are falling apart after the snow and freezing weather that we have had this past winter.

Gary Snoen
The Columbian, March 8th 2009

Fresh view is needed

The recent presidential campaign and election inspired me to begin following our local politics. It’s been quite a learning experience.

I have been a supporter of Mayor Royce Pollard over the years, but it’s apparent that our city is ready and needing of a fresh voice at the helm.

I was pleased to read the Jan. 6 story, “Leavitt will challenge Pollard for mayor’s job.” Watching city council and C-Tran board meetings on CVTV, I’m impressed with Leavitt’s poise and leadership style, especially during tense sessions at city council meetings. He is more interested in listening to the views of others, rather than talking over them. I will support Tim Leavitt for mayor of Vancouver.

Jeff Workman
The Columbian, January 20th 2009

Leavitt demonstrates skill

Finally, a legitimate and viable candidate has stepped forward to run for mayor of Vancouver. I have observed the city council for over a decade, and Tim Leavitt has demonstrated the necessary diplomacy, grace and leadership skills to be mayor of a dynamic community like Vancouver.

As the Jan. 5 story, “Leavitt will challenge Pollard for mayor’s job,” reported, Pollard has been in the position for 14 years. But what wasn’t noted is that Pollard has been on the city council for 20 years. It’s time for some change, time for some new flavor, time for a voice that better reflects the current times. I want a mayor who has the poise not to respond with words like, “I’m going to kick his ass,” according to a Pollard comment that was posted on The Columbian’s Web site.

Leavitt appears to work well and has the respect of the other council members. Vancouver needs his skills. Pollard needs to go home and spend time with his family and grandchildren.

Steve Gramm
The Columbian, January 9th 2009