JW Foster (Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2, Washington, candidate 2024)

JW Foster

Independent Party

Candidate, Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 6, 2024

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Years of service

1975 - 1979

Personal

Birthplace

Framingham, Mass.

Religion

None

Profession

Retired

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

JW Foster (Independent Party) ran for election to the Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2 in Washington. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

Foster completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

JW Foster provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 7, 2024:

• Birth date: November 30, 1955
• Birth place: Framingham, Massachusetts
• High school: East Greenwich High School, East Greenwich, R.I.
• Military service: United States Marine Corps, 1975-1979
• Gender: Male
• Religion: None
• Profession: Retired
• Prior offices held:
  • Mayor of Yelm, Washington (2016-2021)
  • Yelm City Council member (2011-2016)
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Work together to make things better.
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2

Rachel Dreon and JW Foster ran in the general election for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Rachel Dreon (D)
		JW Foster (Independent Party)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2

Rachel Dreon and JW Foster ran in the primary for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2 on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Rachel Dreon (D)
		JW Foster (Independent Party)

---

	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

To view Foster's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Foster in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

JW Foster completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Foster's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

A former U.S. Marine, Retired Firefighter/Paramedic, Former City Council member and Mayor of Yelm, WA, I continue to serve our community by volunteering with local service clubs, conservation organizations, and in the schools, particularly with the career and technical education programs. My wife and I live on a few acres in Yelm, caring for a bunch of "pasture pets" (all rescues) and spending as much time as we can with our four grandkids. Community service is part of our lifestyle and we're proud of the accomplishments we've been a part of, like starting a community garden, organizing free family events in the park, and partnering with local artists and business owners to create Yelm's first free art wall. As Mayor, I attained Advanced Municipal Leader certification with the Association of Washington Cities. I chaired the Thurston Regional Planning Council and represented our region's interests on numerous boards and committees. I'm looking forward to continuing that work as a County Commissioner.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• My first priority is to review the budget process and make sure that are revenues match well with our service delivery. Every dollar the taxpayers provide needs to be accounted for and support efficient and effective programs that help keep Thurston County a safe and healthy environment for our residents and visitors.
• Economic vitality. Working with the Economic Development Council, local Chambers of Commerce, industry leaders and business owners to create and support a thriving economy.
• Balancing property rights with smart, sustainable development; creating more available and attainable housing, while maintaining open space, farmland and sensitive natural places in order to preserve the character of our county.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public health should be our number one concern. It starts with providing safe and healthy home environments in which children can thrive and families can support themselves with good paying jobs, access to health care and support for mental health.

Creating zoning and building codes that support the infill of urban areas.
Supporting the environment with reasonable, achievable regulations that utilize resources efficiently and limit waste.

Supporting the courts in treating people with respect and providing options to incarceration while holding citizens accountable for their actions.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

So many mentors! From my parents, coaches and teachers to my colleagues in the Marine Corps and fire service, I try to emulate the positive actions and attitudes of those around me.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The ability to listen to people with a desire to understand their concerns. Then gaining trust with by speaking truthfully and sincerely. Being on time and respectful of others time and priorities.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Experience. Independent thinker. Collaborative.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Working the job full time. Reaching out to the citizens to really hear their concerns and bringing them back to the the team for consideration and action - then getting back to the constituents on what you've been able to do for them.
Fiscal responsibility is paramount. Working with the County Manager, finance committee and State Auditor to ensure we are using our revenues appropriately.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My personal mission statement is that I will work to serve my community and be a positive influence in the lives of those I interact with.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of JFK. I was only 8, but remember how upset all the grownups were at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at my parent's small town weekly newspaper. Worked there on and off all through high school, 'til entering the U.S.M.C.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"The Source" by James Michener. I read this book in high school and it helped me understand how humans developed religion and how those religions/cultures shaped the modern world.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I don't want to say it, lest it get stuck there again. Moving on now....

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Maintaining a proper work/life balance.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

People should know that the Board of County Commissioners also act as the County's Board of Health. In that role, they can set the stage for a healthy community that lifts all citizens.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Although very helpful, I believe anyone who has demonstrated that they want to learn and are good at collaboration and communication could be successful in the role.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Being a good listener and communicator. Patience and a true feeling of compassion for others.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

All the Thurston County locals of IAFF (professional firefighters). WA State 10th District Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. J.T. Wilcox, Representative 2nd District Wa State Legislature. Andrew Barkis, Representative 2nd District Wa State Legislature. Derek Sanders, Thurston County Sheriff. Carolina Mejia, Thurston County Commissioner. Gary Edwards, Thurston County Commissioner. All 7 Thurston County Mayors. All 7 Yelm City Council members. More listed on website.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

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