Kirk VanGelder - Clark County Republican Party

 Elected Experience
Current Precinct Committee Officer; Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County – Vice President/Treasurer since 2022; Technology Educators of Oregon – President 2017 – 2024

Other Professional Experience
30+ year Automotive Technology Instructor – Cascadia Technical Academy and Clark College. Textbook author and e-learning content developer of one of the top three Auto Tech curriculums in the world since 2010.

Education
AAS with Honors Automotive Technology – Clark College and AAS with Honors Auto Body Collision Repair – Clark College

Community Service
Proebstel Neighborhood Association – President; Neighborhood Association Council of Clark County – Vice President/Treasurer; Fern Prairie Grange – President

Statement
As a lifelong Clark County resident, I understand our community’s pressing concerns - rising costs, misallocated transportation priorities, and policies misaligned with residents’ values. Unlike other candidates in Position 3, I firmly oppose Light Rail—a position shared by the vast majority of voters. I’ve testified extensively against it, frustrated by elected officials who disregard the public’s will.

Having co-authored four successful opposition statements to recent Charter Review Amendments, I’ve proven my commitment to grassroots advocacy and my alignment with the voters’ priorities. On the Charter Review Commission, I’ll advocate for amendments that reflect our community’s voice, ensuring safer neighborhoods, smarter transportation solutions, and fiscal responsibility that benefits all.

My background as a Career and Technology Education Instructor and president of multiple organizations equips me to collaborate with other Commission members to propose amendments that strengthen our Charter. Having authored a series of top-selling College and Highschool Automotive textbooks equips me to research complex issues and clearly communicate solutions. With a track record of community-focused leadership, I’ll work to make Clark County safer, more prosperous, and livable.

I humbly ask for your vote to deliver accountable, common-sense governance for all residents, including my 19 grandkids!


For more information
(360) 903-4976

Kirk.VanGelder.us