Building industry PAC announces endorsements

A political action committee that supports real estate, land development and construction businesses announced several local endorsements Monday.

The Building Industry Group, a PAC that acts on behalf of the Building Industry trade association, announced the endorsements in a news release ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. The committee indicated that housing affordability was a top priority.

Incumbent Gary Medvigy, a Republican, was tapped in the Clark County Council District 4 race. He is opposed by Battle Ground City Councilmember Adrian Cortes, a Democrat.

In the Vancouver City Council races, the committee endorsed two incumbents in Councilors Erik Paulsen and Bart Hansen. Maureen McGoldrick, a retired lawyer, is challenging Paulsen, while Hansen is running unopposed.

The committee also picked former Clark County and Vancouver City Councilor Jeanne Stewart over Sarah Fox, an urban planner for the city of Camas, in the Council Position 6 race. It did not list an endorsement in the Position 5 race between incumbent Ty Stober and David Regan, owner of a local bail bonds business.

The committee also announced endorsements in the Ridgefield (Matt Swindell and Sandra Day), Camas (Deanna Rusch) and La Center (Elizabeth Cerveny) city council races.

“The (Building Industry Association) looks forward to collaborating with these leaders on the issues that impact housing affordability in Clark County,” said Tracy Wilson, the committee’s chair. “Their eagerness to understand the many challenges faced by the homebuilding industry in delivering affordable housing options gives us confidence our collaboration will result in sensible housing policies.”

Ballots will be mailed Friday. Local ballot boxes will be open starting Friday through Nov. 5 at 8 p.m.