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Phone
3607912900
Email
fosterforyelm@gmail.com
Town where you live
Yelm, WA
Experience (300 characters max)
4.5 years USMC. 34 years Firefighter/Paramedic. 10 years City of Yelm Planning Commission. 6 years Yelm City Council. 4.5 years Yelm Mayor
Having served as Yelm's Mayor from 2016 to 2021, I am familiar with the demands of the job. I consider the position to be a full-time commitment to our community and demonstrated that as a hands-on, boots on the ground leader. I also served on the Board of Directors for the Association of Washington Cities' Risk Management Services Agency which gave me a deep understanding of the issues that can get a city in trouble, fiscally or through bad policy. I also served as Chair of the Thurston Regional Planning Council where I was able to advocate for Yelm and bring our small community onto the regional stage. I was awarded the AWC's Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership and continued my education beyond that to focus on the needs of a growing community.
Appointed to Yelm Planning Commission for 10 years. Elected to Yelm City Council for 6 years. Appointed to Mayor of Yelm position for 9 months, then elected to serve for a full 4-year term. Elected Chair for the Thurston Regional Planning Council for 3 years. Named President of the Board of the Nisqually Land Trust for 9 years. Also serve our community through membership in the VFW, Rotary, Community Schools' Career and Technical Education programs, Dollars for Scholars, the Nisqually Land Trust, and more.
Yelm needs a strong, active leader in the Mayor's office and I believe the current administration is lacking that commitment. I hope to regain the trust of the City Council, Staff and our community members by returning to the work I started during my first term. My combination of education, experience, strong built regional relationships, and desire to serve is what we need to keep Yelm on track to a bright future.
Growth Management, including traffic, infrastructure and housing.
Fiscal responsibility/planning.
Building a strong business economy and diversified revenue.
Work with the City Council, Planning Commission and citizen groups to create a Vision Plan for Yelm. Bring those ideas to our community development team to shape future zoning and building codes to best meet that vision. Work with State Legislators to focus on our traffic issues, realizing that our 2 state highways are critical to the regional economy. Work with local businesses, chambers of commerce and the Thurston Economic Development Council to build a strong and diverse business economy. Expand the City's budget planning model to look out ten years, and more, instead of spending one-time money without demonstrating sustainability.
Town where you live
Yelm
Experience (300 characters max)
I’ve spent nearly 20 years in public service as a Washington State Trooper and now as a local police officer. I’ve also led nonprofits like Nisqually Basin Youth Baseball and run my own small business. These roles taught me to bring people together, solve problems, and lead with transparency. I’ve w
I’ve spent almost 20 years serving our communities as a Washington State Trooper and now as a local police officer in Yelm. I’ve worked alongside city, state, and federal partners, building strong relationships and learning how government functions. As a small business owner, I’ve dealt firsthand with city processes like permitting and understand where improvements are needed. Leading youth sports nonprofits taught me to bring people together, find common ground, and get results. This combination of public service, business experience, and community leadership has prepared me to serve as a mayor who listens, unites, and leads with integrity.
Service has always been at the center of my life. I served as a Washington State Trooper and am now a police officer here in Yelm, protecting and helping people every day. I led nonprofits like Nisqually Basin Youth Baseball, Elite Baseball Club, and YARD Campus, creating opportunities for local kids. As a small business owner, I’ve supported families and jobs in our town. I’ve also worked with at-risk youth and partnered with organizations to connect people to resources. Whether it’s volunteering, coaching, or responding in uniform, I’m committed to serving our community with compassion and respect.
I decided to run for mayor because I believe Yelm is ready for leadership that brings people together and puts residents first. I’ve seen how strong our town is when we work as a team, and I want to help create a city government that listens and responds. Growth is coming to Yelm, and we need a clear, shared vision to protect our small-town character while planning smartly for the future. I’m not a career politician—I’m a neighbor, a dad, a business owner, and someone who believes in transparency, collaboration, and real solutions.
First, growth and infrastructure: traffic congestion, road safety, and the need to complete the Yelm Bypass and other road projects; all while having a vision that looks forward to getting ahead of issues instead of waiting until the issues are upon us. Second, the inefficiency of city services—many residents and business owners struggle with the feeling that the city is a hindrance rather than a partner. We should be doing things to make it easier to be successful. Third, supporting small businesses and local jobs while keeping our community’s character intact. These challenges are connected, and they all impact the quality of life for Yelm’s families, businesses, and neighborhoods.
I’ll work with the city council, staff, and residents to prioritize infrastructure improvements and advocate strongly for funding and project the need before there are issues. To improve city services, I’ll push for clear timelines, better communication, and more accountability in growth and management for that growth. For small businesses, I’ll support policies that reduce red tape, encourage local hiring, and keep economic development focused on what fits our town. I also want to keep residents informed through regular updates, social media, and open meetings, so everyone feels heard and involved.
