Coston Officially Running for Washougal Mayor; Sets Vision For City

When former Washougal city councilwoman Molly Coston officially announced her 2017 Washougal mayoral campaign August 6 it set the stage for a vigorous Fall political season in a city rocked with leadership turmoil.

Coston is competing with Washougal city councilman, Dan Coursey, for the mayor’s position to succeed former mayor Sean Guard, who resigned earlier this year amid harassment allegations. A completed Washington State Patrol investigation shows a string of electronic communications between Guard and an unidentified woman that may result in the case being handled by the county prosecutor.

Following Guard’s resignation, Coston was encouraged by supporters to run for Mayor. And, this isn’t the first time she’s answered the call to serve amid unfavorable conditions.

Coston has been active in city politics for much of her 16 year residency in the city, serving on the city council from 2005-2011, and as Mayor Pro Tem in 2010 when former Washougal mayor, Stacy Sellars, abruptly resigned.

“There was a dispute about her mayoral policies,” said Coston. “And when Stacy resigned I spent three months as acting Mayor. It was a very difficult time filled with confusion and challenges. I gained a good understanding of how the city works. And here we are again.”

She said Washougal has been pummeled by turmoil which is why she’s created a vision for the city.

Top Reasons Coston Is Running

“I have a vision for Washougal,” she said. “And, it’s very bright. I want an engaged community with a focus on public safety, a vibrant economy, and continued improvements in transportation.”

Coston outlined a three-pronged vision for Washougal, which is as follows:

• Economy: Create a favorable business environment for businesses by keeping government that is small and stable. Coston believes in working with private enterprise to create public-private partnerships to attract more companies into Washougal.
• Public Safety: “We need more policemen,” she said. “I want to add one more per year as our economy and community grows. Our officers answer more calls than Camas does.” She wants to engage local neighbors and build community with more communication and involvement.
• Transportation: Find a way to reasonably manage current roads and walkways. “As we continue to grow, we need solutions and the public-private partnerships are key to making this happen.”

Molly Coston

Community Involvement

As a city councilwoman, she was involved in the following:

• Parks Board  (Council Liaison) 2005- 2011
• Cemetery Board (Council Liaison) 2005-2011
• SW Washington Regional Transportation Council-  2008-2010; Elected as Camas/Washougal Representative to serve on the Board of Directors. RTC Board of Directors Chair – 2010
• Clark County Community Action Advisory Board – Director representing East County  2009-2011

She has served in the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club since 2004:

• Club President – July 2014-June 2015
• Local Foundation President – July 2015-June 2016
• Community Service Chair – July 2016-present

League of Women Voters of Clark County, 2000-present

• President 2007-2010
• Board of Directors 2005-2012

Civil Service Commission: 2013-present

Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards, 2010-present

• Board of Directors – 2014-present
• President, 2016-current

Citizens for Better Schools PAC, 2005-present

• Chair – Washougal Schools District Levy Campaign 2005 (successful)
• Active Member – Washougal School District Levy Campaign 2008
• Active Member – Washougal School District Levy Campaign 2014
• Active Member – Washougal School District Bond Campaign 2015

Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, 2010-present

• Long standing member of state funded coalition that work together to support youth, enrich community, encourage families, and guide healthy choices. 

To learn more about her campaign, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/mollyformayor/