Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
Dustin Stephan, a police officer and founder of Youth Athletics Recreation Development (YARD) Campus who was the third candidate in Yelm’s mayoral race during the Thurston County primary election in August, has officially endorsed current candidate JW Foster to become the city’s next mayor.
Stephan announced his endorsement of Foster online, on Facebook, during the morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 2.
Foster is facing incumbent Joe DePinto in the general election.
During the primary election last August, Stephan received roughly 17% of the total voting population — or 227 votes — which is a large enough percentage of the voting pool to potentially close DePinto’s lead on Foster if voters were to heed his endorsement. At the conclusion of the Thurston County primary election, DePinto received 44% of total votes, while Foster received 38%.
“I want to take a minute to officially say that I’m supporting JW Foster for Mayor of Yelm,” Stephan wrote. “JW (Foster) has always been involved in our community in a real way. He doesn’t just show up to events for photo ops — he’s there to actually help, support, and be part of what’s going on. That kind of presence says a lot about his heart for Yelm.”
Stephan added that Foster’s past experience as Mayor of Yelm showed that “he knows how to budget responsibly” and “lead with a steady hand.” Additionally, Stephan cited Foster’s military and firefighting backgrounds as aspects that connect with his own passion for public service. The YARD Campus founder is a current Yelm police officer and former Washington State Patrol trooper.
“One of the things I admire most about JW is how well he works with people — whether it’s local groups, businesses or partners outside the city, he’s always building bridges and finding ways to make things better for Yelm,” Stephan wrote. “And honestly, he’s just a great guy. He’s personable, approachable and someone I’m proud to call a friend. That’s the kind of leader I want representing our city.
“I’m excited to support him and I hope you’ll join me in voting for JW Foster for Mayor,” he continued.
Foster on Monday, Oct. 6, told the Nisqually Valley News that he’s thrilled to see Stephan endorse him in the race to become Yelm’s mayor.
“I was very honored to see him make that move over in supporting me, and I hope that people who voted for him will feel the same way about me,” Foster said. “When Dustin and I met, prior to him announcing his candidacy, we found that we both had very similar ideas about what we wanted for Yelm. We’re family oriented, community oriented and take care of our neighbors. It’s the same philosophy that he and Michelle established their YARD group on — taking care of families and kids. That’s what I’ve always been about for Yelm — keeping that Yelm feeling.”
Following the results of the Thurston County primary election, which advanced DePinto and Foster, the former mayor said he and Stephan had several conversations about their visions for Yelm.
“We had a couple of conversations since the primary, and again, he saw that my involvement in the community is really what swung him over to supporting me,” Foster said. “He believes that I’m the right person for the position and that we can keep that special feeling that Yelm has by working together in my position as mayor and his position as a small business owner.”
