Cortes is finishing his second term this year, and first as the city’s mayor
BATTLE GROUND — Half of the four Battle Ground City Council members up for reelection this year have now announced their plans.
Last week, Councilor and former Mayor Mike Dalesandro announced he would not seek a third term on the seven-member council.
This week, current Mayor Adrian Cortes announced he would be running for a third term in November.
“Why I am running is simple; we are in uncertain times and we need proven leadership,” Cortes said in a press release announcing his decision. “Many in our community are hurting due to the COVID health pandemic restrictions and economic devastation.”
Cortes, 44, served on the city’s Planning Commission from 2008 to 2012 before winning his first term on council. He served a single term from 2012 through 2015, then was elected for his current term in 2017.
In 2019, Cortes, a Democrat who describes himself as “fiscally conservative; socially progressive,” lost a bid to take over the Clark County Council District 4 seat held by Gary Medvigy, 61.57 percent to 38.2 percent. He ran unopposed for a second term on Battle Ground City Council in 2017.
“As Mayor, I was out in front fighting for our business community; especially our small businesses,” Cortes said. “If re-elected, I will continue to fight against unreasonable state mandates that impact our quality of life.”
Cortes was elected by the majority of the city council last year to take over as mayor from Dalesandro, who declined to seek a second term in the center chair. Cortes’ current term runs through this year.
The married father of two daughters, ages 15 and 10, graduated from Prairie High School in 1994, eventually earning a masters in education.
“I remember working during the summer months picking berries on Mrs. Koski’s blueberry farm and working on family farms riding the raspberry picking machines with childhood friends,” says Cortes. “Inspiration from my grandmother who reminded me ‘Si Se Pueda’ along with deep roots of over 39 years in Clark County; my faith, my family, and my neighbors continue to inspire me.”
Cortes joined C-TRAN’s Board of Directors in 2018, and served a year as chair of the board in 2019. He continues to serve on the board.
In his release, Cortes noted the city’s efforts to pay down debt, including paying off a the city hall building bond, cutting utility rates following the voter’s decision to incorporate into Fire District 3 in 2020, and reducing property taxes in the city’s most recent budget.
“Rather than defunding our police we invested in additional street patrols, detective work, K-9 program and an additional School Resource Officer,” Cortes said.
The most recent budget also allocated $1.2 million for much-needed street repairs in the city.
Cortes works as a special education teacher and a department head of special programs at Camas High school. He also works part time as an associate teacher at City University of Seattle, instructing aspiring pre-service teachers.
