Vancouver resident Justin Forsman calls for ‘real reform’

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

In a healthy democracy, government officials are supposed to serve the people — not scheme in secret to protect themselves. But here in Vancouver, something happened that should concern every citizen who believes in transparency and accountability.

Several years ago, our City Charter — specifically Section 11.04 — included a clause that empowered individual City Council members to investigate potential misconduct. It granted real authority: subpoena power, access to documents, and the ability to question witnesses under oath. It was a vital safeguard.

But when that power became a real threat to the establishment — after I publicly vowed to use it during my City Council campaign — the city acted swiftly and quietly. They didn’t challenge me publicly or debate it openly. They changed the rules.

The amendment replaced the phrase “either of them” with “the city council,” stripping individual members of their independent investigative authority. That may sound like a small edit, but it changed everything. Now, a council member needs approval from the very body that could be implicated in wrongdoing. That’s not oversight — that’s obstruction.

They called this change “Amendment No. 7” and disguised it under vague ballot language promising to “remove inconsistencies.” But what they really did was eliminate a key check on government power. They hoped voters wouldn’t notice. Most didn’t.

Let’s ask the obvious question: if the council truly believes in transparency, why would they remove the ability for a single elected official to investigate corruption? Why gut the one tool that could challenge misconduct from within?

This wasn’t about clarity — it was about control. It was about removing the risk of accountability and neutralizing those who might challenge the status quo. It was done in the dark, and now they pretend it was just a harmless clarification.

I’ve seen what happens when someone threatens the power structure. When I exposed this change and made it clear I intended to use the original rule, I wasn’t met with debate — I was quietly shut out. Around that time, The Columbian stopped inviting me to editorial board meetings. Not because of some oversight — but because they’re afraid. Not of me personally, but of what I represent. They’re afraid of someone lighting even the smallest brushfire in the minds of voters. Afraid that ordinary people might start asking the right questions, and demanding real answers.

But here’s the truth: this isn’t just about me. This is about the people of Vancouver. This is about protecting the integrity of our government and restoring accountability.

That’s why I’m calling for real reform.

First, we must reverse Amendment No. 7 and restore the authority of individual council members to investigate corruption. Second, we should establish an independent ethics commission — made up of citizens — to review complaints and hold officials accountable without political interference. Third, we must demand full transparency in all future charter amendments and ballot language. No more vague wording. No more legal tricks.

We also need to shine a light on the culture of deception within our city leadership. A recent leaked audio recording made this clearer than ever. During a labor roundtable on March 14, Vancouver Mayor Pro Tem Erik Paulsen admitted that Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle had “set the trap” for Councilor Michelle Belkot during a C-TRAN board meeting. That trap, as it turned out, was part of a calculated plan to publicly corner and remove her from the board — a move carried out by the Clark County Council the very next day.

This wasn’t just political strategy. It was premeditated deception. It confirms that some of our city’s most powerful figures are willing to manipulate meetings and stage-manage outcomes — all behind closed doors — to silence dissent and maintain control. If that’s what they’ll say behind the scenes, imagine what else is going on off the record. This is the exact kind of conduct an honest, independent investigation clause was meant to stop.

If we don’t act now, these tactics will continue to grow. They’ll keep rewriting rules behind closed doors, gaslighting the public, and suppressing dissent. That’s why we need new leadership — leadership that doesn’t hide behind procedures, that welcomes scrutiny, and that remembers it serves the people, not itself.

The road to reform begins with awareness — but it ends with action. Soon, I hope to be making a big announcement.

Stand back and stand by.

Yours in Liberty, and Blessings because the government cannot take that away. 

Justin M. Forsman
Vancouver

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