Stober Enters Race for Clark County Auditor
Locales: Washington, UNITED STATES

Vancouver, WA - February 4th, 2026 - Vancouver City Councilor Ty Stober officially threw his hat into the ring yesterday, announcing his candidacy for Clark County Auditor. With incumbent Greg Kim Wyman stepping down after a lengthy tenure, the race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the future of Clark County's administrative oversight. Stober's entrance promises a potential shift towards a more modernized, efficient, and transparent county government, a vision he articulated in a statement released Tuesday.
While Wyman's long service provided stability, his departure creates a vacuum for innovative leadership. Observers suggest the opportunity exists to fundamentally re-evaluate how the county operates, moving beyond established practices to embrace technologies and strategies that enhance service delivery and public trust. Stober's campaign appears poised to capitalize on this desire for change, framing him as a proactive agent for improvement.
From City Hall to County Oversight: Stober's Credentials
Stober's background as a Vancouver City Councilor offers a compelling foundation for a county-level role. His experience navigating municipal budgets, policy development, and constituent services provides a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local government. Unlike candidates with solely private sector experience, Stober's direct involvement in public administration provides him with an immediate grasp of the complexities of bureaucratic processes and the importance of public accountability.
He emphasizes his commitment to "fiscal responsibility," a phrase often employed in political discourse but particularly relevant to the Auditor's office. As Auditor, Stober would be responsible for overseeing the county's financial records, ensuring accuracy and preventing waste. His pledge suggests an intention to scrutinize spending, identify inefficiencies, and prioritize resource allocation based on demonstrable community needs.
Beyond Efficiency: The Promise of Transparency
However, Stober's platform extends beyond mere cost-cutting. He specifically highlighted "community engagement" and "transparency" as cornerstones of his candidacy. In an era marked by increasing public skepticism towards government institutions, this focus is particularly astute.
The Clark County Auditor's office isn't simply a bookkeeping department; it's a crucial link between the government and its citizens. The office is responsible for maintaining public records, managing elections, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Increasing transparency in these areas could involve enhancing online access to county data, simplifying the process of requesting information, and proactively disseminating information about key decisions.
Stober's commitment to transparency could also extend to election administration, a topic of intense national scrutiny. Ensuring fair, accurate, and secure elections is paramount, and a transparent process builds public confidence in the democratic process. Experts suggest the Auditor's office could benefit from modernizing voting equipment, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and improving voter education initiatives.
A Comprehensive Review: What to Expect from Stober's Platform
Stober's plan to conduct a "comprehensive review" of county processes signals a methodical approach to identifying areas for improvement. This likely involves a detailed assessment of existing workflows, technology infrastructure, and staffing levels. A successful review would not only pinpoint inefficiencies but also identify opportunities to leverage technology to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Analysts predict this review will likely focus on areas such as property tax assessment, permitting processes, and the management of public contracts. These are all areas where improvements in efficiency and transparency could have a significant impact on residents and businesses. It's also anticipated that Stober will explore implementing data analytics tools to identify trends, predict future needs, and optimize resource allocation.
The Road Ahead: Campaign Details and Fundraising
While Stober has formally announced his candidacy, details regarding his campaign platform and fundraising strategy remain forthcoming. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative and building momentum. Observers are eager to see specifics on how Stober intends to finance his campaign and whether he will attract significant support from local businesses, community organizations, and individual donors.
The Clark County political landscape is evolving, and Stober's entry into the Auditor race injects a new dynamic. As the campaign unfolds, voters will be closely watching to see how his vision for a more efficient, transparent, and responsive county government resonates with the electorate. The future of Clark County administration hangs in the balance.
Read the Full The Columbian Article at:
[ https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jan/06/vancouver-city-councilor-ty-stober-to-run-for-clark-county-auditor/ ]