County Council Chair and longtime advocate for criminal justice and housing reform Barry Buchanan launches reelection bid, points to track record of policy wins

 March 25, 2021

 BELLINGHAM, WA — Barry Buchanan, the current Whatcom County Council Chair and a longtime advocate for reform of housing and criminal justice policy, launched his reelection campaign today for a third term on the Whatcom County Council.

“This community raised me, so it’s been a huge honor and responsibility serving as Chair of our County Council through the storm of COVID-19,” says Buchanan. “I believe in Whatcom and I know, with seasoned and effective leaders at the helm, we’ll come out the other side stronger.”

“The next 18 months will be critical in determining whether we’ll achieve a strong economic recovery that leaves no one behind. I believe I’m the right leader to keep us from getting knocked off-course.”

Buchanan points to his track record of proactive leadership on some of the toughest policy issues confronting the County Council.

“A couple years back, frustrated by the lack of progress on homelessness, I founded the Homeless Strategies Work Group. Now, everyone sits around one table and has to look each other in the face, so we’re finally making headway on real solutions,” says Buchanan.

State Representative Sharon Shewmake says she supports Buchanan because he delivers.

“Barry came to me in 2018 and asked right up front for state money to help build a Whatcom Crisis Stabilization Center so that law enforcement officers aren’t forced to jail Whatcom residents who are in the middle of mental health crises,” says Shewmake. “Two years later, on January 4, 2021, the Center opened its doors. That’s my kind of leadership.”

If re-elected, Buchanan will remain focused on data-driven solutions to our housing crisis and the challenges facing our criminal justice system. Barry is also enthusiastically supporting local community organizers who are forming a Whatcom Racial Equity Commission and plans to be an active participant.

Press Contact:

Barry Buchanan

360-224-4330

info@electbarry.com