“A lot of these problems are long term goals and things that won’t have quick, one-size-fits-all solutions. We are moving in the right direction with regard to them, but that will not happen tomorrow, ”said McAllister.

McAllister said public safety was his top priority. That means supporting the Kelso Police Department and emergency services, but McAllister said it also includes everything from the city’s water system to road maintenance.

The housing market in Kelso was a concern for McAllister during his first campaign and remains a key issue. McAllister pitched the idea for a small housing community in Kelso when he ran for office in 2017 and said he would still be interested in seeing this project cross town.

“Right now, Cowlitz County is not a very good market to buy a home,” McAllister said. “I never thought I would see a day when it would cost $ 1,500 a month for a two-bedroom apartment in Kelso.” Prior to his election, McAllister served on the Kelso Planning Commission and the town library board.

Brian Wood considers himself a straightforward, if not a little boring, candidate. He maintains that it is a selling point for him to join the city council.

“The basics of municipal government are boring,” said Wood. “These are things you don’t want to think about but which make cities liveable and desirable. “