Wayne Fournier, Democrat and current Thurston County commissioner for District No. 4, is seeking re-election for the position on Nov. 5 and is running against Rob Laymon. District No. 4 covers Tenino, Rainier, Bucoda and south Tumwater.
Wayne Fournier
Fournier, the Thurston County’s District No. 4 commissioner incumbent, has previously served as a Tenino city councilor and Tenino mayor from 2012 to 2023 and has served as a firefighter for 20 years.
Fournier has also served in Thurston County on the Chehalis Basin Flood Authority, Chehalis Basin Partnership, the Economic Development Council, the Jail Modernization Task Force and several other boards and committees, including the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
“I believe I’m the best candidate for Thurston County’s District 4 commissioner because I bring a strong background in community service, I have the required experience, a deep understanding of local issues, along with a commitment to transparency and accountability in government,” Fournier told the Nisqually Valley News on Monday, Oct. 21. “If re-elected, my areas of emphasis will continue to include enhancing public safety, promoting sustainable development and improving local infrastructure, while ensuring community engagement is involved in our decision-making processes.”
Fournier, in the voters pamphlet, said it has been an “honor and privilege” to serve as Thurston County commissioner. He wrote that during his time in office, he’s made significant strides in addressing the county’s “most pressing challenges,” from enhancing the emergency medical system, to advocating for rural broadband access.
He added that there’s more work to be done, and if re-elected, he’ll continue to seek practical solutions, foster sustainable growth and bring people together in order to find answers to shared issues.
“Voters should consider me because I have a proven track record of listening to constituents, making informed decisions and prioritizing the needs of our community,” Fournier said. “I am dedicated to fostering a thriving environment for all residents and ensuring that county resources are spread equitably throughout the county.”
Fournier, whose community service includes time with the PARC Foundation of Thurston County, Raise for Rowyn, Tenino Yellow Bicycle Project and other local foundations, aims to continue working in local and rural areas to solve challenges faced by residents.
“I see and appreciate that there is strong community engagement and a collaborative spirit among residents, which is promising and will be needed to keep us moving in the right direction,” Fournier said. “However, there are challenges related to infrastructure development, economic development and housing needs that need more focused attention and resources.”
Rob Laymon
Laymon was unavailable for comment for the story. The following information came from the Thurston County local voters pamphlet for the Nov. 5 general election.
Laymon, who states no party preference, has no previous elected experience and described himself as “just an everyday citizen, not a politician.” His pamphlet information states that his education history is “real world experience combined with education,” including various higher education courses and training for professional licensing.
Laymon wrote Thurston County commissioners need to address the actual needs of people and not provide another political spin. He added that his call to serve is based on fixing people’s rights to receive reasonable services from the county government.
“County Commissioners are not your leaders, but your representatives to serve the citizens, taxpayers, and property owners. They are to make sure the services paid for through taxes are used as they are intended,” Laymon wrote. “We will improve social and other county services to combat these and give these unfortunates a hand-up, not a hand-out. I can only take action to fix and change things when elected.”
Laymon said that he’s served community needs through environmental care projects or by helping neighbors who need a helping hand.
“Actions speak louder than words,” he wrote on the topic.
“Property tax is now excessive, causing the people difficulty to meet living expenses, yet our current county commission diverts and shifts them to political agenda items instead maintaining the streets and roads. When elected I will change that,” Laymon wrote. “Using your property has become limited through both excess regulations and high permitting fees. Land use is limited and the failure to provide reasonable processing times is inexcusable costing applicants additional increase of interest rates and building cost.”
