ABOUT 

Why County Charter Review

My name is Ben Christly, and I’m running for the Clark County Charter Review Commission because I believe in practical, transparent local government; government that listens to the people it serves. I’m running because I care about how our local government operates, and I believe the Charter should reflect fairness, accountability, and common sense.

​

The county charter is like our local constitution - it lays the foundation for how our government is structured, how power is balanced, and how public decisions are made. It’s about building a local government that reflects the values, needs, and everyday realities of the people who actually live here.

​

Serving on the Charter Review Commission means asking tough questions:

— Are we being good stewards of public money?
— Is our local government responsive and accessible to all residents?
— Does the structure of our county council reflect the needs of a growing and diverse community?
— Should we consider changes to how elected positions are filled or how districts are drawn?

​

As a veteran, flight nurse, and small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how government decisions impact people’s lives and livelihoods. Small businesses in Clark County deserve a charter that works with them, not against them, by encouraging fair permitting, greater transparency, and access to opportunity in local development.

​

My goal is to make sure the Charter serves Clark County fairly and efficiently, with transparency and community trust at its core so that every resident, in every part of our county, feels represented, heard, and respected.

Ben Christly is a longtime Clark County resident with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. He currently serves as a flight nurse, delivering critical care during medical air transport, a role that demands calm under pressure, sound judgment, and a deep sense of responsibility.

​

Over the years, Ben has worked in a wide range of healthcare settings, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges people face when it comes to health, stability, and access to services. His experience extends beyond medicine; as a veteran and small business owner in Clark County, Ben understands both service and entrepreneurship from the ground up.

​

Ben is also active in the community,  serving as a youth football coach, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and participating in local environmental efforts through tree planting and habitat restoration projects in partnership with the City of Vancouver and other community groups.

​

Ben is a father of three. With children ages 26, 12, and 4, he’s deeply connected to the concerns of working families and committed to building a future where his kids and all our kids can thrive.