We believe Longview’s best days are ahead! I’m grateful for our city's history and fully invested in its future. Born and raised here, I returned after experiencing other parts of the state, nation, and world. Four generations of my family live in Longview. As a fiduciary, investor, small business owner, and MBA in Finance with 25 years in financial management, I’ve helped individuals, families, and organizations make sound decisions – acting primarily for the benefit of those I serve.
I’ve prayed, voted, volunteered, helped during elections, and supported local candidates. Now, I’m stepping forward to serve as one of your council members. My priority is clear: protect freedom for future generations. That means we must maintain a balanced, responsible city budget, encouraging job creation to boost our economy, while applying a compassionate, common-sense, conscience-oriented, and Constitutional approach to our city’s social issues.
I believe free enterprise is the best system to build a just and prosperous society. I support fiscal policy grounded in cause and effect – because freedom flourishes when we live within our means. I’m financially conservative: debt is a threat and accountability is essential.
I respectfully ask for your vote. Let’s build a stronger Longview – together.
Name: Chris Bryant
Age: 55
Education: MBA, Finance – The University of Arizona Global Campus
Employment: Director & President, Bryant Wealth Management, Inc.
Personal: Divorced; father of four adult children and grandfather
Civic Involvement: Serving in local elections, church ministry, financial education
Major Endorsements: None sought
Campaign Website: www.ChrisBryant.us
Why do you believe you are the best person for the council position you seek, and why should voters consider you superior to your opponents?
I offer a principled, independent voice grounded in faith, fiscal responsibility, and community service. I bring real-world experience in finance, small business, and local engagement, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and practical problem-solving. I’m not seeking endorsements or contributions, so I can vote with integrity and independence. I believe in respectful dialogue and listening to all sides. Voters can trust me to serve with character, competence, and a focus on Longview’s future—not personal agendas.
The city council has become increasingly partisan and divided over the last several years. Please discuss how your skills, political outlook and character might improve or affect council relations.
I’ve chosen not to seek endorsements or campaign contributions so I can vote with independence. My approach is grounded in faith, conscience, and fiscal responsibility. I bring a collaborative spirit, conservative values, and a commitment to respectful, principle-based dialogue. I listen to understand, seek common ground, and focus on practical solutions – not partisan agendas. By suspending bias and hearing every voice, we can unify the council, strengthen relationships, and restore trust in local government.
It is clear that this city needs to expand its business and industrial tax base, both to ease the tax burden on individuals, shore up city finances and improve its quality of life. What further, concrete steps can it take to improve the community's economic prosperity?
To expand Longview’s business and industrial tax base, we must support business formation, streamline permitting, and promote shovel-ready sites. Strengthening infrastructure, education-to-career pipelines, and public-private partnerships boost job creation. Targeted incentives can attract employers aligned with our values. Collaborating with the Port, Cowlitz County, and educational institutions will drive innovation. Removing barriers and encouraging responsible, long-term investment will ease the tax burden on residents while preserving Longview’s character and strengthening our economic future.
The city is in a financial pinch, with projections showing it will deplete its entire general fund cash reserve by late this decade. Parks and utilities all have big maintenance backlogs. What approach to these challenges do you advocate? If you say more cuts are needed, please be specific as possible. If taxes must rise, which ones, and how much?
We project a $4 million annual shortfall by 2027–2028. This requires a conservative, responsible approach to forecasting, budgeting, and prioritizing essential services. I support cost controls, performance reviews, and exploring revenue options like resolving the PeaceHealth B&O tax hospital exemption, billing for Hope Village services, and the upcoming Fire Department referendum. I don’t support tax increases without clear voter consent. Fiscal stewardship means transparency, accountability, and living within our means to secure Longview’s future.
Hope Village has helped substantially improve the homeless situation, but some members of the council want it to become largely self-sustaining. The council is seeking bids for a new operator to replace the Salvation Army in hopes of accomplishing that. Is that goal realistic? Should the city continue paying for Hope Village if a new operator cannot ease the financial burden on the city? Do you think it's at least partially the city's job to care for and rehabilitate the homeless?
Homelessness is complex. Long-term solutions require accountability, compassion, and partnerships with nonprofits—not government alone. Hope Village meets a critical need. While self-sufficiency remains the goal, the City plays a role in prevention and stabilization. Hope Village operates on a $1.5 million annual budget. For 2025–2026, $1.5 million in State funds have been allocated through Cowlitz County via the Department of Commerce. The City is seeking a provider qualified to bill for services offered.
I’m committed to fiscal stewardship, protecting freedoms, and supporting economic opportunity. I believe in listening to learn, leading with integrity, and building a community where families and businesses can thrive.
Paid for by Chris Bryant for Longview City Council
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