JW Foster for Yelm Mayor

10/28/2025

I was proud to be endorsed by Dustin after the primary. We have common goals for our community and have true respect for our citizens and local businesses. No fancy promises, just an empathetic ear and willingness to work for you and our future. Thanks, Dustin.
YARD-Youth Athletics Recreation Development

"Good afternoon Yelm, my name is Dustin Stephan. I own a couple businesses here in town, I have 18 years experience in the law enforcement community, and I'm here to tell you that I support JW Foster for the next Mayor of Yelm. JW is actually involved, actually volunteering his time at several community events. He's creating valuable partnerships and relationships within our community and the stakeholders outside of our community. He's not giving big false campaign promises, and he gives credit where credit is due. He's ready to take Yelm to that next level and be transparent, open, and honest with this community. I support JW Foster, and if you support me, I hope you will join me in voting for him before Tuesday. Thank you, be great today." -Dustin Stephan, former Yelm mayoral candidate

10/28/2025

During my 34 year career in the fire service as a Firefighter/Paramedic, we actually were thanked by the public many times and greatly appreciated it! Take a moment today to thank a cop, too. They see people in their worst moments and use their training, courage and commitment to community service to bring about the best outcome for all. Tough jobs that definitely deserves our respect and gratitude, every day.

10/28/2025

Tad is a local business owner and former Yelm City Council member who has worked with me for years to support our local economy. Thanks, Tad!
The TLS Insurance Agency

10/25/2025

Supporting local businesses is critical for a healthy community. The success of the small business owner in Yelm has always been a priority for my administration and will be again! Thanks, Seven!

10/23/2025

When you work for years to support your local businesses, they notice. Thanks, Bill!

10/23/2025

What a wonderful night of music by our talented Yelm High School choir. It was a packed house and the energy was inspiring. Thank you, Director Tim Henderson and Kelly Cornwall (accompaniast) and all the families who support this program!

10/21/2025

Thanks, Bill at 507 Taproom and Filling Station. Many local business owners have endorsed me - I supported them during my first term as Mayor and they know I will fully support our critical small business economy in the future. See my full list of endorsements at Fosterforyelm.com
"Hi, my name is Bill DeVore. I'm the owner of 507 Taproom and Filling Station. I'm showing my support for JW Foster for the City of Yelm Mayor position. I've known JW for 30+ years and support him in this position due to the time we spent at the Yelm Police Department making sure that the personnel and equipment was there that we needed during this timeframe. I believe that he's at this time the best person for the job."

10/11/2025

The NVN ran an article last week on the importance of voting in local elections. This was my response to the reporter's question about why voter turnout is so low in Yelm.

“I get that people get apathetic. They feel their vote doesn’t count, and believe that things are going to happen anyway. It’s too bad they feel that way, because as Americans, we put this whole democratic experiment together based on citizen participation. We have given ourselves the right to govern ourselves, and if we’re not exercising that right, it’s like we don’t believe in the experiment of democracy,” Foster said. “Don’t be frustrated. Be motivated that your vote can make a difference. Especially in local elections, because those can sometimes come down to where a few votes can make the difference. Look at the candidates, see the ones you think are going to work towards building the Yelm that you want, and vote for that person.”

Additionally, Foster encouraged all residents of voting age to go out and register to vote. Registration can occur through Tuesday, Nov. 4, and same-day registration is available. He also encouraged local servicemembers and their families to register and participate in local elections.

“If you haven’t registered yet, you still have time. A special shoutout to our friends in the military too,” Foster said. “I know a lot of them feel like they’d lose their home of record if they register locally. That’s not true. Their home of record is permanent, and it never changes. They’re encouraged by the military to register to vote in their PCS station wherever they are, so they can have an impact on the community they live in and set the stage for the community to be the kind of place future servicemembers and families can enjoy."

I hope more people get this message and vote in this general election.

10/01/2025

I addressed the County Commissioners at this meeting. They have tough budgeting decisions to make, but the dozens of us who spoke made it very clear we will not tolerate cuts to the Sheriff's Dept. I spoke specifically about the critical back up deputies provide for our Yelm officers, and vice versa. Any reduction in funding or personnel would be irresponsible and dangerous for our law enforcement team.

Standing room only with more in the lobby waiting to speak.

Thank you to EVERYONE who showed up for TCSO, and thank you to our Board of County Commissioners for extending out your meeting to hear the concerns from every person who signed up to testify.

09/29/2025

Part of running an effective campaign is making sure people "see you". I get permission from supporters to place my locally made signs on their private property or business. One might look good in your yard too!