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Friends, family and neighborsI'm Ron Van Why!

Like many of you, I have lived and was raised in Yuma. My family and I moved here 53 years ago. I graduated from Yuma High School, attended AWC, and earned my master’s degree from Columbia Southern University. I raised my family here, heavily involved in youth sports as a coach, supporter, and father, and was active in 4H and FFA as a mentor and supporter.

I worked the streets and border in Yuma as a U.S. Customs K9 Enforcement Officer, a Cocopah Tribal Police Officer, and with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Department. I also formed and ran the County of Yuma Operation Team Enforcement (COYOTE) gang task force. I have dedicated my adult life to serving the Yuma community and now serve as an occupational safety and health director and small business owner. Public safety, workplace safety, and education are lifelong commitments for me.

We have all seen Yuma grow over the years, from dirt roads on Avenue B to a city far larger than we imagined. But growth without preparation creates strain. Our streets need community investment, our small businesses need support to thrive, and our infrastructure needs vision, not just repairs. Our workforce deserves safe environments and proper training to recognize hazards and succeed in skilled trades.

Yuma has grown rapidly, but have we kept pace with public safety, job creation, and long-term planning? My plan is simple: invest in people, empower businesses, and build for tomorrow. That means strengthening essential services, supporting workforce training, improving infrastructure, and ensuring responsible development that creates opportunity for all residents.

We need to mentor and train the next generation while keeping the community informed about how city funding works. Most citizens don’t realize that city money comes with restrictions and guidelines. Transparency and education are key to building trust and making smart decisions for Yuma’s future.

Yuma is changing faster than most people realize. Imagine a city where kids walk safely to parks, local shops are thriving, and City Hall truly listens. That’s the Yuma we can build together. This isn’t just my campaign — it’s our movement. Volunteer, talk to your neighbors, and on Election Day, let’s choose a brighter future.

“People will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

All I have ever wanted is to make a positive difference. When the dust settles, I want people to say Yuma is stronger because we worked together.