Phone
360-790-1195
Email
berendtpaul@comcast.net
Town where you live
Olympia
Experience (300 characters max)
Former Chair, Washington State Democratic Party (1995–2006); Executive VP, Strategies 360; Board Member, USA Volleyball – Puget Sound Region; Past President, Cove Neighborhood Association; Advocate for youth sports and inclusive policy.
I believe we need to take City Hall to the people and hear what they have to say about the issues we act upon. I believe in direct community contact and input. I have doorbelled over 4000 houses in my campaign for election.
As a council member, I will support accessible and inclusive participation in city affairs and that diverse stakeholder groups are represented. I intend to use social media outreach, personal doorbelling when not in election season, public community coffees and the cities video and internet communications tools when there are major issues before the city. I intend to personally answer every email communication to me as a councilman.
I will advocate for greater lead time in providing community notices for planning commission hearings and council actions on developments that the public wants to voice an opinion about.
The city should play a robust role in protecting the environment.
I will protect and expand funding for parks and open space, enhancing Olympia’s environment and quality of life. I strongly support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and advocate aggressive action—smart infrastructure upgrades that reduce carbon emissions through improvements to roads, sidewalks, transit, bike lanes, and walking trails. I support full restoration of the Deschutes Estuary and will push for the City’s Memorandum of Understanding with other stakeholders to be fully implemented.
As infrastructure and environmental challenges emerge, I will advocate for strong monitoring and swift response.
Lastly, I’ll pursue improvements to our recycling system. Many items placed in bins end up in landfills, and while Olympia outperforms most cities, we can—and must—do better.
I served as Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party from 1995 to 2006, gaining deep experience organizing, electing leaders, and advancing progressive causes. I built strong relationships with Senators Murray and Cantwell, now-Governor Bob Ferguson, Lt. Gov. Heck, Commissioner Upthegrove, and many others in Congress and the State Legislature. I’ll use those connections when needed to advance Olympia’s priorities.
While raising our family, I championed youth sports—especially volleyball—and advocated for Title IX protections for girls and women. I served on the board of USA Volleyball, Puget Sound Region, and I support trans athletes’ full participation in sports.
I also served as President of my neighborhood homeowners’ association, fostering grassroots engagement and local leadership.
In order to reduce the unhoused homeless in our community, we must continue to expand our shelter capacity and provide wrap around services to provide a place for homeless individuals to go and get social service, mental health and addiction service help they need.
Further progress and deeper coordination need to occur between mental health and addiction services provided to help the homeless recover. The delivery of Mental Health Counseling, Detox services, Mental Health hospital beds and transitional housing services must be seamless and highly coordinated.
Local non-profit agencies have a very successful tiny homes program which should be supported, continued and expanded. In addition to working, the program has considerable public support.
Interjurisdictional coordination needs to be taken to the next level.
I envision an Olympia that puts people first:
Keeping Olympia Affordable: Affordable housing, food security, and livable expenses are vital for a thriving city. We must expand access—especially for seniors and low-income earners.
Reducing Homelessness: We'll reduce homelessness by expanding shelters, growing tiny home programs, and improving mental health and addiction support. Compassionate action can create pathways to dignity and long-term housing.
Public Safety: Police, firefighters, and EMS are the backbone of Olympia’s safety. By investing in emergency response, we save lives and build community trust.
Supporting Our Parks: Olympia’s parks enrich our lives through nature, recreation, and sustainability. Continued investment ensures future generations share in their benefits.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
