VOTE411 Voter Guide

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While my background has been in the nonprofit and private sectors, I bring a proven commitment to supporting mission-driven organizations and making a positive impact on the communities I serve.

My career has involved leadership across multiple domains — finance coordination, office administration, production management, and event leadership — all of which require strong collaboration, project management, and adherence to compliance guidelines. Charter review work also requires careful attention to procedure and rules, as well as the ability to facilitate diverse stakeholder input.

As the charter review committee, our role is to facilitate and evaluate the review process rather than to advocate for particular areas of concern. Any concerns about the charter itself should come directly from the public, as they are the stakeholders most affected by its provisions. Our committee is here to listen to those public concerns and ensure they receive appropriate attention during the review process.

Changes in the county over the next decade that might require revision of the charter will ultimately depend on the evolving needs and priorities of the community. The answer to this question lies with the public and their input, as residents will help identify emerging challenges and goals that may call for updates to the charter.

I am a public servant, civil engineer, and veteran with a deep commitment to accountable, community-centered government. Today I lead Pierce County’s Safe Routes to School program, delivering safety improvements across diverse neighborhoods. I have also served on the City of Tacoma Transportation Commission since 2021 and the Transit-Oriented Development Task Force since 2023, shaping land use and mobility policy. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, honorably discharged after eight years and a deployment to Africa with the rank of Staff Sergeant. I have interned with U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes and constituent services. I have supported many nonprofit advocacy efforts, including those of Transportation Choices Coalition where I championed smart transit policy. I am co-chair of Pierce County's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.

These experiences have prepared me to serve on the Charter Review Commission by giving me a well-rounded understanding of how government works, from the ground level to policy and legislation. As a civil engineer and program lead, I work within the structures established by the County Charter every day, managing public funds, coordinating across departments, and delivering results. My service on City commissions has sharpened my ability to evaluate policy language, balance competing priorities, and consider the long-term impacts of our recommendations.

My military background taught me discipline, teamwork, and leadership—especially in high-stakes environments. Through my internship with Senator Cantwell and work with advocacy organizations, I’ve learned how to navigate complex systems and advocate for policies that serve the public good. As co-chair of the County’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, I also bring experience ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard.

I am particularly interested in reviewing parts of the Charter that affect public trust and government accountability, including vacancy appointment processes, leadership transitions, governmental structures, and thresholds for citizen participation. These sections directly shape how responsive and representative our government is. I also support clarifying language where needed to improve transparency and accessibility, protecting vulnerable populations in the Nondiscrimination section, and ensuring qualifications for office reflect the responsibilities of the roles.

Over the next decade, the County is likely to grow rapidly in both population and complexity. This growth will bring challenges for how local government serves its residents. As communities become more diverse and urbanized here, the Charter may need to evolve to ensure our systems remain representative, responsive, and transparent. This could take many forms and will almost certainly include changes to the various election procedures.

One potential area of reform is the Council structure. As the population grows, adding at-large councilmembers could help provide a broader perspective and balance district-level representation with countywide priorities. Alternatively, additional districts and members could also be added.

Other likely changes include updating the Information Management section to reflect technological advancements, and changes to processes for levying taxes, appropriating revenue, and adopting budgets, especially in the context of deteriorating federal partnerships.