VOTE411 Voter Guide

Elected Positions Port Commissioner, Port of Tacoma, 2018 to present President 2020, 2025 ​Pierce County Superior Court Judge, 1997 to 2014 Juvenile Court presiding judge 2007 Drug court judge 2008 to 2009 Executive Committee member 2000 to 2001 ​Pierce County District Court Judge, 1992 to 1997 Port Commissioner, Port of Tacoma, 1983 to 1992 President 1986 and 1989

Additional Volunteer positions High School Football Official, 2003 to Present High School Basketball Official, 1996 to 2016 Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Board Member, 2000 to 2005 Pierce County Economic Development Board, Vice President and member, 1984 to 1992 South End Boys and Girls Club, Officer and board member, 1981 to 1992 Pierce County Rape Relief Agency, Founding Board Member, 1975 to 1980

I am proud to be the incumbent. These are critical times with trade issues that really impact our region and across the State. I am committed to serving the Port and the community with passion, integrity, and a deep understanding of the issues facing the Port and its surrounding neighbors. I am proud to be the incumbent. In summary, difficult times call for experienced and tested leadership. It would truly be an honor to have your support in our campaign.

One of my greatest concerns continues to be that the interests of the Port of Tacoma and our community are not overshadowed by Seattle as our alliance work continues. We need to continue to create maritime jobs by completing dredging and other projects. A priority needs to be the efforts to create a new Break Bulk Facility with the Puyallup Tribe

To ensure positive environmental impacts are sustainable, we need to continue to integrate strong environmental stewardship and sustainability in economic development. It’s critical that we continue to open up the Port and strengthen connections to the larger community including environmental groups, educational institutions, research centers and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. We are bringing cleaner shore power to vessels, electrifying equipment, cleaning up contaminated properties and have ambitious clean air plans.

Climate change has to be a major concern for our port. We must continue to invest in projects that improve the quality of our air, water and land. The “job description” of the Port Commission is to hire the executive director, set policy and strategic direction, and approve all major expenditures. Having said that, a commissioner’s job is to do the proper investigation to ensure that any new industries or manufacturing meets the economic and environmental goals set out in our strategic plan.That is how we will effectively mitigate the effects of climate change.

As a 3-term Gig Harbor City Council member, I worked side-by-side with my colleagues, including Derek Young, former County Council member, to deliver core city services without politics or drama. We had a selfless, team approach to governing. We delivered fiscally responsible budgets, substantially grew our inventory of park property, extended city-wide pedestrian access, improved roads, limited tax increases, substantially expanded water and wastewater capacity and service and successfully negotiated mutually beneficial labor agreements. Chaired the inter-governmental committee, responsible for engaging with local, county, state, and federal partners. Chaired the Lodging and Tax Advisory Committee. I served on the Pierce County Flood Control Zone Advisory Committee alongside Ryan Mello. Chaired the Public Works committee. I served as Mayor Pro Tem - 2010 & 2014. Tacoma Mayor Woodards hired me to co-facilitate the 5-governements to align on the Tideflats Subarea Plan in 2017 & 2018.

While the Port is the economic engine of our county and region, there has been a slow, subtle decline in cargo market share over the last 10 years which has led to a loss in jobs and business. COVID, tariffs, & Canadian ports have all contributed to this decline. We need port commissioners who have a vision and strategy for more family wage jobs, growing our economy, and cleaning up the remaining contaminated properties within the port. I was told the incumbent had let it be known that he was retiring. While he decided to run again, I realized my years on City Council, my executive leadership experience in growing business, my years in environmental clean-up services, to include Board Chair of the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS), my work over the past 20 years to improve the business of public utilities, and my blue collar foundation starting my career as a union deckhand & dock worker positioned me to be a port commissioner who will build and grow the Port.

1) Increase Market share – As I shared, the Port business has slowly eroded. I will focus on reversing that trend. We are a discretionary port. That means we must be more creative and aggressive to attract business. I have spoken to Port leadership and House Speaker, Laurie Jinkins about this. We need the governor, the legislature, Pierce County, the Tribe, and Port of Seattle to develop a sustainable economic development plan that draws cargo through the port more quickly and efficiently. 2) Job Growth - This is my "North Star." If we do #1 and my #3 that we will bring as many as 10,000 more family, living wage, union jobs to our community. I will only make decisions that promote jobs on our working waterfront. 3) Clean Up the Port – 10 major contaminated Port properties. We must have a plan to accelerate clean up and make these properties available to new tenants who will generate new businesses and build family wage jobs. The Port is in a strong financial position to do this.

The Port must be a trusted neighbor and partner. The Tribe, Northeast Tacoma, and East Tacoma are neighbors most affected by Port activities. The Port has already begun an effort to move to clean environmental practices to include habitat restoration and use of electric technology for shore power to mitigate diesel generators on cargo vessels and EVs for cargo moving vehicles. More can be done. The East Tacoma community is one of the most environmentally impacted in our State. I will advocate to understand the Port's impact and how that can be mitigated through changed practices. Further, I will encourage the Port to continue to be a leader and innovator in alternative technology that can drive us to a cleaner future. I have talked with both major Tacoma mayoral candidates about a partnership to attract innovative clean technology startups into the Tideflats area and discussed rerouting or dedicating some roads to cargo-only roads to reduce traffic congestion in Fife and the Tideflats.

The Port must focus on the future. Most data points to sea levels rising over the next 50 years and beyond. As we invest in new facilities and modernize existing terminals, I will be advocating for sustainable designs for all future projects. I will also work to encourage understanding on how our future growth might impact existing environmental habitat, our neighbors, the communities nearby, and assure that future growth is based on sustainable, green infrastructure standards. As the Port grows, I will advocate for opportunities for environmental and community benefits that are consistent with the working waterfront. There will also need to be discussion, planning, and budgeting around future natural disasters. Specifically, the impact from a future lahar related to a potential eruption of Mt. Rainier and the liquefaction caused by a major earthquake. The Port Commission must have a responsible vision for the future and not just a focus on caretaking of our existing circumstances.

Although this is my first run for an elected position; I have been active in my community in numerous ways, including: *Pierce County Central Labor Council (Soundview Representative) (PCCLC) *Washington DECA Board of Directors (Chair of the Fundraising Committee) *Sumner Rotary (Co-Chair of Sumner Rotary Dictionary project) *Wrangler for the Puyallup Rodeo *Pilgrim Lutheran Church Board, Past President and board member *Washington Educators of Business and Marketing Educators (WEBAM) *Washington Association of Marketing Educators (WAME) Board member and Treasurer *DECA Advisor of the Year 2024 *Pierce County outstanding CTE educator 2010 *Awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars as the most Influential Teacher by the U.S. Secretary of Education in 2024

As a lifelong Washingtonian, I want to ensure the Port of Tacoma remains economically strong, continues to grow, and provides family-wage jobs and opportunities for my former students, their families, and all Pierce County residents. I also want to help develop and strengthen our workforce, and I fully support the opening of the Maritime 253 Skills Center in 2026, which will prepare our youth for port-related careers.

As we grow the Port of Tacoma, we must do so strategically and responsibly. We must ensure it remains environmentally sustainable and address areas of concern, so the environmental impacts of the past do not burden future generations.

I am committed to building, maintaining, and fostering positive business relationships and growing trust and confidence among stakeholders across Pierce County.

-Maintain a strong workforce: I will fully support the development of our local workforce by promoting programs like the Tacoma School District’s Maritime 253 Skills Center and partnering with local institutions that train and empower skilled labor. I’m committed to expanding job training programs that connect Pierce County residents with family-wage careers in port-related industries. I will continue encouraging local recruitment to ensure these opportunities benefit our community first.

-Environmental Protections: The port must continue to lead the way in transitioning port operations to renewable, green energy and reducing emissions. The focus will remain on minimizing our carbon footprint while identifying innovative and cost-effective solutions to achieve these goals.

-Communication, trust, and transparency: I’m committed to sustaining and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with all current and future stakeholders of the Port of Tacoma, including the Puyallup Tribe.

As a Port Commissioner, I hold the responsibility of making sure our impacts on the environment and the surrounding communities are healthy and stay on track with our overall environmental goals. I will support tracking key workforce and environmental impact metrics, including job placement rates, wage growth, clean energy job growth, and emissions reductions, ensuring measurable success. An annual workforce and sustainability impact report will be published, showcasing key achievements and community stories.

Additionally, I will promote the Port of Tacoma as a model for workforce innovation and green maritime leadership, ensuring our position as a national hub for clean industry, job creation, and sustainable growth.

As a Port Commissioner, I will prioritize climate action that’s both effective and equitable. I’ll advocate for electrifying port operations and expanding access to clean transportation. We need to ensure that the new development for housing and industrial projects all meet strong environmental standards. I’ll push for government incentives prioritizing overburdened communities and supporting green job creation through workforce training and clean energy projects. Equity must be built into our climate strategy from the beginning. I will need to do more research and develop a strong committee to help come up with solutions that will best fit the needs of the Port of Tacoma and the people of Pierce County.