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LIST OF ISSUES
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Fiscal responsibility
Review and affirm that all revenue is being spent wisely.
During my term as Mayor of Yelm, I presented the City Council with balanced, supported budgets 5 years in a row – even while navigating the economic obstacles of the pandemic of uncertain revenues, increasing costs, and an unsure local business community. We were successful in supporting our local economy, utilizing every tool to secure funding and support from the Federal and State governments. We demonstrated that a community can thrive through adversity with proper leadership. I will use these experiences to help develop responsible budgets and fiscal oversight for Thurston County.
Accountability
Practice clear communication with County residents.
When first elected as Mayor, I held the first town hall meetings Yelm had seen in years so we could hear, first-hand, what citizens really felt and wanted from their local government. I convened similar listening groups of business leaders, military and Tribal leadership, community groups and others to bring their opinions to our discussions at City Hall. We created the City’s first real access to social media, streamed City Council meetings and study sessions, and responded to citizen requests for information in a timely manner. The County government will benefit from a similar approach. As Commissioner I will hear directly and often from our constituents.
Economic vitality
Search for ways and means to support local businesses and industry.
A thriving business economy works for the benefit of all. As Mayor, I worked with the County Economic Development Council, Yelm and Thurston County Chambers of Commerce, and local business groups to provide opportunity for economic growth. During my term, Yelm’s revenues improved by more than 5% per year, even through the pandemic, as small businesses found support and encouragement from our local government. We can attract more businesses and (clean) industry to Thurston County – but draw the line at those that would disturb our way of life – No new airport.
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Affordable housing
Create new opportunities for entry level housing.
We have a severe shortage of available, entry-level and middle-income housing regionally. In Thurston County, we have been working with developers by creating zoning and building codes to create opportunities to meet the need – but much more work needs to be done. Affordable housing must be a front-burner issue. Allowing more freedom for property owners to create housing opportunities like accessory dwelling units (ADU), tiny home villages for seniors, Veterans and other financially encumbered individuals, and increased density zoning to support the intent of the Growth Management Act to infill urban areas.
Public safety
Support and improve with personnel, training, innovative programs.
The number one goal of our county government should be to provide a safe environment for all citizens. Support for our law enforcement teams includes interventional mental health programs, supportive courts with alternatives to incarceration, and hiring, training, and supporting the best officers. The voters have recently acknowledged that by increasing funding to our Sheriff’s Department. I will work with the Sheriff and County leadership to ensure those funds are used appropriately to support the goal of a safe community for all.
Environmental responsibility
Leave the planet a better place than when we got here.
I’ve been advocating for responsible environmental practices since I read Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” in the 70s. Our family volunteers with the Nisqually Land Trust, restoring and protecting lands along the Nisqually River to provide safe habitat for salmon and recreation for us all. I served on the Board of Directors for 9 years, 3 as president, considering policies and budgets to support our efforts in the field. Locally, we use our own small property in Yelm to provide habitat for innumerable species; mowing less and allowing the natural regrowth of prairie and forest plants. As a County Commissioner, I will look for ways to achieve balance between the rights of property owners and sustainable development that follows sound environmental practices, so we can all enjoy this beautiful land for generations to come.
Compassionate Care for the vulnerable
Support programs that support people.
The human condition is fragile. We have a moral imperative to help each other through challenges and adversity. Some of our neighbors are more vulnerable and burdened with physical or mental limitations, age and gender bias, social prejudice, and inequity of opportunity. We have existing programs that can support all people, and I will emphasize our responsibility to lift everyone up to achieve their best life in our community.
Property rights
Review and streamline processes for responsible, sustainable development.
A common complaint we hear is the challenge of dealing with the County on property rights; mitigating for environmental impacts of development, securing a building permit in a timely fashion, and fair taxation. All these challenges require thoughtful consideration and a collaborative process to improve and expedite citizens' requests. The County has done great work in recent years to improve those issues, and I look forward to working with staff to find even more ways to strengthen citizens’ rights to a speedy, responsive government.
Relationships
Build on existing lines of communication with state, regional and Tribal interests.
“Work together to make things better.” This is a strength of mine developed through my career as Marine, Firefighter, Rotarian, Board member, youth sports coach, City Council member, and Mayor. I will look for every opportunity to build and nurture relationships between individuals and organizations throughout the region to support a thriving community for us all.
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