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Latest Blog Posts

Finding a way

There’s an old saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And, there is some truth to that. Despite any number of obstacles, it seems that some people can find a way to break through and get things done. That’s especially true here in Pierce...
Let’s go!

Four years ago, I had the privilege of being sworn in as Executive for the first time. Hundreds of guests joined me in a large conference center. It was festive, loud and lively. Fast forward four years and this week’s swearing-in was small,...
Commitee and External Board Assignments

At this afternoon’s meeting the Council approved appointments to our standing committes and external boards. Standing Committees RULES AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Meeting Time: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Derek Young, Chair Dave Morell, Vice Chair Marty...
“Of the people, by the people, for the people”

In the midst of the most divisive time in our history, the Civil War, after the bloodiest battle in our history, with over 50,000 combined casualties, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a 271-word address at the dedication of the National Cemetery...
Changes at the Pierce County Council

With the New Year, Pierce County has a new Council. Yesterday we swore in four new members. Joining us are: Hans Zeiger, District 2 Amy Cruver, District 3 Ryan Mello, District 5 Jani Hitchen, District 6 We’re excited about this new group because they...
Good riddance

I can’t imagine there is a person who isn’t relieved that 2020 is almost over. While there have been many wonderful events – babies were born, partners were wed, birthdays were celebrated, and puppies were adopted – the losses were much...
Thank you and Farewell

“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer Twenty years ago, I made a decision that changed my life. I entered public...
‘Art of Compromise’ needed to pass behavioral health tax increase

Finally, Council passed an ordinance to adopt a one-tenth of one percent tax for behavioral health. First, a little history. In 2016 I introduced, and Council supported, the idea to conduct a study on Pierce County’s behavioral health system. In...
Hopeful holidays

Hopeful holidays So many of our traditional holiday activities have been cancelled. Whether it is a large family dinner, a neighborhood gathering, baking cookies with a grandparent or a large church service, these and many other things that mean the...
Appreciative or proud?

I learned a lot last Wednesday afternoon at the Human Services’ “Years of Service Celebration.” For instance, Sarah Lacombe is a big fan of the musical Hamilton, as am I. And, if I had to pick a song from Hamilton that best described my reaction to...
For a healthy community

It has never been more important for Pierce County to have strong, effective public health services. Our community’s health and wellbeing have been taken to the brink by the pandemic. There is not one aspect of our lives that hasn’t been touched and...
Why I left Tuesday’s Council meeting

On Tuesday, I did something I have never done in my 18 years in elected office: I excused myself and left a Council meeting. It was not a decision I made lightly and I’d like to share why. Ordinance 2020-136 was before Council and proposed...
Lifetime learners

I love to learn. I want to grow intellectually, to keep my brain healthy, to challenge my preconceptions, and to be better prepared to do my job. Learning helps me be ready for the challenges that lie ahead and makes me a better person. Beyond...
Connecting with a Family Caregiver

November was Family Caregiver Month, so before it gets too far in our rear view mirror, I want to share a bit about our Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), and highlight a very special caregiver here in Pierce County. A couple of weeks ago, I...
Like a scene from a science fiction movie

Imagine yourself in a hostile “alien” environment, where gravity is different, and your survival depends on the limited air supply you carry on your back. Now, further imagine you can’t see anything and have to navigate through pipes filled...
Still thankful

We’ve lost so much this year. Our young people have lost their schools, we’ve lost live music and sporting events, and for now we’ve even lost the ability to enjoy a meal in a restaurant. Worse than that, of course, are the lives lost. ...
Proud warriors

Photo by Russell Albert Daniels/American Indian Magazine. The 2002 movie “Windtalkers,” starring Nicolas Cage and Adam Beach, highlighted the unique contributions made by Navajo code talkers during the Battle for Saipan in World War II. ...
Four more years

Running for elective office is never easy. Running for elective office while in the throes of a once-in-a-century pandemic is something else altogether. My hat is off to everyone who put themselves out there and campaigned for office. Win or lose,...
Tacoma Farmers Market: Shop local this holiday season

The holiday season is fast approaching and this year I encourage you to double-down on efforts to shop local and support Pierce County business. One way you can do that through visiting the Tacoma Farmers Market, which has four markets planned...
Moving criminal justice forward

I discussed my proposed supplemental budget with the Council yesterday and will formally submit it to them next week. Simply put, I think with it we are breaking new ground. Not only is it the first mid-biennial budget ever in the County, but, more...