25th LD Democrats 2023 General Election Endorsements

Living and teaching in Pierce County, I’ve seen party politics get in the way of solutions to our problems: Traffic, increasing crime, affordable housing, threats to our liberties, and education that doesn’t prepare students for a quickly changing workforce. These shouldn’t be partisan issues but are community problems we must work together to solve. I will fight for improved infrastructure so we can spend less time in traffic and more time with our families. I will create programs where our first responders can work side-by-side with mental health professionals to reduce crime, because we all deserve to feel safe in our schools and homes. I will develop an affordable housing plan that takes into account growth while maintaining the character of our community and beautiful environment. I will support women’s rights to all healthcare. And I will improve our already great schools with job training and mental health professionals. This is my home because I love the quality of life – from parks, to people, to local businesses, and community events. I am committed to making it even safer and more vibrant for the next generation.

We must do everything possible to protect the value of our Port by increasing family-wage jobs, improving worker safety, upgrading roads and bridges which provide Port access, and reducing congestion on area highways. We must keep the Port of Tacoma an asset for future generations. The Port must have a proven leader as it also faces contentious and challenging issues. We must ensure those living and working in our Port area are safe, and we must always work hard to improve our water, air and environment. Using my diverse professional background, we’ve strengthened our relationship with JBLM making our Port one of the top three strategic military ports in the nation. We were able to attract and consolidate more auto business as well as shipbuilding and growing our breakbulk business. The commission adopted a first-ever workforce development strategic plan. As your Port Commissioner, I will continue to listen and work in partnership with others to get things done. I look forward to continuing to serve you. Endorsements from Tacoma Longshore and Fire, former US Congressman Dicks, PC Executive Dammeier, US Representatives Kilmer and Strickland, Mayor Woodards, State Representatives Wilcox and Leavitt, PC Councilmembers Morell and Denson. More at www.deannakeller.com.

Our Port is in a stronger position now than it was 4 years ago, and we’re delivering greater benefits to Pierce County residents. I’m asking for your vote to continue this work and expand on our gains in fiscal responsibility, environmental cleanup, and driving economic growth. During my term, we decreased the port tax levy rate for Pierce County taxpayers, decreased port debt, and will finally receive a fairer share of the Harbor Maintenance Tax. Coupled with streamlined efficiency, we’ve increased investments to expand port capacity and modernize terminals – fiscal sustainability that has upgraded our bond rating. Our Port received national awards for environmental stewardship, and I’ve been recognized by Communities for Health Bay with their Clean Water Hero award. We’ve invested in Shore Power to reduce air pollution, plus reduced underwater vessel noise for Orcas. We’re working to make the Port of Tacoma a clean energy hub to lead the industry towards achieving net-zero emissions. By partnering with our schools to create the 253 Maritime Skills Center, we’re expanding student career pathway opportunities. We’re also collaborating with the Puyallup Tribe to build a new terminal and habitat restoration, building trust and job opportunities for our entire community.

Ballot Title: The City Council of the City of Puyallup adopted Ordinance 3277 concerning a proposition for its public safety facilities. This proposition authorizes the City to design, construct, develop, equip, acquire, and improve City public safety facilities, including constructing a new Public Safety Facility to house police and jail, and improve facilities to create a downtown police substation; issue up to $56,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within a maximum of 30 years to finance such projects; and levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds, as provided in Ordinance 3277. Should this proposition be approved?

The U.S. Military brought me to Pierce County, but the natural beauty, sense of community and opportunity of Puyallup led me to make this my home. I’m proud to be a part of this community and ready to serve my neighbors. The landscape of Puyallup is growing and changing and we’ll all benefit from leadership that brings new perspectives and experience. I spent 24 years serving our country and learning the value of bringing people from diverse backgrounds and different beliefs together to accomplish our goals. This will guide my work on the council, where I’ll build relationships with my colleagues and the community to ensure we can work together effectively to accomplish our common goal of serving the people of Puyallup. After retirement, I continued to seek out ways to serve. This led to a position in workforce development and a passion for supporting our workforce and economy. On the council, I’ll work to expand support for small businesses, bring good paying jobs to Puyallup, and ensure development is done thoughtfully to protect our infrastructure, green spaces and maintain our city’s character. I’m ready to bring new leadership to Puyallup and would be honored to earn your vote.

Puyallup urgently needs ethical leaders. I moved my family back here after graduating college so my daughter could learn in our great schools and share our sense of community. Now I want to give back by building a stronger foundation for our city. As a longtime resident, I feel it is important for Puyallup to keep its small-town charm. I want to preserve farmland and keep warehouses from taking over. I will find solutions to the Shaw Road problem. Accountable government repairs potholes and crumbling sidewalks. I will champion transparency and accountability throughout government, starting with an independent ethics commission that our city desperately needs. I will make certain police and first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs. I am the only candidate who is endorsed by labor and Puyallup teachers. I earned their support because they know I’m the grassroots candidate who will do what it takes to get things done. My background in finance uniquely qualifies me to ensure your tax dollars are wisely spent. I have a proven history of doing what’s right by helping others. It would be an honor to earn your vote as your next city councilmember.

As the mother of a PSD student, I want to help ensure the teachers and school staff have the resources they need and the policies in place to provide excellent educational opportunities in the manner that is equitable and values and respects each and every student. I’m running for Puyallup School Board because I believe that we should be providing our students with a topnotch education that is equitable, safe, and treats each student, faculty, and staff with respect and dignity. I have spent my 25 year career securing grant funding for human services programs often serving children and families. I believe that to provide the best education we need to ensure funds are used responsibly and for the benefit of students, to negotiate in good faith and honor contracts of district employees, and to ensure the best learning environment for our students. If elected, I will work to provide fair and competitive compensation, an environment that values staff and educators, and provide support and resources (such as limiting class sizes and providing adequate levels of staffing) to provide a welcoming, attractive work environment. I’d be honored to have your vote! Endorsements: 25th Legislative District Democrats; Washington Education Association

As a former public school student for K-12, parent of 2 Puyallup School District students, former PTA Treasurer, parent volunteer, and as an Educator/champion for early learners, I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all children. I am running for School Board to bring change, experience, and care to our community and children. I am uniquely qualified to understand the needs of the children and what we must do to see our children truly learn and thrive. My leadership skills have prepared me for lifting the voices of those needing to be heard, while providing comfort and direction and decision making skills with a big-picture view. I believe the role of a School Board Director includes being an active listener, active engager, and respected leader who makes decisions based in fact, who can speak to the community with respect and compassion, and who will ensure the needs of the student are the priority. If elected, I will place our children’s safety and education first, ensure the voices of our educators are heard, and ensure our students, teachers, faculty and staff have the resources needed to provide the best education possible. I’d be honored to have your vote!

I’m a 25-year educator and leader passionate about creating inclusive and equitable education systems. I am running for Puyallup School Board Director because I want to use my experience as an educator, parent, and leader to advocate for the needs of students and families and work collaboratively with other school directors to create positive change. I believe all students, regardless of background or ability, deserve access to the resources, high-quality educators, and support needed to thrive and succeed. I’m committed to creating An Education Ecosystem Designed to Meet The Direct Needs of all Students, and I am committed to advocating for policies and programs that support all students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. As a school board member, I’ll prioritize communication and collaboration with families, teachers, staff, community organizations, and local businesses to build a strong school support network. I’ll work to ensure that our schools have the resources to attract and retain the best educators and staff who represent our growing student population. I’ll be a voice for our community’s students, families, and educators. I’d appreciate your vote. I’m proudly endorsed by Puyallup teachers and paraeducators-WEA, 25th Legislative Democrats, School Board Directors across Pierce County, and community leaders!

I’m proud to call the Sumner-Bonney Lake community our home. It’s an honor and privilege to now serve the same district I graduated from. There’s a lot to celebrate in this district. When it comes to stability our enrollment is up, and our finances are strong. When it comes to services, we’ve increased multilingual training for staff, and saved before and after school care when the City of Bonney Lake planned to cut funding. We’ve increased graduation rates and prepared students for post high school careers. We’ve grown our workforce ready programs that landed 13 seniors jobs at Boeing directly after graduation this year. We’ve implemented JROTC programs at both high schools and continued to win awards for enrichment programs like Culinary Arts, Band, Robotics, and many others. There is still much work to do. We need to know, value, and support every child in the district to ensure they have a welcoming, diverse, and safe environment. I‘m eager to continue my involvement at the district level to serve this great community. On behalf of myself (SHS 97), my wife (SHS 97), our two daughters (SHS 21 & 24) and our rescue pets your vote is appreciated.