Month: April 2018

Pierce County has come to a crossroads, with two potential routes ahead of us. One path leads us to being a bedroom community for King County. In fact, that is already a reality for about 33% of our citizens who live in Pierce County but work up north. The other path leads to more local jobs right here in the County. It would be better for the many new families moving to our area if they could spend more time together and less time stuck in traffic. The long commute, in a car or on transit, steals time from dinner together, softball games, helping with homework or planting a garden. On one hand, I am thrilled with all the new folks making our neighborhoods more lively and diverse. On the…

It’s never easy saying good-bye to someone you care about, even in the workplace.  It’s even harder when it’s someone you spend much of your day with and who is key to your own success. After 30 years serving the residents of Pierce County – and three County Executives - Connie Perry, Executive Assistant Extraordinaire, is leaving us to enjoy a much-deserved retirement. I think it’s not an exaggeration to state that anyone who has met Connie has been captivated by her warmth and kindness, and amazed at the unabashed joy of her frequent laughter! She is organized, professional, articulate and gracious. But, above these attributes, Connie is genuine and compassionate. Despite the stresses of her work – and, trust me, working in our office is no picnic – Connie…

I strongly believe that you can learn a lot – and some of the most important things - by asking questions and listening to others’ perspectives.  This principle is even more critical as the County Executive.  Whether it is touring local businesses, talking with citizens and employees, or riding along with our first responders, seeing and hearing things first-hand is vitally important.  While I am very pleased with all we have accomplished in the last 16 months, it is time for me to get a perspective check. So, for the next couple of months, I am going to be out meeting one-to-one and in small groups with our County leaders and employees. These meetings will be a huge focus for the next two months and the importance of this effort was…

  Pinwheels always make me smile.  The bright blue pinwheels spinning in the breeze look festive on the lawn outside of Juvenile Court this time of year. But, the reason for their annual appearance is far from happy. Juvenile Court is recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign. The pinwheels symbolize the fun and carefree childhood every child deserves. In addition to raising awareness of child abuse prevention, in the month of April we are recognizing our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and Guardians ad litem (GAL) for the work they do for our communities’ most vulnerable youth. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who ensure that children in the foster care system are heard and their best interests are served.  We currently…