July 2022 - Pierce County Executive

29Jul 2022 by lcatali

As good as it gets

Executive

This past Tuesday our Executive Team had a farewell luncheon for Patty Harper who has served as the “first impression” for our office. While we will miss her on the 7th Floor, we are excited for her new opportunity with the Finance Department! At the lunch, I asked a question of the group: “What is your favorite thing to do in Pierce County on a sunny 90-degree day?” Not surprisingly, their answers involved getting outdoors! They included: biking on the Foothills Trail (early or late in the day); hiking in the hills; picnicking in a park; floating on a lake; and my favorite - boating with a refreshing dunk in Puget Sound! We also had a spirited debate between swimming in fresh or saltwater! There is no better time of…

22Jul 2022 by lcatali

In the matrix

Executive

In the popular “Matrix” movies, the main character is named Neo. His name reflects the Greek prefix for “new” since he gets a new identity during the film. At Pierce County we also have a “Neo” that reflects new people but ours is an acronym: NEO. It stands for New Employee Orientation. I spend time each Monday morning welcoming the newest employees to our County Team - including our “extra hires.” It is a great way to start my week. My favorite part is listening to their answers to three questions I ask each of our new “regular” colleagues: Where are you from? What were you doing before you came to Pierce County? Why did you decide to join Pierce County? Their answers help me learn more about who is…

15Jul 2022 by lcatali

What’s in a name?

Executive

Someone’s name is core to who they are and their identity. It likely reflects both their family and their heritage. Some people change their names - focusing more on their future than their past. My last name is somewhat unique and has been subject to many mispronunciations and misspellings over the years. I can still vividly remember when “Dummeier” was on a certificate I received in 2nd grade! I work very hard to show respect to everyone I meet by pronouncing their name correctly - the way they choose to pronounce it. I meet many people, so living up to this standard can be challenging - especially as our community and County workforce has become more diverse. We have many colleagues from different nations, backgrounds, and experiences, and their names…

08Jul 2022 by lcatali

It’s cold!

Executive

At the start of a recent meeting, each participant was asked “What is one of your favorite summer activities?” I told the group one of my favorites is hearing my granddaughters squeal with delight when riding on a tube being pulled behind our boat! Even at their young age, they enjoy the bouncing and thrill of going fast – well, not too fast. However, their dad knows what could happen. He is on the tube with them - and everyone is wearing life jackets. So, they get the thrill, and he keeps them safe. Our waters are one of the things that make our home so special. And enjoying them on a paddle board, in a kayak, on a tube, or in a boat is the best part of the…

01Jul 2022 by lcatali

Tick…tick…tick

Executive

This Independence Day weekend, many of us will celebrate our nation’s birth with family and friends. Many of our local communities really get into the spirit, like DuPont’s “Hometown Celebration;” Steilacoom’s 33rd Annual “Four on the Fourth” cross country run; and Tacoma’s “Summer Blast.” However, for our first responders this is also one of the busiest weekends of the year as some celebrations go awry and common sense becomes in short supply. And one of our Sheriff Department’s specialized teams is guaranteed to be busy – the Bomb Squad! I had the chance to spend some time with our Bomb Squad during their training day at the Orting Quarry – a very safe place for them to practice their skills – which, of course, includes actually blowing things up! Like…