Year: 2023

I did something this week that I rarely do – I vetoed a piece of legislation that came to me from the Council. In the nearly 7 years I’ve held this office I have only used my veto on 7 occasions, including this week’s veto. So, why did I do it? Context is important, so remember that housing affordability and chronic homelessness are two significant challenges facing our community. We need more than 50,000 affordable homes for our low- and lower-income neighbors.  Additionally, hundreds of people are dying on our streets trapped in addiction and untreated mental illness.  Last fall, the Council adopted a wide range of updates for our residential development regulations and created several new types of uses and housing types including shared housing. (I recently visited a…

With our typical glorious August weather, I like many of you are looking forward to a few days away from work - to rest and relax!  But I am reminded that many in our community are ramping up to a new school year.  Educating our children and young adults is one of the most important jobs in our community, and I’m grateful for the instructors, teachers, professors, administrators, custodians, and staff who are making final preparations for classes to begin! Getting our youngest learners off to the strongest possible start is essential.  And that responsibility falls to the many preschool programs throughout the County.  (Just last night, my family was singing the praises of “Teacher Vera” - the preschool teacher for my 33-year-old son who is getting married tomorrow!)  Children…

Peaceful Chambers Creek Canyon While I love our community year-round, there is little doubt that our spectacular outdoors shine especially bright in the summer!  There is so much to do and enjoy! My summer weekends are packed with people and activity, and I wish I could fit even more in.   Summer weather is great for being on the water, walking our communities, hiking our hills and Mount Rainier is always beckoning.  Not to mention all the festivals and celebrations throughout the County! So, here’s my challenge for you.  Break out of your summer routine enough to try something new our community has to offer!  Slow down and take a few minutes to lose yourself in this amazing place we live.  Are you up for it? To help jumpstart the…

Community First! Village in Austin, Texas It’s been a while since I’ve written about the Piece County Village project and with the Council currently considering legislation regarding shared housing development regulations next week, I thought this would be a good time to provide you an update. As you may recall, the Village is based on the Austin-based Community First! Village, a proven and effective model to restore people trapped in chronic homelessness with untreated addiction and mental illness. Just like in Austin, the residents of Pierce County’s Village would get critically needed treatment, work onsite in micro-enterprises and pay rent, all while finding hope again through community.       On March 21, the County Council approved funding for the Village, passed a related land use development regulation and enabled the County to enter into a public-private…

Just before the pandemic, my family gave me a Concept2 rowing machine to encourage me to be healthier.  Little did I realize at the time that it would become a regular part of my routine.  For the last three years, I've been getting up at 5:00 a.m. to go into my basement, strap into my rowing machine, and pull for about 10,000 meters.  Earlier this month, I passed the “6 million meters rowed" milestone! Since it takes me around an hour to row my 10K, the mathematicians will soon realize my 6M milestone equates to about 600 hours on the rower!  Rowing is one of the best full body workouts, but it is very repetitive.  To stay focused while rowing, I watch movies on my tablet - and I’ve watched…

As an avid boater and former Naval officer, I can tell you that it takes a lot to keep a boat in good repair.  Having your boat work properly when you are on the water is essential - first and foremost for the safety of those on board.  The marine environment is challenging - think about driving your car with the road constantly moving. And how about driving into your garage where the height of the entrance is 18 feet higher than when you left earlier in the day? (The Steilacoom dock saw a nearly 19-foot tidal change from 12:57 p.m. to 8:31 p.m. on the Fourth of July!). And don’t get me started on corrosion - where the salt water is constantly trying to destroy your boat! Finally, think…