Month: July 2024

Thirty-four years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. In honor of this important milestone, I asked Kris Dowling with Human Services’ Aging and Disabilities Resources group for permission to re-post a blog she wrote to mark the occasion.  I’m grateful for the work she and her colleagues do to serve the needs of our disabled residents. And, I echo Kris' call for all of us take up a challenge. I just watched the movie Speed Cubers - it's a cool friendship movie set against the backdrop of autism and speed cubing! Bruce July is Disability Pride Month When was the last time you reflected on your ability to: Walk down a gravelly path at the park? Hear the voice of a friend? See an eagle…

One of our most crucial responsibilities is to be there when our community needs us most. Whether it is a mass shooting, wildfire, plane crash, train derailment, or pandemic, we need to support our residents on their “worst day." That’s why this week’s Safety Summit, sponsored by the Department of Emergency Management, was so important. This was our second annual Summit and was a big step up from last year. We tripled the number of attendees - driving us to a larger venue at Clover Park Technical College.  We had representatives from across our community including county departments, cities, governmental agencies, law enforcement, fire service,  K12 schools and higher education!  They heard both national and local speakers, learned from incidents in Clark County (Nevada), Joplin, Uvalde, Grays Harbor and others.  Thursday…

Each week when I speak to new employees, I talk about the importance of respect. As public servants, we must treat our residents - no matter their background - with the consideration and regard each of us as human beings have a right to expect. This certainly applies to our interactions with colleagues, too. But in all cases, we are right to insist the respect we give be returned in kind - that’s a matter of self-respect. Unfortunately, this culture of respect we have worked hard to build at Pierce County is going to be tested in the coming weeks and months by politicians of all stripes, who will work to stoke your feelings of moral outrage and convince you there is more that divides us than unites us. In…

I hope you and your friends and family had a safe and sane celebration of our nation’s independence! Those of us who grew up in the Pacific Northwest know that summer doesn’t really begin until July 5th - as proven by years of experience with cold and wet Fourth of July parades and parties.  This year, however, the heat is on and we’re ready to celebrate. I know for many, like my family, the heat will drive us to the shores of Puget Sound or our amazing lakes.  Before you get too carried away, remember that our waters are beautiful, but danger lurks.  It’s critically important that you keep in mind how to safely enjoy the Sound, lakes and rivers, so your fun does not become a tragedy. Some time…