Tacoma Comp Plan Update

Last night, the Chamber testified at the Tacoma City Council public hearing about the update for the City's Comprehensive Plan Update.

The Chamber focused on plan proposed amendment, 2008-09 South Tacoma Manufacturing/ Industrial Center. The Chamber's comments were submitted by Gary Brackett, the Chamber's Manager for Business and Trade Development. His statement:

"Good evening, Mayor Baarsma and Councilmembers.

"I am Gary Brackett, Manager, Business and Trade Development for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber.

"I speak tonight in favor of the South Tacoma Manufacturing/Industrial Center designation, as I have before the Tacoma Planning Commission.

"The Chamber supports the new designation because it will elevate that area into a regionally-recognized industrial center, and possibly qualify it for future transportation dollars. That will result in a more attractive location for companies and plants which will, in turn provide our community with more quality jobs and increased tax base.

"As our community continues to struggle with job creation to match our population growth, such initiatives by the City to increase the value of our land and our infrastructure are necessary. And, the best part - this designation does not impose on the community anything more than is currently allowed.

"Thank you for your consideration."

The Tacoma City Council still have several steps ahead with a first reading of the proposed ordinance on Dec. 2 and a final reading on Dec. 9.

It's Official... (Or Is It?)

Auditor Pat McCarthy has apparently won in her bid to be the next Pierce County Executive.  

The last votes to be counted give her a 4,000 vote lead. There is a possibility that a recount may take place, which means we may not know until December who the next Executive is.

Click here for the final(?) results.

Pierce County Executive Race

According to numbers recently released by the Auditor's office, Pat McCarthy will win the Pierce County Executive race.

Having analyzed the numbers prior to the election, it appeared the Republican candidate, Shawn Bunney, would need to have at least 39% of the total votes cast in the first round of the race in order to win in the final round. The unofficial tabulation from the Auditor's office shows Bunney capturing only 33% of the vote in the first round.

The ballots cast thus far indicate that Pat McCarthy will ultimately win the Pierce County Executive seat. For the most current information on the breakdown, click here.