Select Better Choices in the Primary

Dear Chamber Member,

Time is drawing near for the deadline to return your ballot for the August 4 primary election. 

This year, many local offices and key issues are on the ballot, including seats on the Tacoma City Council, Pierce County Charter Review Commission, Port of Tacoma Commissioner and school board positions throughout the region. There are also votes for the 30^th Legislative District and the Pierce County general administration building.

CITY OF TACOMA

This election cycle, we have the rare opportunity to create and ensure the security of a prosperous and healthy city. Tacoma often sets the tone for our region when it comes to local policies, which is why the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance, a political organization of local businesses, some of which are Chamber members, has solely focused on these races.

For this year's primary, the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance has endorsed the following candidates for the Tacoma City Council primary:

·         District 1: John Hines, Tara Doyle-Enneking

·         District 3: Keith Blocker, Kris Blondin, Valentine Smith

During the Business Alliance’s interview process, the above candidates all demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities in Tacoma, particularly when it came to the issues that are important to Tacomans:

1.      Bring and keep jobs in Tacoma by installing sound economic policy, ensuring the creation of a reasonable minimum wage proposal, and working alongside business instead of against them.

2.      Fix Tacoma roads and infrastructure to help move people and goods around the city faster.

3.      Foster economic growth and sustainability by helping grow local businesses and encouraging the creation of economic policy customized to the needs of Tacoma.

These elections matter, and you can support the goals listed above by supporting the candidates endorsed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance. Your support can be manifested in two ways: First, by personally supporting the above candidates during the primary election. Second, by donating HERE to the Business Alliance. Donations allow the Business Alliance to strategically back candidates and issues important to Tacoma in these key races.

PIERCE COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW

Pierce County voters have the once a decade responsibility to elect freeholders to the Pierce County Charter Review Commission. The Charter Review Commission is made up of 21 elected members, with three candidates elected in each of Pierce County’s seven councilmanic districts.

The Charter Review Commission creates amendments and replacements to the County Charter, which serves as the Constitution for the County. Their recommendations will go directly to the voters without vetting by the County Council or the County Executive.

The primary serves as the only vetting process for the general election candidates. The Chamber encourages everyone to research and vote for the candidates that best serve the community and its interests. 

We encourage you to keep the above issues in mind as you fill out your ballot—our region’s continued competitiveness depends on them. Remember, you must return or mail your ballot by Tuesday, August 4.

Best Wishes,

Tom Pierson
President & CEO
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Helping Want-a-be Electeds

The Chamber has announced its inaugural Candidate Academy, beginning in February, 2013.

The program, for local leaders interested in running for office, will help participants understand the steps of campaigning and inform them of other aspects of public office that will help them determine whether they are ready to seek office.

Through four weekly sessions in February, participants will have the opportunity to learn from local elected officials, business leaders and community advocates who will advise them on how to decide whether to run for office. Encompassing a wide variety of subjects focused on four main themes, “Why Run,” “Context,” “Roles” and “Running for Office,” the comprehensive program provides a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the election process.

Under advisement from local elected officials Brian Sonntag (retiring State Auditor) and Julie Anderson (Pierce County Auditor), as well as community leaders Amy Pivetta-Hoffman, Mike Crowley, Catherine Rudolph and Faith Homan, the program offers a non-partisan perspective to elected office. The advisory committee agrees this program will encourage individuals from all backgrounds to reflect upon the decision to run for office.

“It provides a balanced, nonpartisan approach to taking the first step of running for office,” said Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson.

Applications are currently being accepted and are available at the Chamber’s website. For more information, contact Mike Weinman.

Pierce County Leg Candidates Forum

Have you registered yet for the Pierce County Legislative Candidates Forum?

As of today, here's the list of RSVPs we've received that are committed to attend:

2^nd Legislative District

Randi Becker - State Senate

Gary Alexander - State Rep. Pos. 1

Greg Hartman - State Rep. Pos. 1

25th Legislative District

Bruce Dammeier - State Senate

Dawn Morrell - State Rep. Pos. 1

Shelly Schlumpf - State Rep Pos. 1

Bill Hilton - State Rep Pos. 2

Hans Zeiger - State Rep Pos. 2

26th Legislative District

Larry Seaquist - State Rep Pos. 2

27th Legislative District

Jeannie Darneille - State Senate

Laurie Jinkins - State Rep. Pos. 1

Jake Fey - State Rep. Pos. 2

Lauren Walker - State Rep. Pos. 2

28th Legislative District

Paul Wagemann - State Rep. Pos. 2

29th Legislative District

Terry Harder - State Rep. Pos. 1

David Sawyer - State Rep. Pos. 1

Steve Kirby – State Rep. Pos. 2

30th Legislative District

Roger Flygare - State Rep Pos. 1

Katrina Asay - State Rep Pos. 2

31st Legislative District

Cathy Dahlquist - State Rep Pos. 1

Brian Gunn - State Rep Pos. 1

Lisa Connors - State Rep Pos. 2

Christopher Hurst - State Rep Pos. 2

Invite to WA Legislative Candidates Forum

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Support for Effective Public Education

Today, the Chamber Board voted for more choices for public K-12 education. The Board voted to support Initiative 1240, which would allow a creation of a public charter school system.

 

The Chamber supports efforts to improve and secure investments for K-12 and higher education in Washington State. Board members believe there is compelling evidence that I-1240 will provide parents and students with a proven alternative for education that has been implemented in 41 other states.

 

“Providing communities with K-12 education alternatives is a sound investment, paying dividends in a competitive workforce and stronger businesses,” said Tom Pierson, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO.

 

The Chamber’s Board of Directors also adopted the following resolutions:

 

• Support: Pierce County Charter Amendment 40 (Councilmanic Supermajority) – Requiring a two-thirds vote of the council to levy or increase a new councilmanic tax.
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• Support: SJR 8221 (Managing State Debt) – Gradually reducing the state debt limit
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• Support: SJR 8223 (UW/WSU Investment Authority) – Grants UW/WSU authority under oversight of State Investment Board to invest enterprise funds in private sector opportunities

UP-Fircrest Candidates' Forum

They’re at it again!

The Up-Fircrest division of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, which is known for its exciting debates and forums, will be hosting a Pierce County Council Candidates’ forum for a discussion of business issues on Friday, October 29 at 8:00am. Local advocacy is an important component of the Chamber’s mission. In fulfilling their commitment to assist in the election of business-minded public officials, the UP-Fircrest Division is hosting this candidate forum during its regular monthly meeting for the Pierce County Council.

Stan Flemming and Betty Ringlee , two candidates seeking to replace current Pierce County Council Member Terry Lee who is term-limited, were invited by the UP-Fircrest division.
The host will be division president Randy Walden.

To RSVP, visit the Chamber website or contact Susie Wagner at 253.627.2175 by October 27th. The event is free to Chamber members.

South County Council Candidates Speaking to Chamber

Local advocacy is an important component of the Chamber’s mission. In fulfilling our commitment to assist in the election of business-minded public officials, the South County Division of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber will be hosting a candidate forum during its regular monthly meeting for the Pierce County Council.

Candidates Audrey Chase and Rick Talbert are vying for the seat held by current Councilmember Barbara Gelman, who is term-limited and unable to run for re-election.

The forum will take place during the regular meeting of the South County Division where the candidates will be asked to provide opening and closing statements and answer questions posed by the moderator and current Division President Paul Williams. The questions will relate to economic development and community issues in the South Pierce County area.

The forum is open to Chamber members and invited guests only.

Details about the event are below:

South County Division Candidates Forum
South County Connections Luncheon
Wednesday, October 20th from Noon- 1:30 PM
Location: Pacific Lutheran University, Regency Room, University Center
121st Street & Park Avenue, Tacoma 98444

Cost for lunch is $10 per person
Info/Registration: Susie Wagner or call 253.627-2175

Written by: Mike Weinman, Weinman Consulting

Money Flows Unexpectedly

With the recent Supreme Court decision freeing up campaign spending by corporations and labor unions, most of the media ink/electrons has focused on freed corporate spending dominating the campaign coffers, and ignoring the freedom extended to unions with the same decision.

Well, so far, that hasn't been the way it is happening.  The findings are an indication that corporate money is not yet flooding into campaigns as many predicted would happen after the landmark decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

The Washington Post reports that labor unions have dominated spending on independent campaign ads so far this election season, despite the recent Supreme Court decision.  The U.S. Chamber notes that so far this year, $24.7 million in independent spending has been reported to the FEC, campaign filings show. Unions have spent $9.7 million (39 percent of the total), compared with $6.4 million (26 percent) spent by individuals and $3.4 million spent by corporations (13.8 percent).

Candidates File For Office

There were some surprises in this year's candidate filings, which officially begin the election season this year. Some of those surprises include:

Republican challengers in East Pierce County to the Roach family - 31st Legislative District (LD) /Pierce County Council (PCC) Seat 1

Last minute filings in the South Tacoma state legislative races - 29th LD

Large number of challengers for several seats - 8th Congressional District (CD) /PCC7

Reappearance of past incumbents - 2nd LD /PCC7

Click here for more information. Incumbents are bolded in this list.

General Election Results

This campaign season saw the usual unopposed incumbents, a number of surprise victories against incumbents, and quite a few open seats up for grabs. The result of the 2009 elections will be a greater mix of newer elected officials with incumbents. But before we review those results, let's review the state and local initiatives on the November ballot.

Initiative 1033, which was introduced by Tim Eyman, went down to defeat, while Referendum 71 passed by a narrow margin. Referendum 71 grants state registered domestic partners in Washington state with all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples as passed by the state legislature.

At the county level, both Propositions 1 and 2 were rejected, while Proposition 3 was approved. The Chamber had recommended to its members the exact result of the election i.e. reject Props 1 and 2 and pass Prop 3.

At the Port, Connie Bacon and Dick Marzano easily won re-election, while Foss Waterway and Chamber member Don Meyer won his race for the open seat on the commission.

In the Tacoma elections, Tacoma City Council Member Marilyn Strickland will be the next mayor. In the race to replace Mike Lonergan, Victoria Woodards from the Metro Parks Board won against Keven Rojecki. In the race to replace Connie Ladenburg, who represents the south end of Tacoma, Joe Lonergan went on to defeat Beckie Summers-Kirby.

In Fircrest, we see the first of a trend in our area. Many incumbents lost in their bids for re-election. Half of the Fircrest council was unopposed, so Mayor McVay and Chris Gruver will return. In the contested races, incumbent Matt Jolibois was re-elected while incumbent Hans Hechtman was not. Denny Waltier will be sworn-in and will begin serving in January.

The trend against incumbents continued in University Place. In position 1, one of the founding members for cityhood – Linda Bird – lost in her re-election bid to Javier Figueroa. The same event happened to incumbent Lorna Smith who lost to Eric Choiniere. However, Ken Grassi did not suffer the same fate. He remains on the council after obtaining 72% of the vote in his race for Position 4. However, Ken Grassi did not suffer the same fate. He remains on the council after obtaining 72% of the vote in his race for Position 4. University Place did have an open seat for Position 5, which was won by Denise McCluskey against her opponent Rose Ehart.

In the Lakewood elections, the trend changes since the majority seats available were open with no incumbent running for re-election.

Mary Moss was elected to the open seat on the Lakewood city council as well as Jason Whalen (67%) and Mike Brandstetter (58%). The only incumbent, Doug Richardson, running for re-election for the Lakewood council, easily won with no opposition.

Special note: Mary Moss works at Harborstone Credit Union and has been an active Chamber member for years.

A very special note: Ray Tennison was re-elected to the University Place School Board. Ray is the immediate past Chair of the Chamber and been extremely active in the Chamber for nearly two decades.

As a business organization the Chamber celebrates these recent victories and its involvement in the process. This year the Chamber enhanced its education program for its members and the business community at large. The Chamber held two debates and provided numerous updates to its members throughout the campaign season. In addition, many Chamber's members were involved in local races this year. In some cases, Chamber members ran for office (Moss, Campbell, Tennison, etc.)

In 2010, the Chamber will maintain strong working relationships with public officials and establish good relationships with newly elected officials. The Chamber's members should know that the Chamber will continue to be active in the legislative arena.

Poll: Reid in trouble; Murray next?

Republicans are fighting among themselves in Nevada. While it would appear a positive development for democrats in that state, it isn't. Prospective republican candidates are licking their chops at the opportunity of running against Senator Harry Reid, who is up for re-election next year.

Reid is the Senator Majority Leader for the democratically-held U.S. Senate and his race may be an indicator of the difficulties that lie ahead next year for democrats in general.

A recent poll from the Las Vegas Review-Journal shows Reid trailing potential challenger Rep. Dean Heller, who has indicated he will NOT run.

When poll respondents were asked about their views on Reid himself, 37 percent recognized Reid favorably and 50 percent were unfavorable.

However, Reid plans to raise nearly $25 million for his re-election campaign -- an election that takes place more than a year from now and he can expect help from national interests as well. In addition, democrats can expect support from President Obama, who maintains favorable ratings.

Democrats appear strong in other states including our own. According to polls conducted this year, long-time incumbent Senator Murray appears strong for next year's race. Her favorable numbers are over 50 percent and unfavorable only in the mid-30s. When she is pitted against specific republicans (Reichert, McKenna), her lead is in the double digits.

University Place Debate Video

If you were unable to attend the Chamber's debate between city council candidates running in University Place, a video of the event is available on the City of University Place website or at the link below:

UP Debate Video