by Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive
We’re just a few days from Election Day and I know all of us are feeling the weight and significance of this one. The consequences of federal, state and local races are profound for Pierce County.
At the federal level, polls indicate Democrats have an increasingly strong chance at taking the majority in both the House and Senate. The Republican majority has failed to address the affordability issues facing Americans, and they have failed to hold the Trump Administration accountable for its many unlawful and harmful actions.
The Trump Administration has repeatedly tried to rescind Congressionally approved funding for the purposes of coercing states and local governments to adopt extreme ideologies related to immigration, abortion, LGBTQ issues, and more. Pierce County uses about $100 million in federal funds every year for infrastructure, public safety, and human services. Washington State and Pierce County have repeatedly sued the federal government in order to protect our funding. Details are on our litigation tracker.
We’ve also experienced how Trump’s ICE agents are terrorizing communities with impunity and tearing apart hard-working families, including in Pierce County. The County continues to ensure no local resources are used to support civil immigration enforcement, and we recently adopted a moratorium on large detention facilities this year. This includes facilities such as the Northwest Detention Center.
President Barack Obama describes President Trump as an agent of chaos and cruelty. Our only hope to check that is to restore our Democratic majorities. I’m proud that Pierce County is represented so capably by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and Congresswomen Marilyn Strickland, Emily Randall and Kim Schrier.
If given the opportunity to serve in the majority, they’ll restore our country’s focus on helping working families and bring accountability and competence back to D.C.
Vote no on harmful state initiatives
There’s also several state ballot initiatives that will directly affect Pierce County residents. These initiatives are largely paid for by a mega-millionaire named Brian Heywood who keeps trying and failing to use the initiative process to turn Washington backwards.
- I-645 would repeal the Millionaire’s Tax, one of our few forms of progressive taxation in Washington state. A yes vote would cut funding for K-12 schools, health care and childcare. It would also mean less funding for local governments to address important public safety issues. I’m voting no.
- I-001 and I-638 are anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives and I’m voting no on both. Both claim to be about keeping young people safe, but actually increase risk of abuse or harm to already vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth.
Protect the County’s Democratic Council majority
Finally, I’m proud to be endorsing several local candidates who will help us protect our Democratic majority on the Council and continue our progress on building communities in Pierce County that are safe, welcoming and connected: Kelsey Barrans in District 1, Bryan Yambe in District 5, and Brenda Lykins in District 7.
I’ve also endorsed Coreen Schnepf for Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney and Linda Farmer for Pierce County Auditor. Both these women have long track records of outstanding public service.
Among the charter review commission amendments I’m voting yes on is Amendment 53 to make the sheriff’s position appointed instead of elected. This is a change that was supported by my Republican predecessor several years ago, and a change I’ve also supported for many years. By making this an appointed position, Pierce County will be able to competitively recruit from a national pool of qualified law enforcement leaders and be more responsive to public expectations of conduct and accountability.
Pierce Transit Proposition 1
Pierce Transit Proposition 1 is also on the ballot this November. The measure would expand bus service by nearly 50%, provide more frequent service and weekend connections, and make rides free for seniors and youth. These changes would help residents get to medical appointments, school, jobs, and other essential destinations.
Learn more about Proposition 1 at KeepPierceMoving.org.
Join us on Election Night!
After the ballots are in, I hope you’ll join us for our Election Night gathering at The Press Room in Tacoma on Tuesday, November 3rd. It’ll be a chance to come together with friends, supporters, and community leaders, watch the results roll in, and recognize everyone who has worked so hard this election season.
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