Citizen Tacoma

We've got a pair of candidate interviews for you! We invited the two candidates for Assessor-Treasurer to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the role. This is an often overlooked race, but it's just the kind of wonky civic topic we like to tackle at Citizen Tacoma.

This interview is with Kent Keel.

Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app.
Links
Kent Keel

Channel 253 membership

Lisa Keating, one of the five Tacoma school board members, joins Citizen Tacoma for a Back-to-School-themed episode. We check in on what's happening with the district, including graduation rates, online schools, meals, the partnership with the Port, school calendar and holidays, and much more.

Links

Lisa Keating and the school board

Channel 253 membership

On this episode, we welcome Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker, a Pierce Transit commissioner and a Sound Transit board member. We discuss what's happening with transit in Tacoma and the wider region.

We focus on the bus driver shortage that is affecting the 590 and 594 routes, light rail, the PT Runner service, the "Stream," and much more.

Links

Kristina Walker

Channel 253 membership

Welcome back to another episode of Citizen Tacoma! Michelle Douglas joins the podcast to discuss hunger in Pierce County. She gives an update on some of the ways Emergency Food Network and the food pantries across the county are serving those who need food.

We also check-in about the arts, the economy, downtown Tacoma, and more.

Enjoy!

Links

Emergency Food Network

Channel 253 membership

Did you know that Tacoma is governed by a "charter?" And that every ten years, a group of citizens gets together to review it and propose new changes. It's true!

Steve Wamback is the chair of the committee that is tackling this process. With more than 50 meetings planned in six months, they have a big workload ahead of them.

So what are they looking at? How does the process work? And how can you share your input? All that and more on the next episode.

Links

Tacoma's Charter Review Committee

Flyer for extended public comment session on Monday, February 26 (.pdf file)

Support Channel 253 as a member

Welcome back to another episode of Citizen Tacoma! Melissa Malott joins the podcast to discuss the health of Commencement Bay and what's threatening it. She gives an update on some of the industrial uses in the port and the work CHB is doing on that front. We get into the proposed rebuilding of the animal rendering plant and much more.

She also speaks a little bit about the Tacoma Charter Review Committee and what's happening there.

Enjoy!

Links

Melissa Malott at Communities for a Healthy Bay

Tacoma Charter Review

Channel 253 membership

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland joins the podcast to talk about the recent speakership elections, government shutdowns, conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, bridging the digital divide, her view on what's at stake in the 2024 elections, and more.

Links

Marilyn Strickland

Channel 253 membership

On this episode, we welcome Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker, who is a commissioner with Pierce Transit and a board member with Sound Transit. We discuss what's happening with transit in Tacoma and the wider region. We focus on the opening of the extension of the Link T Line in Tacoma. We also look at bus rapid transit, access to transit, and we check in on projects in Seattle and on the Eastside of Lake Washington.

Links

Kristina Walker

Channel 253 membership

Korey Strozier, one of the five Tacoma school board members, joins Citizen Tacoma for a Back-to-School-themed episode. We check in on what's happening with the district, including technology, high schools, leadership, budget, trans students, and much more.

Links

Korey Strozier and the school board

Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we check in with County Councilmember Marty Campbell. What's the county up to? What's happening with Pride Month, homelessness, public safety, bike and pedestrian safety, and more? Are elected officials on the West Coast "incompetent?" Tune in for a wide-ranging interview.

Links

Marty Campbell, District 5

Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with John Frazier. We talk about what she sees as the top issues affecting the district and how she sees herself working with the council.

We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers!

Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app.
Links
Jamika Scott for Tacoma City Council, District 3

Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with Malando Redeemer. We talk about what he sees as the top issues affecting the district and how he sees himself working with the council.

We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers!

Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app.
Links
Malando Redeemer for Tacoma City Council, District 3

Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with John Frazier. We talk about what he sees as the top issues affecting the district and how he sees himself working with the council.

We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers!

Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app.
Links
John Frazier for Tacoma City Council, District 3

Channel 253 membership

We've got a big pack of candidate interviews. We invited the five candidates to sit down with Citizen Tacoma and talk about the issues affecting District 3 and Tacoma. Four responded (so far?). This interview is with Chris Van Vechten. We talk about what he sees as the top issues affecting the district and how he sees himself working with the council.

We also ask every candidate to fill in the blank. "Tacoma just wouldn't be Tacoma without......?" And get some interesting answers!

Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app.
Links
Chris Van Vechten for Tacoma City Council, District 3

Channel 253 membership

Filing week is coming up in Washington State, which is when candidates file for office. This year, we are electing candidates to parks, schools, ports, city councils, and other "nonpartisan" seats.

Rosie Ayala ran for office (and won!) in 2021 to become a commissioner on the Metro Parks board of Tacoma. She joined the podcast to talk about that experience and give notes to anyone considering running for office this year (or another).
Links
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, Commissioner Rosie Ayala joins the podcast to talk about what's happening with Metro Parks: playfields, natural resources, climate change, and more! Give it a listen.
Links

Commissioner Rosie Ayala
Channel 253 membership

Citizen Tacoma continues its five-part "Better Know a District" series! This episode, Joe Bushnell joins the podcast to talk about what's happening in District 5. We check in on what's happening on Hosmer Street, growing jobs in Tacoma, tree canopy, policing in Tacoma, and where "Tacoma's Tacoma" is. Check it out!
Links

Joe Bushnell
Channel 253 membership

Citizen Tacoma continues its five-part "Better Know a District" series! This episode, Sarah Rumbaugh joins the podcast to talk about what's happening in District 2. We check in on downtown, the camping ordinances, the port of Tacoma, and more. We also look more broadly at what she's tracking in Tacoma this year.
Links

Sarah Rumbaugh
Channel 253 membership

In this first episode of 2023, the Citizen Tacoma podcast sits down with John Hines to talk about what's happening in District 1. We check in on Proctor planning, the Cushman substation, the tiny house village, and more. We also look more broadly at what he's tracking in Tacoma this year.
Links

John Hines
Channel 253 membership

Steve Krupa joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about his run to be on the Tacoma Municipal Court, position 3. We discuss what he considers when he casts a ballot for judicial seats, judicial discretion and the role judges play, policing and the criminal justice system, and much more. Give it a listen!
Links

Steve Krupa for Judge
Channel 253 membership

Sergio Flores joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about his run to be on the Tacoma Municipal Court, position 3. We discuss what he considers when he casts a ballot for judicial seats, judicial discretion and the role judges play, policing and the criminal justice system, and much more. Give it a listen!
Links

Sergio Flores for Judge
Channel 253 membership

Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about her run to be Washington Secretary of State. We discuss election administration, the challenges of election disinformation, ranked choice voting, and the other duties of the office. Give it a listen!
Links

Elect Julie Anderson
Channel 253 membership

Incumbent Secretary of State Steve Hobbs joins the Citizen Tacoma podcast to talk about his run to retain his seat. We discuss election administration, the challenges of election disinformation, ranked choice voting, and the other duties of the office. Give it a listen!
Links

Elect Steve Hobbs
Channel 253 membership

Paula Lonergan is running for Pierce County Council District 7. In this episode, we talk about her background, her priorities, and the issues the district (and Pierce County as a whole) is facing.
Links

Elect Paula Lonergan
Channel 253 membership

Robyn Denson is running for Pierce County Council District 7. In this episode, we talk about her background, her priorities, and the issues the district (and Pierce County as a whole) is facing.
Links

Elect Robyn Denson
Channel 253 membership

Linda Farmer is running for Pierce County Auditor. In this episode of Citizen Tacoma we talk about the auditor's role in managing free and fair elections, licensing, and who won the 2020 Presidential Election.
Links

Linda Farmer
Channel 253 membership

Deryl McCarty is running for Pierce County Auditor. In this episode of Citizen Tacoma we talk about the auditor's role in managing free and fair elections, licensing, and who won the 2020 Presidential Election.
Links

McCarty for Auditor
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we dive into the issues surrounding climate change with Port Commissioner Kristin Ang. Elected in 2019, she talks about her experience on the port commission, how she thinks about climate change, and how the Port of Tacoma (and ports around the world) are thinking about how they can reduce carbon emissions in shipping and trade.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington's 10th District joins the podcast today to talk about recent national news—the likely overturning of Roe v Wade, mass shootings, social media, Russia, infrastructure, and K-Dramas.

Enjoy!
Links

Channel 253 membership

Andrea Cobb, former school board member, and host Erik Hanberg, former Metro Parks Tacoma commissioner, chat about their experience governing in local office. What's it like to set policy? How do you enact change? What's it like working with the public? And a lot more.

If you've wondered about serving in office, or what the experience of your elected officials is like, I hope you enjoy this conversation.
Links

Channel 253 membership
Bench bookkeeping

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, the podcast touches base with Catherine Ushka to talk about homelessness in Tacoma, housing affordability, and what's happening on the eastside and south end of Tacoma.

Check it out!
Links

Channel 253 membership

It's the "off-season" for elections, so Citizen Tacoma is touching base with elected officials and community leaders around the region to see what's happening with local government. This week, School Board Director Korey Strozier joins the podcast to talk about student safety in schools, what education looks like coming out of the pandemic, and why the Superintendent has been substitute-teaching in classrooms recently. Enjoy.
Links
Channel 253 membership

Will Hausa was one of the two community members to observe the negotiations between the City of Tacoma and the police union that represents Tacoma officers. Having two community members observe the negotiations is new for Tacoma and—with a finalized contract—it was a good time for Citizen Tacoma to find out what that process was like.

On this episode, Will Hausa shares his experience observing and participating in the contract negotiations, including what he saw from both the city and the union, what he would like to see improved in later contracts, and his thoughts on what can be done to improve policing outside the police union contract.
Links
Channel 253 membership

A lot happened in the last two weeks at the Tacoma City Council. They passed Phase 1 of Home in Tacoma, hired a new police chief, adopted a Climate Action Plan, and didn't pass a camping ban. It was time to learn more. Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker joins the podcast to talk about what's happening (and what's not) with the Tacoma City Council.
Links
Channel 253 membership

Citizen Tacoma checks in with Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson about the state of voting in 2021. We talk about the rollbacks in the Voting Rights Act that have been enacted in the last few decades, as well as the potential for changes, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

We also discuss how our elections are doing in Washington State and how we can "hold down our corner of the tent."

Finally, we ask Julie the big question about the now vacant Secretary of State position.

Enjoy!
Links

Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Sarah Rumbaugh, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 2. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about social justice, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more.

Enjoy!
Links

Sarah Rumbaugh
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Kelly Blucher, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 2. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about social justice, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more.

Enjoy!
Links

Kelly Blucher
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Anne Artman, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 5. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about social justice, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more.

Enjoy!
Links

Anne Artman
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Joe Bushnell, who is running for Tacoma City Council District 5. He will be on the November ballot. We talk about refugees, homelessness, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more.

Enjoy!
Links

Joe Bushnell
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Brett Johnson, who is running for the city-wide seat on the Tacoma City Council. He will be on the November ballot. We talk about homelessness, planning and zoning in Tacoma, fossil fuels at the port, policing and public safety, and more.

Enjoy!
Links

Brett Johnson
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Kiara Daniels, who is running for the city-wide seat on the Tacoma City Council. She will be on the November ballot. We talk about affordable housing, the economy, climate change, policing and public safety, and more.

Enjoy!
Links

Kiara Daniels
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Victoria Woodards, who is running to keep her seat as Mayor of Tacoma. We talk about affordable housing homelessness, jobs, the port, climate change, policing and public safety, racism, budgets, and more.

All three candidates for mayor of Tacoma join the show, so after you listen to this, go listen to the other interviews!
Links

VictoriaWoodards.com
Interview with Jamika Scott
Interview with Steve Haverly
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Steve Haverly, who is running for Mayor of Tacoma. We talk about affordable housing homelessness, jobs, the port, climate change, policing and public safety, racism, budgets, and more.

All three candidates for mayor of Tacoma join the show, so after you listen to this, go listen to the other interviews!
Links

Interview with Jamika Scott
Interview with Victoria Woodards
Channel 253 membership

On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we hear from Jamika Scott, who is running for Mayor of Tacoma. We talk about affordable housing homelessness, jobs, the port, climate change, policing and public safety, racism, budgets, and more.

All three candidates for mayor of Tacoma join the show, so after you listen to this, go listen to the other interviews!
Links

Jamika Scott on Twitter
Interview with Steve Haverly
Interview with Victoria Woodards
Channel 253 membership

Bill Hanawalt is running for the Tacoma School Board. On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, he shares his background and his interest in education and schools. We discuss equity in education, how Tacoma schools handled the pandemic, the leadership of the district, and much more. Enjoy!
Links

Bill Hanawalt
Channel 253 membership

On this episode, Tacoma School Board Member (and candidate to retain her seat) Elizabeth Bonbright joins the podcast to talk about education in Tacoma, including leadership at the district, weathering the pandemic, technology in schools, policing in schools, and more.
Links

Elizabeth Bonbright
Channel 253 membership

County Auditor Julie Anderson joins the podcast to talk about running for office. We talk about the upcoming candidate filing week, the experience of running for office, as well as statewide and national issues such as redistricting, HR1, and efforts to cast down on elections.
Links

Pierce County Elections
Channel 253 membership

This episode, Pierce County Councilmember Marty Campbell joins the podcast to talk about a busy week at the County: the County Council's investigation into the Pierce County Sheriff, hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a mental health tax in Tacoma, a plan for sustainability and greenhouse gases, and more. All of which were on the agenda of the council this week. We also further the "policing in Tacoma" conversations and learn a bit about how policing and the courts are funded at the county level.
Links

Marty Campbell
Channel 253 membership

Citizen Tacoma is taking the plunge and interviewing candidates and elected officials who will be on your ballot this year. Our first interview out of the gate is Tacoma School Board member Korey Strozier. He joined the board in October of last year and he's running to keep his seat.
Links

Korey Strozier on Twitter
Channel 253 membership

Host Erik Hanberg continues his series of interviews with elected officials in Tacoma about policing in our community. Today's guest is Council Member and Deputy Mayor Keith Blocker, who represents District 3, which comprises Hilltop, Central Tacoma, and parts of South Tacoma.
Links

Interview with Kristina Walker about policing in Tacoma
Interview with Catherine Ushka about policing in Tacoma
Interview with John Hines about policing in Tacoma
"Transforming Tacoma into an anti-racist organization"
21st Century Policing recommendations
Channel 253 membership

Host Erik Hanberg continues his series of interviews with elected officials in Tacoma about policing in our community. Today's guest is Council Member John Hines, who represents District 1, which comprises most of West and some of North Tacoma).
Links

Interview with Kristina Walker about policing in Tacoma
Interview with Catherine Ushka about policing in Tacoma
"Transforming Tacoma into an anti-racist organization"
21st Century Policing recommendations
Channel 253 membership

Host Erik Hanberg continues his series of interviews with elected officials in Tacoma about policing in our community. Today's guest is Council Member Catherine Ushka, who represents District 4, which comprises most of East and some of South Tacoma).
Links

Interview with Kristina Walker about policing in Tacoma
"Transforming Tacoma into an anti-racist organization"
21st Century Policing recommendations
Channel 253 membership

Erik Hanberg slips into the Citizen Tacoma chair to talk to elected officials in Tacoma about policing in our community. His goal is to learn what Tacoma's elected leaders are thinking about policing in Tacoma and what they want to see happen in this area. Some council members are already booked (and any more council members are welcome to reach out!).

Councilmember Kristina Walker, elected city-wide, is his first guest on the podcast to talk about her views on policing in Tacoma.

Look for more episodes with Tacoma council members later this week.
Links

"Transforming Tacoma into an anti-racist organization"
21st Century Policing recommendations
Channel 253 membership

Janice Bridges is running a write-in campaign for Pierce County Sheriff. What does it mean to launch a "write-in" campaign? Why this office? What does it mean to be an "anti-racist grandma?"

Annie Jansen sits down with Janice Bridges to find out.
Links

Janice Bridges for Sheriff
Channel 253 membership

Annie sits down with Beth Doglio, a candidate for the US House of Representatives in Washington's 10th congressional district. This seat covers parts of Tacoma and much of the South Sound.
Links

BethDoglio.com
Channel 253 membership
Off the Record with Producer Doug (new members-only podcast!)

Annie Jansen interviews Cyndie Fajardo, a candidate for Pierce County Sheriff. The County has had the same sheriff for nearly twenty years. Hear how Lieutenant Fajardo would handle the job if elected.
Links

Fajardo for Sheriff
Channel 253 membership

Annie Jansen talks to Hunter George, the Mayor of Fircrest, about what's happening with Tacoma's closest neighbor, including an upcoming EMS levy.
Links

Channel 253 membership

Good news! Annie Jansen and Megan Holyoke are pinch hitting on Citizen Tacoma during this election season.

For their first episode, they are joined by Auditor Julie Anderson, who talks about how the work of running elections has changed due to the coronavirus and the ways we can continue to make it easier to "vote from home."

Remember to vote in the August 4 primary!
Links

Channel 253 membership

Whether you've shopped around for a therapist in a moment of crisis only to find that none in Tacoma are taking new clients, or have struggled to get a family member a bed in a behavioral health hospital, if you've bumped up against our mental health care system it's easy to feel like it's broken.



We spoke to Hope Sparks president Joe LeRoy, Comprehensive Life Resources CEO Kim Zacher, and The News Tribune columnist Matt Driscoll about the challenges that plague this system, and a few efforts underway to make it easier to access for those in need of help.



We could easily have made six episodes out of this topic, and maybe we will in the future: This is an important conversation.



Links



Pierce County HSRI Report - Revised 2018



Kids Mental Health Pierce County - Statement of Community Needs



Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Health Equity Info & Social Determinants of Health



WA State Behavioral Health Workforce Assessment



Healthcare Workforce Development Recommendations



Help Me Grow Pierce County Data Summary Report



Kids' Mental Health Pierce County



Elevate Health - Pierce County ACHHelp Me Grow Pierce County



Beacon Health Options - Pierce County Crisis Info



Comprehensive Life Resources



HopeSparks Family Services



He jumped in front of a train after being turned away by Tacoma's new psychiatric hospital

Here it is, our last candidate of 2019! This was a meaty interview, y'all. John O'Loughlin is running for At-Large Position 8 on the City Council, which is being vacated by Ryan Mello as he terms out.



O'Loughlin spent 31 years working for the city of Tacoma in environmental services, and oversaw the cleanup of the Foss Waterway. He says that experience brings him a unique perspective on budget and environmental issues in the city.



O'Loughlin hasn't run for office before and says he's not a politician. Here, he talks about his ideas on paying for affordable housing, environmental issues surrounding the Port, and his favorite movie, which is a question we probably should have been asking all the candidates because his answer was a deep cut.



Links



Elect John O'Loughlin website



Public Disclosure Commission: O'Loughlin John F



Two new faces will join Tacoma City Council. Will voters continue to move to the left?



Channel 253 membership

Kristin Ang was pretty much a total political unknown when she decided on the Friday of filing week in 2017 that she was going to run for Port of Tacoma commission. She was and still is vocally opposed to the liquefied natural gas plant being built on the Tideflats, which immediately set her apart.



That year, she came out of nowhere to win about 40 percent of the vote and cause a stir among environmentalists and progressives who wanted something different for the Port commission, which has historically dominated by older white people, mostly men.



This year, Ang (who is a lawyer) has a bigger backing and a more established campaign. She was even endorsed by The News Tribune. We talked about her views on how the Port can be more innovative and more environmentally-friendly and what's been different about this election cycle.



Links



Public Disclosure Commission: Ang Kristin



Kristin Ang for Port website



Cash pours into Port of Tacoma campaigns amid concern over future direction of the port



We endorse: Deanna Keller, Kristin Ang aren't alike (far from it), but both could help Port of Tacoma

It's almost time to vote! If you're a voter in Tacoma, you probably already have your ballot (they're due Nov. 5, btw). But before you fill it out, listen to our final three candidate episodes of the season!



In episode 63, we talk to Enrique Leon, who was appointed to the board of Tacoma Public Schools in 2018 to replace Catherine Ushka when she was elected to the Tacoma City Council. Now battle-tested after living through the Tacoma teacher strike last year, Leon wants a chance to be chosen by voters to serve for a full term.



Leon is a physician by day. We talked about the teacher strike, but also about some of the health-related initiatives and programs he's helped bring to Tacoma schools and how he wants to expand them further. We also talked about the many reasons why he thinks Tacoma school kids should have a later start time.



Links



Public Disclosure Commission: Leon Enrique



Enrique Leon chosen as new school board member



Could later start times become a reality at Tacoma schools? 'Sleepyheads' are working on it



Elect Enrique Leon Facebook page



Channel 253 membership

Lisa Keating was our first interview this year with a school board candidate this year (and our only one with someone with purple hair!). Keating, who founded and heads an organization that advocates for LGBT youth, is challenging the formidable 30-year incumbent Debbie Winskill for position 1 in November.



Keating explains why she decided to run, and we talked at length about equity and inclusion in the school district and her work in Tacoma schools over the last decade. We also vented frustrations with some of the school board's actions during the strike last year, and she told us how they might have been handled differently.



Check below for some original Channel 253 reporting by Sean Robinson on this high profile school board race. And become a member, everyone's doing it.



Links



One local school board race typifies generational shifts in Tacoma



A first-time candidate is raising most money in Tacoma school board races. Does it matter?



My Purple Umbrella



Friends for Lisa Keating website



Public Disclosure Commission: Keating Lisa J



Channel 253 membership

Conor McCarthy, Tacoma's deputy mayor, is running for re-election to the City Council.He's pointing to his ability to secure funding for opioid treatment, public safety, homelessness, and environmental testing as he tries to win a second four-year term.But he's facing a new kind of challenger: Courtney Love, an outspoken progressive attacking him for his positions on the liquefied natural gas plant under construction on Tacoma's Tideflats, campaign financing, and other issues.KNKX Public Radio reporter Will James filled in as host for this episode. McCarthy talked about how he was influenced by his parents, both seasoned politicians, what he learned from trying to help someone out of homelessness, and many other topics.



Links



Public Disclosure Commission: McCarthy Conor E



Conor McCarthy campaign website



We endorse: Returning McCarthy to Tacoma City Council is easy call



Channel 253 membership

In Citizen Tacoma's continuing series of 2019 candidate interviews, we bring you a conversation with Courtney Love.No, not the Courtney Love who's a fixture of 90's alternative rock and so, so many supermarket tabloids.This is Tacoma's Courtney Love. She's challenging City Council Member Conor McCarthy in the race for the Position 7 at-large seat, and she's a breed of candidate Tacoma has rarely, if ever, seen before. Love is carving out a unapologetically progressive political profile more in line with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders or Seattle City Council Member Kshama Sawant than anyone currently holding office in Pierce County. KNKX Public Radio reporter Will James guests hosts. He talked with Love about her route from activist to candidate, her weird calmness during the closest of primary elections (a 12-vote lead secured her a spot in the general election), and what it says about this moment in Tacoma history that a candidate like her has made it this far. 



Links



Hand recount in Tacoma City Council primary sets stage for November election



Battle between Love and Johnson headed to recount



Public Disclosure Commission: Courtney Love



Channel 253 membership

In our latest candidate episode, we chatted with Nathe Lawver, who's running for Tacoma City Council District 1 (the North and West End). We hit on all the usual Tacoma hot topics (affordable housing! Potholes!), but we also talked about mental health. It was maybe the first time anyone has talked openly about their own mental health on the pod, but hopefully not the last.



Also, stay tuned for our next episode, which features KNKX reporter Will James in the hosting chair. Will is an actual professional radio reporter who doesn't say "um soooo" every other sentence. Enjoy!



Links



Public Disclosure Commission: Lawver Nathe



Lawver adds name to City Council race



Tacoma is for Lawver website



Channel 253 membership

We're deep in our election interviews, y'all. In this episode we sat down with John Hines, who's running for District 1 (the North and West End) for the second time. John is a longtime educator and Tacoma native who serves on the Tacoma Public Library board.



We talked about affordable housing, public safety, and why John thinks the Tacoma City Council needs to get "back to the basics."



Links



John Hines for Tacoma City Council website



Public Disclosure Commission: Hines John



Housing, housing, housing. Tacoma City Council candidates address T-Town's hottest topic



Hines announces switch in bid for Tacoma City Council (2015)



Channel 253 membership

Welcome to Episode IV of our candidate interview series. We sat down with Kristina Walker, who's running for At-Large Position 8 on the City Council (that seat is currently occupied by Ryan Mello, who terms out at the end of the year).



Kristina is the executive director of Downtown: On The Go! and a policy wonk. She probably knows more about transit, transit-oriented development, and parking than you.



We talked about that, how good public transit can promote and support housing affordability, and some things she'd like to see happen on Tacoma's Tideflats.



*Note: This episode was recorded in late August



Links



Kristina Walker candidate website



Public Disclosure Commission: Walker Kristina



First-time candidate raises second-most cash in Tacoma council raises. Incumbent leads way



Channel 253 membership

It's September! That means Election Day is only two months away. We sat down with Deanna Keller, candidate for Port of Tacoma commission, for our third candidate interview to talk about why she says her private and public sector experience (as the president of a company and a longtime educator) make her the right person for the job.



We recorded this interview the same day Channel 253 released original reporting by Sean Robinson that revealed Keller's company did business with ICE (yes, that ICE) in 2014 and 2017. We asked her about that, and about her views on the environment and what the port's role should be in protecting it.



Also: We're going to include candidate Public Disclosure Commission pages in the show notes so you can all check out their election contributions and expenditures. Just some light, nerdy reading before bedtime.



Links



Port of Tacoma candidate has done business with ICE; contracts include covert surveillance equipment



Elect Deanna Keller website



Public Disclosure Commission: Keller, Deanna M



Channel 253 membership

It's the second installment (of many) of our 2019 election season candidate interviews! This time we sat down with David Combs, a Hilltop businessman and political newcomer who's vying for the District 3 position on City Council. Hear him talk about his vision for the council and his ideas for more support for small business owners in Tacoma.



A note: Your host was really sick the day this was recorded. You can probably hear it. Sorry.



Another note: These interviews are not fact-checked. But you can do some fact-checking yourself: All listeners (and everyone who votes) should check out the the Public Disclosure Commission's website to see who contributes to the political campaigns of candidates.



Links



Public Disclosure Commission: Browse current candidates by name



Public Disclosure Commission: Browse candidates by year



Combs for Tacoma website



Public Disclosure Commission: Combs, David F



Channel 253 membership

Welcome to the first candidate interview of the 2019 election season! We talked with Councilman Keith Blocker, who's running for his second term representing District 3 in Tacoma, which includes the Hilltop, Central Tacoma and parts of South Tacoma.



Keith grew up in Philadelphia but has lived in Tacoma since he was 25. We talked about the biggest issues facing his district and the city, a few of which we expect to come up a lot this cycle: namely, homelessness and affordable housing.



Keith has one challenger for his seat: political newcomer David Combs. His interview will be posted next. Stay tuned!



Links



Keith Blocker - City Council District 3



Elect Keith Blocker website



Keith Blocker announces bid for re-election



Public Disclosure Commission: Blocker, Keith T



Channel 253 membership

We were lucky enough to get an hour with Rep. Laurie Jinkins, the speaker-designate of the Washington state House of Representatives a week after she was elected to her new role. She'll be the first woman speaker, she's from Tacoma, and she knows how to get stuff done in the Capitol. Goes without saying that Grit City — and the Democratic party in Washington — are pretty excited.



We talked about what the new gig means, how she might differ from her predecessor (current House speaker Frank Chopp), how her sense of humor has helped her build relationships across the aisle, and the direction a few key issues might take in the next year.



Links



WA's first female House speaker loves a good joke



Washington's first woman speaker of the House tells The News Tribune about her life



Capitol Happy Hour: Welcome to special session. (What is that?)



Channel 253 membership

Tech companies and startups are that elusive unicorn from the north that the city of Tacoma is always chasing. But positive momentum seems to be building: We sat down with the co-founder of a tech company (Bill Herling of Humming) that recently moved to Tacoma from Seattle, and he had really good things to say. We also spoke with city of Tacoma Business Development Manager Pat Beard and Kristine Grace, an investor from the RAIN biotech incubator to talk about the current state of tech and start-ups in Tacoma.



Herling shared insights on his three chief concerns about moving south to Tacoma. The good news: Since moving here in June, only one of those concerns has borne out.



Check out the episode to learn which one, and hear how Tacoma's educators and economic developers are joining foces to problem-solve.



Links



RAIN Incubator website



Calling Tacoma a 'tech town' is far-fetched. The city could make some in-roads, though



RAIN, RAIN, come our way



Humming, Inc.



Channel 253

On this second and very special joint episode of Citizen Tacoma and Crossing Division, we were thrilled to sit down with Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman David Bean and Councilmember Anna Bean (yep, they're cousins).



We learned the story of the Puyallup Tribe and about tribal government, the meaning of sovereignty, how the tribe has grown in numbers and local influence since the mid-1900s, and what exciting projects and events are on the horizon (hint: That beautiful, shiny new casino is opening sooner than you think!) We also talked about how the tribe's relationships with other local governments has changed over the years, and what made that possible.



Links



Puyallup Tribe website



Channel 253 membership

In the 15th installment of #ACHH253 at Pacific Brewing, we spoke with current elected officials and Channel 253 podcast hosts about the state of Tacoma, from the public school and Metro Parks board to the Port of Tacoma commission and the City Council. And yes, there was shade. Lots of shade.



It was also the last Adult Civics Happy Hour with Nerd Farmer Podcast host Nate Bowling and Interchangeable White Ladies host Hope Teague-Bowling at the mic. They're off to the United Arab Emirates this summer to teach for two years. Best of luck, Nate and Hope! You will be seriously missed.

The future of heavy industry and fossil fuel businesses on Tacoma's industrial Tideflats has been hotly debated since a proposal to build a methanol plant there made headlines and shocked a lot of folks a few years ago. We talked to two people who have been on opposite sides of this debate: Meredith Neal, director of the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the South Sound, and Melissa Malott, executive director of Citizens for a Healthy Bay. We asked them to go in-depth on their views about what kind of industry should be allowed to grow and expand there in the next five years, and the next 30 years. We even found some common ground.



The gravity of this conversation weighed a bit heavily on your hosts, as you can hear in the intro. It's impossible to drill down on this topic without talking about the potential consequences of the liquefied natural gas plant being built on the Tideflats, and without considering the urgency of climate change.



***Click the first link for the answer to a question that popped up late in the episode about whether a TOTE ship in Puerto Rico is solely being run on LNG, or on a mix of LNG and bunker fuel when it gets close to shore. (According to this article Meredith was right, and as of 2015 that ship was solely run on LNG. TOTE was proud of and excited about that, because it was thought to be a cleaner-burning and much more environmentally-friendly fuel -- and it still is thought of that way, by Meredith, Puget Sound Energy and others.)



Melissa noted in an email reply that: "PSCAA’s own calculations show that there is no decrease in small particle pollution close to shore if we switch to LNG."



She included tables that "are directly from PSCAA’s final Life Cycle Analysis Calculations on the sheets titled 'End use TOTE – LNG Vessel' and 'End use TOTE – MGO Vessel'.



"These tables show that PM10 and PM2.5 emissions are the same when burning LNG and Marine Gas-oil, within 200nm (nautical miles) of shore. For public health, this is the area we care about."



Links



Professional Mariner: American Ship Review 2016: Isla Bella



Electric vehicle registrations as of Dec. 31, 2018



The Seattle Times: Governor Inslee was right to pull his support for Tacoma LNG project



The News Tribune: LNG site resumes permit process after new report backs findings of earlier review



City of Tacoma: Tideflats Interim Regulations



The News Tribune: Tacoma methanol project canceled



Channel 253 membership

Affordable housing might well be the signature issue of the upcoming City Council elections in Tacoma. And in the words of Citizen Tacoma guest Jason Gauthier, it's hugely complicated and there's no silver bullet.



We went in-depth on the issue with Gauthier, the Director of Operations for Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, and City Councilman Anders Ibsen to talk about the tools the city and state are using to create more units of affordable housing, whether they work, and what we really need to make an impact. Tax breaks for developers? Government-funded affordable housing developments? Waiving fees for those who build affordable housing?



This may be the closest thing to debate class we've had on Citizen Tacoma. Tune in for a lively discussion about one of the most pressing issues our city faces.



Also, we're pretty sure we'll see Jason back on the pod when he runs for some kind of office.



Links



Multifamily Property Tax Exemption Incentive: City of Tacoma



Too many market-rate apartments in Tacoma? It's complicated



Developer replacing Pacific Lanes will get tax break for offering affordable apartments



New Tacoma landlord to desperate tenants he's evicting: 'Moving will be an improvement'



Affordable housing now required in new, large apartment complexes in this Tacoma neighborhood



Channel 253 membership

We got City Councilman Ryan Mello and Principal Planner Stephen Atkinson together to talk about the future of land use on Tacoma's Tideflats, where heavy industry and fossil fuel production are being called into question by nearby neighbors and environmentalists. If you've ever heard the terms "interim regulations" or "subarea plan" and had no idea what they meant, this is for you.



But don't be scared, it's not TOO technical! We laid out the city's vision for this regionally-designated manufacturing industrial center the current rules that are in place while a permanent road map for the future is sorted out.



Stay tuned for the second half: With more than 100,000 new Tacomans expected to move here in the next 20 years, we talked about what the Tideflats' future means in the big picture of HOW Tacoma needs to transform to accommodate all that growth.



Links



City of Tacoma: Tideflats interim regulations



The News Tribune: Tacoma and Tideflats' future take center stage at LNG hearing, council meeting



The News Tribune: Gov. Jay Inslee speaks out against LNG plant in Tacoma, methanol facility in Kalama



Channel 253 membership

On this episode, we picked veteran TNT reporter Sean Robinson's brain about his nearly 20 years at The News Tribune, and talked about some of his greatest investigative stories and the legacies they leave behind in Pierce County. Sean left the paper in March, and this was a reporter's notebook dump mixed with some wistful pontificating on the current and future state of local journalism.



We also drank beers and ate cookies.



This is a long episode, but a good one. Don't miss the first 20 minutes, when Sean recalls in vivid detail some pivotal events in the days and weeks leading up to the murder-suicide involving Tacoma Police Chief David Brame and his wife Crystal Judson.



Links



Here are some of our favorite Sean Robinson stories:



Snared by a cybercult queen



The stolen child: Part 1



The stolen child: Part II



The stolen child: Part III



Inside David Brame's police department



She vanished years ago and famously reappeared with amnesia. Inside the mystery of Jody Roberts

On today's episode, we sat down with TPU Director Jackie Flowers, who came on board in August and is the first woman to hold the position permanently.



Jackie came to Tacoma from Idaho Falls, and has managed public utilities for 19 years of her 26-year career. We talked about what she sees as the utility's priority focus areas, how lower income folks can get help paying their bills, TPU's impressively clean energy portfolio, the future of advanced metering in Tacoma, electric vehicles, how to combat the rumored "bro" culture at TPU, and — you guessed it — Click.



We got to most of your listener questions, too! Thank you for submitting those.



Links



The News Tribune: Rainier Connect recommended in public-private Click option for city



Click network update from TPU



TPU bill payment assistance information



The News Tribune: Settlement reached in Tacoma Public Utilities 'bro' culture case



The News Tribune: The Tacoma public utility board has chosen its next director. Next stop: City Council



The News Tribune: Power revenues can't be used to pay for Click network's commercial expenses, judge says



Channel 253 membership

It's a very special crossover episode! Citizen Tacoma and Crossing Division team up to bring you an informative discussion of recycling in Tacoma. Our guest is Tacoma City Councilmember Ryan Mello and Lewis Griffith, Solid Waste Management Division Manager.



Links



City of Tacoma Recycling SurveyHow to recycle in Tacoma by Candice Ruud for Channel 253Channel 253 membership

In this episode, we talk to Tacoma politicos Dorian Waller and Christina Blocker of Archway Consulting Group and Nic Van Putten of Progressive Strategies NW. We have some significant races coming up this year: There are two open Tacoma City Council seats, and two city council members face re-election. Two Port of Tacoma commissioners are up for are up for re-election. On the Tacoma School Board, voters will make decisions in two races. Overall, given that it's already March, the consensus is this election season is off to a surprisingly quiet start.



Links



As 2019 begins, so does Facebook's ban on local political ads in Washington state Tacoma is about to make it easier for you to add second living space on your property Puyallup City Council backs off proposal to change form of government to strong mayorThe Public Disclosure Commission: Learn about who wants to represent youSupport Channel 253 with a membership

Bryant Flint, a member of the Tacoma Public Utilities Board, joins the podcast to talk about Click, Tacoma's own cable company. Click sells cable TV directly to users and is a platform for local ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to provide Internet access to customers.



Over the last few years, the future of Click has been hotly debated and the subject of litigation. To learn more about Click, here's Candice's explainer about Click for Channel 253.



Links



Candice Ruud's Click Explainer (members-only for 72 hours)Channel 253 membershipTacoma Click customers face rate increases as network addresses ongoing deficits, uncertaintyPower customers deserve $21 million reimbursement for keeping Click afloat, lawsuit saysPower revenues can’t be used to pay for Click network’s commercial expenses, judge says



photo by flickr user artbystevejohnson used under a Creative Commons license

On today's episode we spoke with former News Tribune reporter Debbie Cafazzo and Matt Martinez, director of content for KNKX, about what it might look like if a local group of people banded together to buy our beloved (but suffering) hometown paper. We also discussed another option: starting a nonprofit, online-only news outlet that would be laser-focused on Pierce County news.



Martinez helped lead KNKX (formerly KPLU) as it raised $7 million to buy its independence from Pacific Lutheran University. Before taking a buyout in 2017, Cafazzo spent 24 years at the TNT.



For more background (and fun), I suggest reading the Credit Risk Monitor report on The McClatchy Company's financial outlook, linked below. It paints a quick but illuminating picture of what's going on with the TNT's parent company and why there's so much concern about continued cuts to our local newsroom.











Producer: Doug Mackey



Links:



Credit Risk Monitor: McClatchy continues to struggle in the newspaper industry



The Seattle Times: KPLU officially begins broadcasting as KNKX



The News Tribune: Publisher David Zeeck leaving The News Tribune after 24 years as publisher and executive editor



The Seattle Times: Tacoma News Tribune to lay off dozens of printing employees



Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy: Playbook for Launching a Local, Nonprofit News Outlet



Nonprofit Quarterly: Where Local Media Falters, Community-Based Nonprofit Models Step In



Politico: This is How a Newspaper Dies



Poynter: As Wall Street sours on McClatchy, a longtime lender is now also buying up its stock



KNKX



Channel 253



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Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today's episode we bring back former Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, whose final term ended in December 2017. She's been serving as the president of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce since February. 



We asked Strickland about parallels between Seattle and Tacoma and talked about some of the hot button issues during her last year in office, and what's happened since. Major topics include homelessness, Click, and the Northwest Detention Center. 



We also talked about K-pop, her favorite place to eat in Tacoma and got some recommendations for binge-worthy TV. 











Producer: Doug Mackey



Links: 



KNKX: Tacoma moves to continue aid, enforcement around homelessness through 2019 



The News Tribune: It has cost millions and moved just 46 people into housing. Still, judging Tacoma’s tent city is tricky



The News Tribune: Tacoma Click customers face rate increases as network addresses ongoing deficits, uncertainty



The News Tribune: Power revenues can’t be used to pay for Click network’s commercial expenses, judge says



The News Tribune: Tacoma gets a win in effort to keep the Northwest Detention Center from growing



Vox: BTS, the band that changed K-pop, explained



Channel 253



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Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today's episode we bring back Candice Ruud to talk about how the results of the 2018 midterms shook down in the end, now that the results are certified. We also give an update on our #MeToo episode. And there's, a **surprise** announcement at the end!



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Pierce County Election Results 2018

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Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

In this episode, we interview Mark Lindquist, the incumbent in the race for Pierce County Prosecutor. We get up to speed on his accomplishments during his term and his plans for the future. Check it out!



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Meet Mark Lindquist

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In this episode, we interview David Fischer, the Executive Director of the Broadway Center, all about Prop 1, the Tacoma Creates initiative. If you've seen those signs around town and wondered what they mean, the intention is to strengthen the cultural identity, spark the creative energy and promote the vibrancy of our neighborhoods and communities. It will engage and support youth, families and neighborhoods, improve livability, and increase our economic base.  If you've wondered about the ins and out of an initiative that could adequately fund the Arts in Tacoma, check out this episode!



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Tacoma Creates

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Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

On today’s episode, we talk to Melanie Morgan, who hopes to represent the 29th Legislative District. Melanie has resided in the 29th for over twenty years and has lived many of the experiences of her constituents, who make up one of the most diverse areas of the state. She has spent significant time in the community working on issues related to education, family homelessness, and community relations as a school board member, a Commissioner on the Board of the Pierce County Housing Authority, and on the Board of Community Healthcare.  Melanie is a super inspiring candidate who is definitely walking her talk, an example of how all of us can get involved to make change. Listen in!



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Elect Melanie Morgan

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On today’s episode, we talk to Christine Kilduff, who is running to retain her position representing the 28th Legislative District. As a representative of a “purple” district, Christine has practiced bi-partisan cooperation for the last 4 years and hopes to continue her work for the 28th. Check it out!



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Elect Christine Kilduff

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Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

The 28th Legislative District encompasses parts of Tacoma, University Place, Fircrest, Lakewood and Spanaway, and includes JBLM and Western State Hospital. Mari Leavitt has lived in and served this diverse community for many years and hopes to unseat the Republican incumbent in November. She's a certified LadyBoss and really knows her stuff. Listen in!



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Elect Mari Leavitt

Channel 253
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Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and  Alaska Airlines

Julie Anderson is back on today's episode to update us on changes in election law, report on the results of the last  stamp-free election, and the County's preparation for the upcoming census. We don't really keep it a secret how much we love Julie on this podcast. She's the BEST. Listen in for a great example of an accessible, dedicated public servant who occasionally swears.



Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Pierce County

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On today's episode, we talk to three striking teachers and union leaders about how we got here, what is the McCleary case, the realities of teacher pay and schedules, and how we can help.



WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT TEACHERS DURING THE STRIKE

*** Come to the rally on Thursday 9/13 at 4pm at Peoples Park! ***

1. Bring food, snacks and drinks to the sign waving teachers in front of their schools. You could also ask local businesses to help with this. Surely a morale booster!
2. Schools are not open to teachers. They will need access to restrooms. If you live near a school or can arrange for a business to have restrooms open for nearby teachers, let them know. Put a sign out front to let teachers know they can use your restroom(s).
3. Write a letter to the editor in support of teachers. Teachers need to know the parents and community members are in their corner. This is a way to get the word out there.https://www.thenewstribune.com/…/letters-to-…/submit-letter/
https://tacomaweekly.com/contact/
4. If you belong to a union, approach its leadership about showing support to the teachers.
5. Walk the picket lines at your neighborhood or child's school. Bring the kids!
6. Wear the color red (for Ed-ucation).
7. Put signs in your homes, cars, businesses saying you support Tacoma’s Teachers.
8. Keep the pressure on the school district. Call, email, text, call and email again. 253-571-1000 Use social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Express your support for teachers! School Board member Emails: Debbie WInskill - tbeatti@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Enrique Leon - eleon@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Scott Heinze - sheinze@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Andrea Cobb - acobb@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Karen Vialle - kvialle@tacoma.k12.wa.us, Superintendent Carla Santorno: csantor@tacoma.k12.wa.us or Fax her at (253) 571-1440.
9. Honk your car horn if you see people in red in front of schools holding signs! Honk for your teachers!
10. Parents can sign the affidavit that is located at the TEA office, stating their children are not harmed by our strike, in case the school makes this a legal matter. Download a copy from here: https://tinyurl.com/yd7gfohf or you may pick up a copy from the TEA Office at 3049 S 36th Street, Suite 300 - Tacoma, WA 98409, **Located on the third floor of the IBEW Building** (253) 565-4411 Drop off or mail the completed and signed form to Connie L Powell, Tacoma UniServ Council, Uniserv Representative, 3049 S 36th Street, Suite 300
Tacoma, WA 98409
11. Call our lawmakers in Olympia to tell them you support the teachers and so should they!

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Parent Affidavit of Support

We Teach Tacoma FB Page

Tacoma School Board Contact Page

Tacoma Education Association

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On today's episode we interview Mary Robnett who is running for Pierce County Prosecutor. Despite being described by her opponent's campaign as not being a serious challenger, she prevailed in the August primary by 11 points. Mary has a long career in the law and public service, is a UPS grad, and has lived in Tacoma since 1987. Get to know her better here!

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Mary For Prosecutor

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On today's episode we talk to Kate Larsen, the Director of the Tacoma Public Library and John Hines, a Board of Trustees member about their new initiative, "Libraries Transform Tacoma." In this Gates Foundation promoted program, the Library is hosting conversations to better understand people's aspirations for our community, to help make their work in the community more effective.

 

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Libraries Transform Tacoma

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On today's episode we talk to Marty Campbell who is running for Pierce County Council. Marty has served Tacoma's Eastside on the City Council, as well as multiple neighborhood and merchant groups for many years. We were all over the place in this one. Immigration! Social Media! Standing up to dirtbags! OH MY!

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Elect Marty Campbell

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Derek Young is running to retain his seat on the Pierce County Council. In today's episode, he helps us to better understand the differences between City Council and County Council, and what is potentially at stake with the make-up of the County Council going forward.

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Re-Elect Derek Young

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It's that time of year already! Filing week is coming up, and our 2018 ballots are taking shape. On today's episode, Channel 253 producer and super knowledgeable dude about all things local, Erik Hanberg comes on the show to tell us about which races we can expect in this "even year" election, who we know is running, and how you can get YOUR name on the ballot.

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

Pierce County Filing

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Thirty-nine days after the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 people, hundreds of thousands marched in cities all over the world to show their support for more strict gun control. These marches were organized by students, and on today's episode, we talk to three of the kids who organized Tacoma's March for Our Lives.

Host: Jenny Jacobs

Producer: Doug Mackey

Links:

March for Our Lives Tacoma Facebook Page
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