Voters depend on the County's elected officials to prepare ballots that are fair, clear and unambiguous, and to administer elections which are high-quality and cost-efficient.

 

By contrast, this year's Proposition 1 - which moves the election of the county executive and council to odd-numbered years and increases their term limits from two to three terms - is the product of political negotiation and allegiances among incumbents. It is a disservice to voters and taxpayers. 
 
Click here to learn why.

It is very unpleasant to be outdoors, taking in the fresh air, only to have a cigarette smoker walk by. It is a personal pet peeve of mine.

 

Now I have an opportunity to make it illegal to smoke in Tacoma's parks!
 
Will I?  No. Read more to find out!

According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, two-thirds of Pierce County citizens are either overweight or obese. In fact, 10% of our children and 30% of our adults are OBESE.

 

There are few medical threats with such a staggeringly high health and economic cost to so many people as obesity. It is linked to many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, asthma, sleep apnea, and mental health problems. Excessive weight gain of 11-18 pounds can double the risk for type 2 diabetes. Weight gain of 10-20 pounds increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 25% in women and 60% in men.

Obesity costs the State of Washington 75% of all its yearly medical costs. It is imperative that local government gets involved.

 

Read more about Pierce County's detailed plan to improve our people's health.