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Philip Cowan

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Community leader Philip Cowan is running for Tacoma City Council Position 2. Cowan has worked as the Executive Director of Tacoma's Grand Cinema for more than ten years and is running to make Tacoma a healthier place to live for all residents. He believes that it is necessary to address Tacoma's long history of environmental problems and prioritizes environmentally sustainable solutions regarding future development. Cowan is focused on strengthening workers' rights in the local economy and ensuring that Tacoma remains a great to place to live for residents of all income levels.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Community leader Philip Cowan is running for Tacoma City Council Position 2. Cowan has worked as the Executive Director of Tacoma's Grand Cinema for more than ten years and is running to make Tacoma a healthier place to live for all residents. He believes that it is necessary to address Tacoma's long history of environmental problems and prioritizes environmentally sustainable solutions regarding future development. Cowan is focused on strengthening workers' rights in the local economy and ensuring that Tacoma remains a great to place to live for residents of all income levels.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates , Sierra Club , Washington Bikes , Washington Conservation Action , Tacoma Education Association, Teamsters Local 117

City of Tacoma

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Election Day November 7, 2017
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Statewide Ballot Measures

Advisory Vote #16

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained on Advisory Vote 16

A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597, which included a small excise tax in order to increase environmental protections for regional fish and wildlife. Because of a Tim Eyman initiative, the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 16.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597, which included a small excise tax in order to increase environmental protections for regional fish and wildlife. Because of a Tim Eyman initiative, the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 16.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Advisory Vote #17

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained on Advisory Vote 17

Our state has been under Supreme Court order to fully fund education for several years. This June, Republicans and Democrats came together to approve a bipartisan package of revenue increases for public schools, including expanding the Business and Occupation tax. While this does not solve the education funding problem, the package goes a long way towards providing a quality education for all students. This non-binding advisory vote is required thanks to a Tim Eyman ballot measure. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 17.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Our state has been under Supreme Court order to fully fund education for several years. This June, Republicans and Democrats came together to approve a bipartisan package of revenue increases for public schools, including expanding the Business and Occupation tax. While this does not solve the education funding problem, the package goes a long way towards providing a quality education for all students. This non-binding advisory vote is required thanks to a Tim Eyman ballot measure. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 17.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Advisory Vote #18

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained on Advisory Vote 18

In addition to the business taxes covered in Advisory Vote 17, a strong bipartisan majority of state legislators voted to increase local property taxes to fund schools. We have concerns about raising regressive property taxes that disproportionately impact working families and make our upside-down tax code even worse. However, we are optimistic about retaking the state Senate this fall and working with progressives in Olympia next year to reduce this tax and instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.

Like the other advisory votes, this is a non-binding measure required by a Tim Eyman ballot initiative. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 18.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

In addition to the business taxes covered in Advisory Vote 17, a strong bipartisan majority of state legislators voted to increase local property taxes to fund schools. We have concerns about raising regressive property taxes that disproportionately impact working families and make our upside-down tax code even worse. However, we are optimistic about retaking the state Senate this fall and working with progressives in Olympia next year to reduce this tax and instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.

Like the other advisory votes, this is a non-binding measure required by a Tim Eyman ballot initiative. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 18.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Pierce County Ballot Measures

Pierce County Charter Amendment #46

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES on Charter Amendment No. 46

Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 46. This charter amendment clarifies the appointment process by outlining two processes for filing vacancies in Pierce County elected offices. It would enable the County Council to solicit applications for all non partisan vacancies, thereby increasing the pool of qualified applicants. For partisan vacancies, the charter amendment stipulates that the county political party nominates three qualified candidates for the council to pick from. Voters should vote YES on this charter amendment.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 46. This charter amendment clarifies the appointment process by outlining two processes for filing vacancies in Pierce County elected offices. It would enable the County Council to solicit applications for all non partisan vacancies, thereby increasing the pool of qualified applicants. For partisan vacancies, the charter amendment stipulates that the county political party nominates three qualified candidates for the council to pick from. Voters should vote YES on this charter amendment.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Pierce County Charter Proposition #No. 47

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES on Charter Amendment No. 47

Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 47. Pierce County is one of the few counties in Washington state with term limits for county councilmembers. Charter amendment number 47 would allow councilmembers to serve one additional term for a total of three consecutive 4-year terms in office. The goal is to strike a balance of allowing councilmembers to gain experience so they can better serve their constituents, while maintaining term limits for elected officials.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 47. Pierce County is one of the few counties in Washington state with term limits for county councilmembers. Charter amendment number 47 would allow councilmembers to serve one additional term for a total of three consecutive 4-year terms in office. The goal is to strike a balance of allowing councilmembers to gain experience so they can better serve their constituents, while maintaining term limits for elected officials.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Port of Tacoma

Port of Tacoma, Port Commissioner, Position #1

John McCarthy photo

John McCarthy

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John McCarthy is running for the Tacoma Port Commissioner Position 1 against army veteran and port security specialist Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate, his previous experience and community involvement makes him the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

John McCarthy is running for the Tacoma Port Commissioner Position 1 against army veteran and port security specialist Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate, his previous experience and community involvement makes him the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington , Sierra Club , WA Federation of State Employees, Council 28 , Tacoma - Pierce County Black Collective, Tacoma Firefighters IAFF Local 31, Pierce County Central Labor Council

City Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.

Tacoma Mayor

Tacoma Mayor

Victoria Woodards photo

Victoria Woodards

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Victoria Woodards was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 7 years and resigned her seat to run for mayor late last year. She is a U.S. army veteran and president of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that supports the local African American community. She is focused on building responsible budgets, supporting local businesses, and creating a lasting solution to the homelessness and mental health crisis. Woodards wants to increase funding for public safety and bring more living-wage jobs to Tacoma while prioritizing affordability for current residents.

Woodards is running against progressive Jim Merritt, who lost to Mayor Strickland in a previous run in 2009. Merritt is an architect and board member of the Northend Neighborhood Council. He has advocated for sustainability initiatives for the city like implementing the use of geothermal energy and wants to improve transit in Tacoma.

Woodards is the best choice in this race because of her experience, knowledge of policy issues, and her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Victoria Woodards was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 7 years and resigned her seat to run for mayor late last year. She is a U.S. army veteran and president of the Tacoma Urban League, an organization that supports the local African American community. She is focused on building responsible budgets, supporting local businesses, and creating a lasting solution to the homelessness and mental health crisis. Woodards wants to increase funding for public safety and bring more living-wage jobs to Tacoma while prioritizing affordability for current residents.

Woodards is running against progressive Jim Merritt, who lost to Mayor Strickland in a previous run in 2009. Merritt is an architect and board member of the Northend Neighborhood Council. He has advocated for sustainability initiatives for the city like implementing the use of geothermal energy and wants to improve transit in Tacoma.

Woodards is the best choice in this race because of her experience, knowledge of policy issues, and her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Tacoma City Council

Tacoma City Council, Position #6 (At-Large)

Lillian Hunter photo

Lillian Hunter

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Lillian Hunter is a teacher at Lincoln High School who has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Her family immigrated to Tacoma from Denmark. Hunter has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College. If elected, she would focus on collaborative efforts to reduce homelessness, community policing and liaison programs, job training services, and equitable infrastructure development that protects the environment.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Lillian Hunter is a teacher at Lincoln High School who has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Her family immigrated to Tacoma from Denmark. Hunter has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College. If elected, she would focus on collaborative efforts to reduce homelessness, community policing and liaison programs, job training services, and equitable infrastructure development that protects the environment.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Pro-Choice Washington , Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates , Pierce County Central Labor Council, Tacoma Firefighters Union, Black Collective, Washington Education Association - Tacoma
Meredith Neal photo

Meredith Neal

Website Facebook Endorsements

Meredith Neal is running for Tacoma City Council Position 6. She has served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, the City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council. Neal is prioritizing both revitalization of the local economy and the environment. She is focused on increasing living wage job opportunities, incentivizing affordable housing development, upgrading Tacoma's stormwater infrastructure to protect the Puget Sound, and increasing the tree canopy.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Meredith Neal is running for Tacoma City Council Position 6. She has served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, the City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council. Neal is prioritizing both revitalization of the local economy and the environment. She is focused on increasing living wage job opportunities, incentivizing affordable housing development, upgrading Tacoma's stormwater infrastructure to protect the Puget Sound, and increasing the tree canopy.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

City of Tacoma, District #2

Tacoma City Council, District #2

Philip Cowan photo

Philip Cowan

Website Facebook Endorsements

Community leader Philip Cowan is running for Tacoma City Council Position 2. Cowan has worked as the Executive Director of Tacoma's Grand Cinema for more than ten years and is running to make Tacoma a healthier place to live for all residents. He believes that it is necessary to address Tacoma's long history of environmental problems and prioritizes environmentally sustainable solutions regarding future development. Cowan is focused on strengthening workers' rights in the local economy and ensuring that Tacoma remains a great to place to live for residents of all income levels.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Community leader Philip Cowan is running for Tacoma City Council Position 2. Cowan has worked as the Executive Director of Tacoma's Grand Cinema for more than ten years and is running to make Tacoma a healthier place to live for all residents. He believes that it is necessary to address Tacoma's long history of environmental problems and prioritizes environmentally sustainable solutions regarding future development. Cowan is focused on strengthening workers' rights in the local economy and ensuring that Tacoma remains a great to place to live for residents of all income levels.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates , Sierra Club , Washington Bikes , Washington Conservation Action , Tacoma Education Association, Teamsters Local 117
Robert Thoms photo

Robert Thoms

Website Facebook Endorsements

Deputy Mayor Robert Thoms is running for reelection to Tacoma City Council Position 2. Thoms has an extensive twenty year public service record including several years as a Naval Commander and staffer in Senator Maria Cantwell's office. Since Robert Thoms was first elected to the City Council, he has demonstrated a commitment to policies that improve transportation infrastructure and reinvest in the local community. However, Thoms has been on the wrong side of some issues related to the environment, particularly when it comes to fossil fuel projects in the Tideflats area.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Deputy Mayor Robert Thoms is running for reelection to Tacoma City Council Position 2. Thoms has an extensive twenty year public service record including several years as a Naval Commander and staffer in Senator Maria Cantwell's office. Since Robert Thoms was first elected to the City Council, he has demonstrated a commitment to policies that improve transportation infrastructure and reinvest in the local community. However, Thoms has been on the wrong side of some issues related to the environment, particularly when it comes to fossil fuel projects in the Tideflats area.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28 , Washington Bikes , Tacoma Professional Firefighters Local 31

City of Tacoma, District #4

Tacoma City Council, District #4

Catherine Ushka photo

Catherine Ushka

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Catherine Ushka is the president of the Tacoma School Board and is running for the Tacoma City Council District 4 seat. Ushka has served in the U.S. Navy, and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services Commission, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center. Her campaign is focused on public safety, housing, and sustainable career paths. She advocated against State Initiative 1515, which would repeal non-discrimination protections for transgender people in housing, employment, and schools.

Her opponent, real estate developer Kevin Grossman, is a former Shoreline City Councilmember and former Vice Chair of the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board. His longtime work in affordable housing has put increasing housing density, neighborhood involvement, and supporting small business at the center of his campaign.

Because of her greater support from local progressive organizations, Ushka is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Catherine Ushka is the president of the Tacoma School Board and is running for the Tacoma City Council District 4 seat. Ushka has served in the U.S. Navy, and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services Commission, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center. Her campaign is focused on public safety, housing, and sustainable career paths. She advocated against State Initiative 1515, which would repeal non-discrimination protections for transgender people in housing, employment, and schools.

Her opponent, real estate developer Kevin Grossman, is a former Shoreline City Councilmember and former Vice Chair of the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board. His longtime work in affordable housing has put increasing housing density, neighborhood involvement, and supporting small business at the center of his campaign.

Because of her greater support from local progressive organizations, Ushka is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

City of Tacoma, District #5

Tacoma City Council, District #5

Chris Beale photo

Chris Beale

Website Facebook Endorsements

Community leader Chris Beale is running for Tacoma City Council Position 5. Beale is Chair of the Planning Commission and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, as a member of Pierce County Transit’s Citizen Advisory Council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails. Beale is advocating for more affordable housing, storm water quality maintenance, support for Safe Routes to Schools, the Neighborhood Councils, and equitable road improvements. He aims to give specific attention to South Tacoma to "address historic inequality of public investments."

Beale is running against Brian Arnold, a conservative insurance company owner and board member of the South Tacoma Business District. Arnold's campaign is focused on increased policing and community safety. Beale is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Community leader Chris Beale is running for Tacoma City Council Position 5. Beale is Chair of the Planning Commission and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, as a member of Pierce County Transit’s Citizen Advisory Council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails. Beale is advocating for more affordable housing, storm water quality maintenance, support for Safe Routes to Schools, the Neighborhood Councils, and equitable road improvements. He aims to give specific attention to South Tacoma to "address historic inequality of public investments."

Beale is running against Brian Arnold, a conservative insurance company owner and board member of the South Tacoma Business District. Arnold's campaign is focused on increased policing and community safety. Beale is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05