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Michelle Rylands is an Army veteran and PTA president running against incumbent Senator Phil Fortunato. She is strongly in favor of fully funding K-12 education, and also advocates for fixing our state's upside-down tax code and helping local small businesses.
Fortunato was chosen by Republicans to replace long-time Sen. Pam Roach. While he is very conservative on many issues, he deserves credit for playing a key role in breaking the final state budget impasse this year by pushing his Republican colleagues to fund the contracts of state employees. Nevertheless, Rylands is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05Michelle Rylands
Michelle Rylands is an Army veteran and PTA president running against incumbent Senator Phil Fortunato. She is strongly in favor of fully funding K-12 education, and also advocates for fixing our state's upside-down tax code and helping local small businesses.
Michelle Rylands is an Army veteran and PTA president running against incumbent Senator Phil Fortunato. She is strongly in favor of fully funding K-12 education, and also advocates for fixing our state's upside-down tax code and helping local small businesses.
Fortunato was chosen by Republicans to replace long-time Sen. Pam Roach. While he is very conservative on many issues, he deserves credit for playing a key role in breaking the final state budget impasse this year by pushing his Republican colleagues to fund the contracts of state employees. Nevertheless, Rylands is the best choice in this race.Michelle Rylands
Michelle Rylands is an Army veteran and PTA president running against incumbent Senator Phil Fortunato. She is strongly in favor of fully funding K-12 education, and also advocates for fixing our state's upside-down tax code and helping local small businesses.
Pierce County
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Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.
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Nate Lowry is a landscape architect and Edgewood city councilmember who has been a strong progressive voice in Edgewood. He's running for the 31st District House seat to fix Washington's upside-down tax code and fund Head Start and STEM education. He is running against Republican Morgan Irwin, who was recently appointed to this seat. Lowry is the progressive choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Nate Lowry
Nate Lowry is a landscape architect and Edgewood city councilmember who has been a strong progressive voice in Edgewood. He's running for the 31st District House seat to fix Washington's upside-down tax code and fund Head Start and STEM education.
Nate Lowry is a landscape architect and Edgewood city councilmember who has been a strong progressive voice in Edgewood. He's running for the 31st District House seat to fix Washington's upside-down tax code and fund Head Start and STEM education. He is running against Republican Morgan Irwin, who was recently appointed to this seat. Lowry is the progressive choice in this race.Nate Lowry
Nate Lowry is a landscape architect and Edgewood city councilmember who has been a strong progressive voice in Edgewood. He's running for the 31st District House seat to fix Washington's upside-down tax code and fund Head Start and STEM education.
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John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate recommended in this guide, it is critical to vote against Jensen, who was outed for pro-Trump, misogynist, and racist tweets. McCarthy is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05
John McCarthy
John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years.
John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate recommended in this guide, it is critical to vote against Jensen, who was outed for pro-Trump, misogynist, and racist tweets. McCarthy is the best choice in this race.John McCarthy
John McCarthy is running for Position 1 for Tacoma Port Commissioner against Jim Jensen and Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years.
City Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
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Elected in 2014, financial manager Nancy Backus is the first female mayor of Auburn. Prior to her first term, she served on the Auburn City Council for 10 years as Chair of the Finance and the Planning & Community Development committees, among other roles. In 2016, she served as president of Sound Cities Association (SCA) and was the first board member from Auburn to be elected to the Sound Transit board. Backus' first term is backed by an impressive list of accomplishments. Unemployment in Auburn is among the lowest in the state. Backus has made economic development a priority, including welcoming new small businesses to the downtown area, launching a downtown facade improvement program, and seeking additional expansion from Boeing. In 2016, the mayor led the charge for a homelessness task force and the city is currently working on 40 of the 56 recommendations issued by the task force, including extending availability at the emergency shelter. Backus' leadership has earned her another term.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Nancy Backus
Elected in 2014, financial manager Nancy Backus is the first female mayor of Auburn. Prior to her first term, she served on the Auburn City Council for 10 years as Chair of the Finance and the Planning & Community Development committees, among other roles.
Elected in 2014, financial manager Nancy Backus is the first female mayor of Auburn. Prior to her first term, she served on the Auburn City Council for 10 years as Chair of the Finance and the Planning & Community Development committees, among other roles. In 2016, she served as president of Sound Cities Association (SCA) and was the first board member from Auburn to be elected to the Sound Transit board. Backus' first term is backed by an impressive list of accomplishments. Unemployment in Auburn is among the lowest in the state. Backus has made economic development a priority, including welcoming new small businesses to the downtown area, launching a downtown facade improvement program, and seeking additional expansion from Boeing. In 2016, the mayor led the charge for a homelessness task force and the city is currently working on 40 of the 56 recommendations issued by the task force, including extending availability at the emergency shelter. Backus' leadership has earned her another term.Nancy Backus
Elected in 2014, financial manager Nancy Backus is the first female mayor of Auburn. Prior to her first term, she served on the Auburn City Council for 10 years as Chair of the Finance and the Planning & Community Development committees, among other roles.
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Joe Aboubakr is a board member of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce and a U.S. Navy veteran. His campaign is focused on reducing energy costs, improving the relationship between the city council and the Chamber of Commerce, and fixing crosswalks. Aboubakr is running against Roger Neal, who is not running a competitive campaign, and P.K. Thumbi, an immigrant from Kenya, mental health technician, and a community volunteer with the Kiwanis Club and the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. Aboubakr is the best choice for Steilacoom City Council Position 3.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Joe Aboubakr
Joe Aboubakr is a board member of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce and a U.S. Navy veteran. His campaign is focused on reducing energy costs, improving the relationship between the city council and the Chamber of Commerce, and fixing crosswalks.
Joe Aboubakr is a board member of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce and a U.S. Navy veteran. His campaign is focused on reducing energy costs, improving the relationship between the city council and the Chamber of Commerce, and fixing crosswalks. Aboubakr is running against Roger Neal, who is not running a competitive campaign, and P.K. Thumbi, an immigrant from Kenya, mental health technician, and a community volunteer with the Kiwanis Club and the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. Aboubakr is the best choice for Steilacoom City Council Position 3.Joe Aboubakr
Joe Aboubakr is a board member of the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce and a U.S. Navy veteran. His campaign is focused on reducing energy costs, improving the relationship between the city council and the Chamber of Commerce, and fixing crosswalks.
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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. She will focus on family-wage jobs, public safety, responsible budgets, local businesses, and a lasting solution to the homelessness and mental health crisis. We lean toward Woodards because of her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Victoria Woodards
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.
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. She will focus on family-wage jobs, public safety, responsible budgets, local businesses, and a lasting solution to the homelessness and mental health crisis. We lean toward Woodards because of her broader support from our progressive partner organizations.Victoria Woodards
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.
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Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient. She advocates for mixed-use centers where residents could procure affordable housing and be near jobs, schools, and shopping. Lopez deserves credit for her outspoken opposition to the LNG development in Tacoma.
Jim Merritt is another progressive running who lost a close race to Mayor Strickland in 2009. This year, our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations are lining up behind Woodards and Lopez.Last updated: 2023-04-05Evelyn Lopez
Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient.
Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient. She advocates for mixed-use centers where residents could procure affordable housing and be near jobs, schools, and shopping. Lopez deserves credit for her outspoken opposition to the LNG development in Tacoma.
Jim Merritt is another progressive running who lost a close race to Mayor Strickland in 2009. This year, our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations are lining up behind Woodards and Lopez.Evelyn Lopez
Evelyn Lopez previously worked as Assistant Attorney General and Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Lopez's campaign seeks increased neighborhood density to lower infrastructure cost, limit sprawl, attract small businesses, and make public transit more efficient.
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Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board. He was a part of the mayor's minimum wage task force and a leader of Project P.E.A.C.E., an action plan to improve relations between Tacoma Police Department and the community. Christopher is an advocate for living wage jobs, housing affordability, and police accountability. He does not have the financial backing of Neal or Hunter because he entered the race later, but he is well-respected among the activist community.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Gregory Christopher
Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board.
Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board. He was a part of the mayor's minimum wage task force and a leader of Project P.E.A.C.E., an action plan to improve relations between Tacoma Police Department and the community. Christopher is an advocate for living wage jobs, housing affordability, and police accountability. He does not have the financial backing of Neal or Hunter because he entered the race later, but he is well-respected among the activist community.Gregory Christopher
Pastor Gregory Christopher is the President of the Tacoma Branch of the NAACP, a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and vice chairman of the Tacoma Urban League board.
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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. She 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, providing job training, and equitable infrastructure development that protects the environment.
Also running for this race is Sarah Morken, a socialist candidate who has worked with Occupy Tacoma, South Sound Jobs with Justice, and $15 Tacoma. She supports tenant-run public housing, community control of policing, and shutting down the North West Detention Center.Last updated: 2023-04-05Lillian Hunter
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. She has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College.
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. She 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, providing job training, and equitable infrastructure development that protects the environment.
Also running for this race is Sarah Morken, a socialist candidate who has worked with Occupy Tacoma, South Sound Jobs with Justice, and $15 Tacoma. She supports tenant-run public housing, community control of policing, and shutting down the North West Detention Center.Lillian Hunter
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. She has served two terms on the local library board and was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Trustee for Bates Technical College.
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Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council. Neal's campaign priorities are 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
Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council.
Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council. Neal's campaign priorities are increasing living wage job opportunities, incentivizing affordable housing development, upgrading Tacoma's stormwater infrastructure to protect the Puget Sound, and increasing the tree canopy.Meredith Neal
Meredith Neal served on the YWCA Pierce County Board, City of Tacoma Planning Commission, and the Forterra Regional Leadership Council.
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Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, 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, schools.
Ushka is facing progressive Shalisa Hayes and real estate developer Kevin Grossman. Hayes founded the Billy Ray Foundation and Mothers of Magnitude, organizations aimed at providing positive spaces and engagement for youth, and for mothers who have lost children. Hayes is also the lead organizer behind the creation of the Eastside Community Center, which will provide youth programming and a safe space for local youth to learn and play. Grossman is a former Shoreline City Councilmember and former Vice Chair of the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
Ushka has earned the broadest support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners and is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05Catherine Ushka
Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center.
Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, 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, schools.
Ushka is facing progressive Shalisa Hayes and real estate developer Kevin Grossman. Hayes founded the Billy Ray Foundation and Mothers of Magnitude, organizations aimed at providing positive spaces and engagement for youth, and for mothers who have lost children. Hayes is also the lead organizer behind the creation of the Eastside Community Center, which will provide youth programming and a safe space for local youth to learn and play. Grossman is a former Shoreline City Councilmember and former Vice Chair of the Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
Ushka has earned the broadest support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners and is the best choice in this race.Catherine Ushka
Catherine Ushka is President of the Tacoma School Board. She has served in the U.S. Navy and as Vice President of the Tacoma Charter Review, Commissioner for the City of Tacoma Human Services, and on the Executive Team and Steering Committee for the Eastside Community Center.
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Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce 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. His campaign gives specific attention to South Tacoma to "address historic inequality of public investments." Beale is running against Janis Clark, Justin Van Dyk, Joanne Babic, and Brian Arnold. Beale is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Chris Beale
Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce Transit’s Citizen Advisory council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails.
Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce 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. His campaign gives specific attention to South Tacoma to "address historic inequality of public investments." Beale is running against Janis Clark, Justin Van Dyk, Joanne Babic, and Brian Arnold. Beale is the best choice in this race.Chris Beale
Chris Beale is the best candidate for Position 5. He is Chair of the Planning Commission, and has also served as Vice Chair of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council, a member of Pierce Transit’s Citizen Advisory council, and as Board President of the local non-profit ForeverGreen Trails.
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Patti Dailey is a running against incumbent Steve Worthington and Ken Campbell for Position 3. She has called herself a champion of LGBTQ rights, veterans, youth, and seniors. Her campaign prioritizes protecting parks and green spaces like the Chambers Creek trail system and the Audriana Hess Refuge, promoting affordable housing and living wage jobs, and ensuring employment for local youth. Dailey is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-04-05
Patti Dailey
Patti Dailey is a running against incumbent Steve Worthington and Ken Campbell for Position 3. She has called herself a champion of LGBTQ rights, veterans, youth, and seniors.
Patti Dailey is a running against incumbent Steve Worthington and Ken Campbell for Position 3. She has called herself a champion of LGBTQ rights, veterans, youth, and seniors. Her campaign prioritizes protecting parks and green spaces like the Chambers Creek trail system and the Audriana Hess Refuge, promoting affordable housing and living wage jobs, and ensuring employment for local youth. Dailey is the best choice in this race.Patti Dailey
Patti Dailey is a running against incumbent Steve Worthington and Ken Campbell for Position 3. She has called herself a champion of LGBTQ rights, veterans, youth, and seniors.
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VOTE YES
Vote Yes to Lift the Levy Lid
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East Pierce Fire and Rescue has put forth Proposition Number 1, a four-year, $1.8 million per year property tax levy. The proposition would maintain the current levy rate of $1.50 per $1000 on your property taxes for the first year. For the subsequent three years, any increase in the annual rate would be capped to no more than 6% of the previous year. East Pierce Fire and Rescue states that the levy will maintain the current level of fire suppression, rescue, and fire prevention services, and hire an additional paramedic unit. Your YES vote will help East Pierce Fire and Rescue maintain its high levels of fire and emergency medical services.Last updated: 2023-04-05East Pierce Fire and Rescue has put forth Proposition Number 1, a four-year, $1.8 million per year property tax levy. The proposition would maintain the current levy rate of $1.50 per $1000 on your property taxes for the first year. For the subsequent three years, any increase in the annual rate would be capped to no more than 6% of the previous year. East Pierce Fire and Rescue states that the levy will maintain the current level of fire suppression, rescue, and fire prevention services, and hire an additional paramedic unit. Your YES vote will help East Pierce Fire and Rescue maintain its high levels of fire and emergency medical services.East Pierce Fire and Rescue has put forth Proposition Number 1, a four-year, $1.8 million per year property tax levy. The proposition would maintain the current levy rate of $1.50 per $1000 on your property taxes for the first year. For the subsequent three years, any increase in the annual rate would be capped to no more than 6% of the previous year. East Pierce Fire and Rescue states that the levy will maintain the current level of fire suppression, rescue, and fire prevention services, and hire an additional paramedic unit. Your YES vote will help East Pierce Fire and Rescue maintain its high levels of fire and emergency medical services.
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VOTE YES
Vote Yes on Proposition 1
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Pierce County Fire Protection District 18 has put forth Proposition Number 1, a four-year, $1.2 million per year renewal of the maintenance and operations expense levy. The levy rate will be between $0.89 and $0.92 per $1000 on your property taxes. Your YES vote will help Fire Protection District 18 continue providing fire and emergency medical service at current levels for the next four years.Last updated: 2023-04-05Pierce County Fire Protection District 18 has put forth Proposition Number 1, a four-year, $1.2 million per year renewal of the maintenance and operations expense levy. The levy rate will be between $0.89 and $0.92 per $1000 on your property taxes. Your YES vote will help Fire Protection District 18 continue providing fire and emergency medical service at current levels for the next four years.Pierce County Fire Protection District 18 has put forth Proposition Number 1, a four-year, $1.2 million per year renewal of the maintenance and operations expense levy. The levy rate will be between $0.89 and $0.92 per $1000 on your property taxes. Your YES vote will help Fire Protection District 18 continue providing fire and emergency medical service at current levels for the next four years.
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VOTE YES
Vote Yes on Proposition 2
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East Pierce Fire and Rescue has put forth Proposition Number 2, a four year, $160,000 per year EMS levy. The proposition would maintain the current levy rate of $0.50 per $1000 on your property taxes for the first year. For the subsequent three years, any increase in the annual rate would be capped to no more than 6% of the previous year. East Pierce Fire and Rescue states that the levy will help maintain and operate emergency medical aid vehicles. Your YES vote will help East Pierce Fire and Rescue and emergency medical staff to effectively carry out their duties.Last updated: 2023-04-05East Pierce Fire and Rescue has put forth Proposition Number 2, a four year, $160,000 per year EMS levy. The proposition would maintain the current levy rate of $0.50 per $1000 on your property taxes for the first year. For the subsequent three years, any increase in the annual rate would be capped to no more than 6% of the previous year. East Pierce Fire and Rescue states that the levy will help maintain and operate emergency medical aid vehicles. Your YES vote will help East Pierce Fire and Rescue and emergency medical staff to effectively carry out their duties.East Pierce Fire and Rescue has put forth Proposition Number 2, a four year, $160,000 per year EMS levy. The proposition would maintain the current levy rate of $0.50 per $1000 on your property taxes for the first year. For the subsequent three years, any increase in the annual rate would be capped to no more than 6% of the previous year. East Pierce Fire and Rescue states that the levy will help maintain and operate emergency medical aid vehicles. Your YES vote will help East Pierce Fire and Rescue and emergency medical staff to effectively carry out their duties.