City of Poulsbo

Reba Harris is a mental health professional running for Poulsbo City Council, Position 4. After getting her master's degree in social work, Harris worked as a therapist and substance abuse specialist for nonprofits, the S'Klallam tribe, and King County Public Health. She has also advocated for restorative justice, women's health, and survivors of trafficking.

As someone who has experienced homelessness and addiction firsthand, Harris is passionate about expanding affordable housing and health resources in Poulsbo. She would focus on creating homes that the growing college and senior population can afford, and would expand public transportation, green spaces, and social services. 

Partly because of her Black and Filipino heritage, another of Harris' top priorities is to center diverse voices in all decisions. She spoke clearly about how BIPOC residents are impacted by the lack of healthcare resources, housing options, and social services in Poulsbo. If elected, she would bring years of experience working with local tribes and communities of color to the council.

Doug Newell, a retired naval officer and current planning commissioner, is also running for this seat. Newell was in charge of finance and new constructions with the Central Kitsap School District for several years.

Newell has some similar priorities to Harris - he wants to increase affordable housing, improve healthcare, and expand the peer navigator program that serves people experiencing mental health and substance abuse challenges. One area where Newell and Harris disagree has to do with parks and recreation. Both agree that parks are an important space for youth and community. However, Harris argues that the city should fully fund housing and basic services before spending large funds on a new recreation center, especially with a new sports complex already opening nearby. Newell, however, is on the steering committee for the proposed Poulsbo Events and Recreation Center, and would not delay construction of new projects to fund basic needs.

We recommend Harris because of her support from the progressive community, her lived experience, and her expertise on the issues facing Poulsbo's working communities.

 

Natasha Fectau Minger is challenging incumbent Mike Desmond for North Kitsap School Board, Position 2. Minger has served on multiple community boards to advise on issues that affect young children, organized parents to get involved in family issues, and advocated for change at the state level.

As a single working mom raising a son on the autism spectrum, Minger was motivated to become an advocate for children in special education. Her background as an Alaska Native has also allowed her to build trust with tribal parents and organizations. Minger has led outreach for programs like the Child Tax Credit and Headstart, helping working people and tribal parents access resources to help their children thrive.

She is running against Mike Desmond, the current vice president of the North Kitsap School Board, is running to retain his seat in Position 2 on the board. Desmond is a U.S. Navy Reserve officer and the former vice president of the PTSA at Poulsbo Elementary. If re-elected, he would prioritize creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds, modernizing our facilities, and building a closer relationship with law enforcement.

Recently, the North Kitsap Education Association, which represents public school educators, voted to express a lack of confidence in the current school board, including Desmond. Teachers said that the board made decisions without including or listening to staff in schools. 

If elected, Minger promises to bring more transparency, inclusivity, and respect for diverse histories to the North Kitsap School Board. Her dedication to educators and parents of every background have earned her endorsements from groups like the Washington Education Association, 23rd District Democrats, and Native Vote.

Minger is the best choice in this race. 
 

Terri Schumacher is running for North Kitsap School Board in District 4 to create healthy schools that meet every students' needs. Schumacher is a owner of a local salon, the former president of the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, and a volunteer with her PTA. She is a mother of two who has firsthand experience with her son's school closure, overcrowded classrooms, and long bus commutes.

As a person who was able to come up from poverty through a trade school education, Schumacher wants schools to create pathways for all students, no matter their learning style, background, or goals after graduation. She is also running to increase the school boards' transparency with the public. If elected, she would bring back community committees to include diverse voices in the decisions being made by the board.

Her opponent for the District 4 seat is Beverly Godfrey, a conservative third grade teacher. Godfrey is supported by the Kitsap County Republicans and the Family Policy Institute, a far-right Christian interest groups that wants to enforce "Biblical values" in our public schools.

Godfrey has publicly opposed Washington's access to abortions, and criticized the 2021 law that brought teachers much-needed training on how to be inclusive to students from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Schumacher's dedication to putting kids first has earned her endorsements from educators, progressive organizations, and local tribes. She is by far the best choice in this race.

Stacy Mills is running unopposed to represent District 5 on the North Kitsap School Board. Her opponent, Melanie Miller, withdrew from the race in September due to family reasons.

Mills has deep roots in the area as a member of the S'Klallam tribe and the fourth generation in her family to graduate from North Kitsap public schools. Mills works with both the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Government and the local community health center, where she helps bring services to students and families. As someone who has been both a student and a parent in the North Kitsap School District, Mills is motivated to help every child reach their full potential in the classroom.

Recently, the North Kitsap Education Association (NKEA), which represents public school educators, voted to express a lack of confidence in the current school board. If elected, Mills would make it a priority to increase transparency and communication with both teachers and the public. She suggests creating committees to receive feedback directly from teachers, and has been endorsed by the NKEA. She also is running to creatively fund education in an equitable way and to make sure the board has representation from the diverse families in our community.

Mills has earned the support of progressives, educators, and local tribes, and deserves your vote for the North Kitsap School Board.