Citizen Tacoma: Recent Episodes
Channel 253
This episode, Citizen Tacoma is joined by two community leaders—Joe LeRoy of Hope Sparks, and Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff of Pediatrics Northwest. We discuss the overall state of children’s mental health in Tacoma and Pierce County, and we also dig deep on an innovative model between Hope Sparks and Pediatrics Northwest that attends to children’s mental health as part of regular pediatric visits. This collaboration could be a template for more services to youth in the region and beyond.
LinksA Team Approach for Behavioral Health Care at Pediatrics Northwest (.pdf)
Hope Sparks
Pediatrics Northwest
Channel 253 membership
Matt Mauer, President of the Board of Commissioners of Tacoma Parks, joins us to talk about the budget challenges at Parks Tacoma. What happened, what is the board doing about it, and what can the public expect going into the future?
LinksChannel 253 membership
Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker sits on the board of Sound Transit and Pierce Transit. In this episode, we check in on what’s happening with Sound Transit, including the future of light rail connection to Tacoma. We also preview Pierce Transit, a possible ballot initiative in November, and finish up with Tacoma’s grown bike and pedestrian network. Enjoy!
LinksChannel 253 membership
On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we’re joined by Sherrana Kildun, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. We discuss the housing affordability crisis and what can be done to address it. Sherrana also shares information about the work Habitat is doing in Tacoma and Pierce County around homeownership. And, Habitat is looking for owners for some of their projects! Check out this episode and the links below to learn more.
LinksTacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
Own in Pierce
Channel 253 membership
On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we are joined by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. In the first half, we discuss the current government shutdown, the fight over health care, and the rule of law under the Trump administration. In the second half, we look ahead to what Tacoma’s next mayor will face.
LinksChannel 253 membership
In this episode, we sit down with Silong Chhun, running for Tacoma’s City Council seat representing District 4.
We talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Silong Chhun * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are. Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- When I choose a race to cover, I email an invitation to every candidate in the race.
- I ask every candidate in the race the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-October and the primary is November 4.
In this episode, we sit down with Sandesh Sadalge, running for Tacoma’s City Council seat representing District 4.
We talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Sandesh Sadalge * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are. Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- When I choose a race to cover, I email an invitation to every candidate in the race.
- I ask every candidate in the race the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-October and the primary is November 4.
Let’s talk parks! As a former parks commissioner myself, I was excited to talk to some candidates for the parks board of Tacoma for the first time. I decided to focus on Position 3. Both candidates for this seat sat down with Citizen Tacoma.
For this episode, we are joined by Pete Reyes. We talk about the state of our parks, climate change, serving youth, and more. Check it out!
Links* Elect Pete Reyes * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are. Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- When I choose a race to cover, I email an invitation to every candidate in the race.
- I ask every candidate in the race the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-October and the primary is November 4.
Let’s talk parks! As a former parks commissioner myself, I was excited to talk to some candidates for the parks board of Tacoma for the first time. I decided to focus on Position 3. Both candidates for this seat sat down with Citizen Tacoma.
For this episode, we are joined by Bronwyn Clarke. We talk about the state of our parks, climate change, serving youth, and more. Check it out!
Links* Clarke for Parks * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are. Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- When I choose a race to cover, I email an invitation to every candidate in the race.
- I ask every candidate in the race the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-October and the primary is November 4.
There’s an “open” seat on the City Council, which means the incumbent isn’t running. Position 6 is a “city-wide” position, which serves all of Tacoma.
Both candidates for this seat sat down with Citizen Tacoma.
For this episode, we are joined by Jessica Johnston. We talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Jessica Johnston * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are. Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-October and the primary is November 4.
There’s an “open” seat on the City Council, which means the incumbent isn’t running. Position 6 is a “city-wide” position, which serves all of Tacoma.
Both candidates for this seat sat down with Citizen Tacoma.
For this episode, we are joined by Latasha Palmer. We talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Latasha Palmer * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are. Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-October and the primary is November 4.
The people of Tacoma are electing a new mayor this year! Six candidates have filed to run for office… and every one of them sat down for an interview on the Citizen Tacoma podcast!
For this episode, we are joined by Whitney Steves. On the podcast, we talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Whitney Stevens * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are.
Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-July and the primary is August 5.
The people of Tacoma are electing a new mayor this year! Six candidates have filed to run for office… and every one of them sat down for an interview on the Citizen Tacoma podcast!
For this episode, we are joined by Anthony “Tony” Ginn. On the podcast, we talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are.
Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-July and the primary is August 5.
The people of Tacoma are electing a new mayor this year! Six candidates have filed to run for office… and every one of them sat down for an interview on the Citizen Tacoma podcast!
For this episode, we are joined by Anders Ibsen. On the podcast, we talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Anders Ibsen * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are.
Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-July and the primary is August 5.
The people of Tacoma are electing a new mayor this year! Six candidates have filed to run for office… and every one of them sat down for an interview on the Citizen Tacoma podcast!
For this episode, we are joined by Steve Haverly. On the podcast, we talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Steve Haverly * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are.
Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-July and the primary is August 5.
The people of Tacoma are electing a new mayor this year! Six candidates have filed to run for office… and every one of them sat down for an interview on the Citizen Tacoma podcast!
For this episode, we are joined by Jesse Carlos. On the podcast, we talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* Jesse Carlos * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are.
Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-July and the primary is August 5.
The people of Tacoma are electing a new mayor this year! Six candidates have filed to run for office… and every one of them sat down for an interview on the Citizen Tacoma podcast!
For this episode, we are joined by Councilmember John Hines. On the podcast, we talk about the big issues that voters are thinking about this year and some of the big decisions facing the council next year. Check it out!
Links* John Hines * Support Channel 253 with a membership
A note from the hostHello! I’m Erik Hanberg! I’ve hosted the Citizen Tacoma podcast for the last four years. Before this, I served in elected office as a parks commissioner for 12 years and I was the executive director of City Club of Tacoma, where I also helped put on civic events and moderated debates. I deeply enjoy this work.
I think of these candidate interviews as a public service to the community. I don’t get paid for this. I’m curious about these candidates as much as you are.
Forums and debates are great. But this kind of conversation gives you a different sense of the candidates. I think it’s so interesting to hear candidates speak without a timer.
Ok, quick overview of my rules:
- I emailed an invitation to every candidate.
- I asked every candidate the same set questions, though sometimes I asked some clarification questions depending on their answers.
- No one got the questions in advance and since I’m airing them all at once, no one was able to listen ahead.
- I did ask each candidate to suggest a question, which was gives it an interesting spin.
If you enjoy this interview, please check out the interviews with the other candidates at citizentacoma.com or in your podcast app.
And don’t forget to vote! Ballots are mailed in mid-July and the primary is August 5.
What’s happening with Tacoma’s streets? An initiative would help fund continued street improvements. What happened with the last one? How are our streets doing? And what will it cost?
Whenever we have transportation questions, we turn to Tacoma City Councilmember Kristina Walker. Tune in.
Links
Kristina Walker
Yes to Prop 1
Channel 253 membership
On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, we sit down with Lowell Wyse, executive director of the Tacoma Tree Foundation. We talk about Tacoma’s urban forest, the canopy, protections for heritage trees, “Home in Tacoma,” making 2025 the year of the tree, and much more.
LinksTacoma Tree Foundation
Channel 253 membership
Longtime Channel 253 host Evelyn Lopez joins the podcast to look back at Tacoma’s 2024 and chat about the year ahead. We also look back at some highlights of the podcast Crossing Division.
Note, we recorded this earlier in December before the board of Metro Parks called a special meeting to appoint Alisa Lee to the board. Evelyn was correct! They decided to handle this before they lost their quorum.
LinksChannel 253 membership
Sarah Rumbaugh represents District 2 in Tacoma. On this episode, we go on-location to Cremello Cafe to talk about vandalism and small businesses in Tacoma. We also discuss homelessness, grease traps, Tacoma’s tree canopy, “structural deficits,” and much more. Enjoy this episode with Councilmember Sarah Rumbaugh.
LinksCouncilmember Sarah Rumbaugh
Channel 253 membership
Sandesh Sadalge was appointed to represent Tacoma’s District 4 after the passing of Catherine Ushka earlier this year. On this episode of Citizen Tacoma, Councilmember Sadalge shares his story: what brought him to Tacoma and what’s happening in District 4 and on the City Council. We dive into grease traps (not literally), Home in Tacoma Phase 2, and Tacoma’s tree canopy. Enjoy this episode with Tacoma’s newest city council member!
LinksCouncilmember Sandesh Sadalge
Channel 253 membership
Today’s guest is Tacoma firefighter and union president Allyson Hinzman. She talks about how she moved from corporate America to firefighting in her hometown and then lays out the challenges she sees with Tacoma’s ability to respond to fires and medical emergencies, specifically in light of next year’s City of Tacoma budget proposals.
Links* Tacoma IAFF Local 31 * Channel 253 membership
On this special edition of Citizen Tacoma, Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer joins the podcast to talk about election and ballot security with host Erik Hanberg and Sound Producer Doug.
We discuss drop boxes, the security at the election center, voter tabulation, misinformation and much more. Linda also brings some trivia questions!
Enjoy
Links
Pierce County Elections
About Linda Farmer
Channel 253 membership
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 Marty Campbell.
Tune in to this interview and then check out all the rest of the candidates on CitizenTacoma.com or in your favorite podcast app.
LinksMarty Campbell
Channel 253 membership
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.
LinksKent 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).
LinksChannel 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
Sponsor
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
Sponsor
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
Channel 253 Sponsor 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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor 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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor 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 Sponsor 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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University and Alaska Airlines
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!
- 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!
- 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).
- 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/
- If you belong to a union, approach its leadership about showing support to the teachers.
- Walk the picket lines at your neighborhood or child's school. Bring the kids!
- Wear the color red (for Ed-ucation).
- Put signs in your homes, cars, businesses saying you support Tacoma’s Teachers.
- 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.
- Honk your car horn if you see people in red in front of schools holding signs! Honk for your teachers!
- 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
- 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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
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
Channel 253 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
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 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
When we were interviewing candidates last year, so many of them said, "Tacoma doesn't have a plan! We should have a plan!" Well. Turns out, we have one. It was created in 2015 and it's called Tacoma 2025. It's a vision and framework for what we'd like to be in 2025, with input provided by over 2000 residents of Tacoma. Tanisha's job is to implement the plan and make sure it serves the city, (small C) not just the City (big C). This episode filled me with hope for the future of our fair city, and increased my confidence in the many people working hard to make sure we get there.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links:
Tacoma 2025 Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
David Sawyer represents the 29th District in Tacoma and 8 women have come forward to officially report his inappropriate behavior. He has been placed under House review, and he is currently restricted from contacting his staff. On today's episode, we hear from one of those women, former legislative staffer Jessica Gavre. We also talk to Candice Ruud, the News Tribune Reporter who is covering the story of Ron Langrell, the president of Bates Technical College, who has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of inappropriate, unprofessional behavior and abusing the power and authority of his position to dominate and intimidate others. The three of us discuss these cases, the #MeToo movement, and being a human female in 2018.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links:
Multiple women accuse Tacoma lawmaker of unprofessional, inappropriate behavior
Bates president gave unwanted hugs, insulted staff, slammed his shoe in anger, investigation finds
The Rock Test: A Hack for Men Who Don’t Want To Be Accused of Sexual Harassment Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
We are having a special election! Ballots due February 13th. The levy that was generously passed by citizens of Tacoma in 2014 needs extending. Today's guests tell us all about Prop 1 and Prop 2 and the importance of supporting our schools. Did you know that your taxes will go DOWN if these levies pass?
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links:
Levy Facts and Information Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
You've most likely heard about the Liquid Natural Gas plant that is being built at the Port of Tacoma. On today's episode we talk to Claudia Riedener, who has been a vocal leader in the fight against the facility. We talk about the dangers posed to our community and get the facts on many of the arguments for and against.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links:
Redefine Tacoma Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Laurie Jinkins represents the 27th Legislative district in the Washington House of Representatives and is officially the biggest star we've had on the show. Our little politics nerd hearts are going pitter-pat over this episode! We talk about her path to public service as well as what exactly she does day to day. We ask her about what happens next for Democrats in Washington State, now that they have a majority in the Senate, and we even learn about Laurie's nicknames around the Capitol.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links:
Laurie Jinkins Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
This week, we guest star on the Move to Tacoma Podcast, the one that launched us all. We join Marguerite to talk about our experiences with the podcast this year. Starting as a regular citizen of Tacoma, what was it like to meet and interview 14+ candidates for office? Did we come away more inspired or more cynical by the political process? Check it out, and hear what we're thinking about for Citizen Tacoma in 2018!
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links Move to Tacoma Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Robert Thoms is running to retain his seat on the Tacoma City Council. He's the first incumbent we've had on the show, and it was interesting to talk to someone with concrete experience on the Council. We talked about what the City is doing to address the homeless population as well as what can be done at this point regarding the LNG plant. It was a great chat, and Doug FINALLY gets his roads questions answered!
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Vote Thoms Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Join us for an episode of pure silliness with Mayoral candidate Jim Merritt. We play Tacoma Two Truths and a Lie, Would you Rather, and more.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Jim Merritt for Mayor Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Join us for an episode of pure silliness with Mayoral candidate Victoria Woodards. We play Tacoma Two Truths and a Lie, Would you Rather, and more.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Victoria Woodards for Mayor Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Kristin Ang is running for Port Commission, pos 4. It's incredibly refreshing to hear a new voice speak so passionately about the Port and our City. Kristin could be the first person of color ever elected to the commission, and she's cool and smart and bonafide. You have got to listen to this lady.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Vote Kristin Ang Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Everyone seems to be talking about the Port of Tacoma this election. On today's episode we talk to Eric Holdeman who is running for Port Commissioner, Position 1. Eric is a nationally recognized emergency management expert, port security specialist, and U.S. Army veteran. We nerd out a little bit on disaster prep and Doug gets to lodge his complaints about the Port's sound equipment.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Holdeman For Port Commission Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
The future of the Port of Tacoma is a hot topic this election. On today's episode we talk to John McCarthy who is running for Port Commissioner, Position 1. John has been serving Tacoma and Pierce County for decades, previously as a Port Commissioner from 1983-1992 and then as a District and Superior Court Judge. If you have ever wondered what a Port Commissioner does or what exactly they control, tune in.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Elect John McCarthy Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Lillian Hunter is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 6. We talk to her about her many experiences serving Tacoma and living in all parts of the city. Position 6 is the At-large position so it's important for us all to learn as much as we can about these candidates because they represent the entire city.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Elect Lillian Hunter Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Catherine Ushka is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 4. She has tons of experience fighting for the citizens of the East Side and is passionate about bringing attention to the issues facing this part of Tacoma. She is currently serving as the President of the Tacoma Public School Board and has served as Chair of the Eastside Neighborhood Action Committee. Also, she's just a general, all-around, Badassladyboss.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Links
Elect Catherine Ushka Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Philip Cowan is running for City Council, position 2 which covers much of North Tacoma, Downtown, and Northeast Tacoma. We talk about his experiences living in Tacoma and working for the Rainiers and The Grand, as well as his visions for the future.
(BTW, friends, Nick Lachey was in 98 Degrees and the two films that were mentioned were Tintinnabulation and The Genie of Tacoma. After re-watching the two of them, however, I refuse to provide you with links.)
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Sponsor Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Kevin Grossman is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 4, representing the East Side. We talk to him about rescuing cool, old, buildings and his experiences previously serving on the City Council in Shoreline. Kevin moved to Tacoma about 3 years ago and he has a great perspective on our fair city.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Sponsors: Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines
Chris Beale is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 5, representing the South End. We talk to him about his city planning knowledge, his door-belling adventures, and his extensive experience living, working, and volunteering in South Tacoma. This is a super exciting episode because we debut our new fun questions (Political nerdery! Books! The Big Lebowski!) Check it out!
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Sponsors: Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com
Nathe Lawver talks to us today about the importance of labor unions and how they interact with local politics.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Julie Anderson, the Pierce County Auditor and former Tacoma City Councilmember. The auditor's office manages elections, animal control, licensing, and much more. How does the election process work? How does the auditor's office tabulate votes, check signatures? How many votes are counted on election night? We also explore the super cool Civics App. What is Dereks Young's salary? In which elections have you voted? Its all there in the App. Check it out!
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
Current Election Results - August 1 Primary (.pdf) Julie Anderson
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Victoria Woodards, who is running for Mayor of Tacoma. Victoria shares her background and her vision for Tacoma. We talk about:
Why she's running for office, what she thinks of the previous mayor and what she'd do differently, what she's focused on for the next four years, housing, homelessness, the port of Tacoma, Sound Transit, being a sanctuary city, Black Lives Matter, and more.
Victoria is one of three candidates for the office. (Here are links to our interviews with the other two candidates, Evelyn Lopez and Jim Merritt.)
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
Victoria Woodards for Mayor
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Jim Merritt, who is running for Mayor of Tacoma. Jim shares his background and his vision for Tacoma. We talk about:
Why he's running for office, his thoughts on the last mayor, Tacoma's housing stock, homelessness, LNG and the port of Tacoma, the need for predictability in growth and zoning, transit planning, sanctuary cities, Black Lives Matter, and more.
Jim is one of three candidates for the office. (Here are links to our interviews with the other two candidates, Evelyn Lopez and Victoria Woodards.)
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
Jim Merritt for Mayor
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Evelyn Lopez, who is running for Mayor of Tacoma. Evelyn shares her background and her vision for Tacoma. We talk about:
Why she's running for office, her thoughts on last the mayor, getting ready for change, Tacoma's housing stock, homelessness, LNG and industry at Tacoma, being a sanctuary city, Black Lives Matter, and more.
Evelyn is one of three candidates for the office. (Here are links to our interviews with the other two candidates, Jim Merritt and Victoria Woodards.)
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
Evelyn Lopez for Mayor
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Meredith Neal about her experiences running for Tacoma City Council (Position 6) and what it's like getting involved as a newcomer to politics.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
MeredithNeal.com
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Seth Kirby, campaign chair with Washington Won't Discriminate about the "Decline to Sign" movement against state Initiative 1552. Seth is also the Executive Director of the Oasis Youth Center, an organization that "transforms the lives of queer youth by creating a safe place to learn, connect, and thrive."
Seth shares ways people can get involved in this issue. Jenny shares her own fears about "saying the wrong thing" but still being able to advocate and participate in the fight against the initiative.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
Transform Washington Facts on 1552 Washington Won't Discriminate June 24: Tacoma Canvass to stop I-1552
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Today we talk to Erik Hanberg, a Metro Parks Tacoma commissioner, about what it's like to run for an elected office. What does it take to run for office?
It's more than just yard signs and speeches. So what are candidates doing right now as they get ready for the primary? How much do they need to raise? If you're interested in hearing about what a local campaign process looks like from the inside, you might be interested in this episode!
Note: Erik mis-stated that volunteers can help with elections. The Pierce County Auditor clarified: "All election work is performed by paid employees. The 'extra hires' are paid between $14 and $18 per hour. The only volunteers are Political Party Observers."
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
HanbergforParks.com Pierce County Elections website
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Welcome to Citizen Tacoma. Our inaugural guest is Tacoma's own Mayor Marilyn Strickland.
We talk about what's at stake in this year's mayoral election, her legacy, and plenty about schools, methanol, and what makes Tacoma a compelling place to live and work. Enjoy!
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey Links
Emergency Temporary Aid and Shelter Plan - City of Tacoma Festival of Sail
Sponsors Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com. (Thank you, Pod Auntie!)
Welcome to Citizen Tacoma. We've been activated to learn more about how politics function and how regular people get involved to make change. We're going to talk to elected officials, candidates, activists, organizers, and learn how to engage and make government work for us.
Host: Jenny Jacobs
Producer: Doug Mackey
Citizen Tacoma is proudly sponsored by Move to Tacoma.com.