Economic Recovery

I believe one the most important challenges we face is sustainable economic recovery. I will work to ensure that Tacoma receives its fair share of support from federal, state and county sources. Support that creates high-paying, family-wage jobs so our citizens can afford to raise their families in these tough economic times.

We need to plan and implement an economic development strategy for East Tacoma. A plan that creates high-paying, family wage jobs so we can live and work in the same city. We need to focus on retaining growing and recruiting major employers to Tacoma. We need a plan that creates a ‘culture of entrepreneurship’ and removes barriers to success, encourages new employers & family-wage jobs and develops our neighborhood business districts into neighborhood centers again.

Education and the safety of our kids

Some may say that ensuring a high-quality education is not the role of City Council. Currently about half of our children entering high school do not graduate. This has serious effect on our entire city and our services such as police, social programs, and employers looking for a skilled and educated workforce.

Cracking Down on Crime

Every day I see new tagging.

We need to crack down on gangs and the criminal behavior that surround them including tagging, theft, and drug dealing. We need laws that hold criminals accountable for their actions and protect their victims. While there is no simple solution to curbing gang activity, we must work with the school district, police, community groups and other agencies to implement stronger programs for keeping our kids out of gangs and the gangs off our streets.

Our Police need the resources to do the job. We need more officers on the streets and more detectives to follow-up on the cases.

Repairing Our Roads & Infrastructure

Every day, it seems yet another pothole or "fishing pond" springs up on our streets. As the chair of one of our neighborhood councils, I have worked with the City to prioritize infrastructure projects. I will work together with federal, state, county and other community leaders to repair our roads and failing infrastructure. We need do it the right way – with workers who are committed to doing the job efficiently and within budget.

A Better Direction for City Government

As your voice on the City Council, I believe each and every tax dollar must be spent wisely. This means eliminating government waste, and removing unnecessary bureaucracy. We need to develop an environment where local businesses can succeed and thrive in our community. As a small business man, I understand the importance of the bottom line – getting the job done within the budget.