Ballots are here. Here’s what to know about East Pierce school board, city council races
Election season is here.
Ballot drop boxes will close 8 p.m. Nov. 7. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 7.
Here are the contested races Puyallup, Sumner and Bonney Lake voters in East Pierce County can expect on their ballots.
Additional information about East Pierce County elections can be found in the voters’ pamphlet at piercecountywa.gov/328/Elections. That’s also where results will be posted Nov. 7-9, 14, 16, 20 and 28.
Puyallup elections
Proposition No. 1 - Public Safety Facilities
If approved, the city of Puyallup will build a new public safety building at 600 39th Ave. SE. The building will house the police department and jail under one roof. There will also be a new police substation downtown at City Hall.
The average owner of a $500,000 home would pay $15 per month for 30 years in property taxes to fund the project, which would cost $76 million. $20 million would come from the city in the form of councilmanic bonds and $56 million would come from voters.
The measure needs 60 percent to pass.
The “yes” campaign’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says the city needs the new building because the old building, built in 1968, has a sewer that backs up and a roof that leaks.
The city is outgrowing the old building, according to the “yes” campaign’s statement, and the city made cuts to the project, making the proposal 30 percent less than previous proposals.
The “no” campaign’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says the project costs too much and that the city should focus on building a new police station instead of the jail part of the project.
This is the third time the public safety building measure has gone before voters. They failed to pass the bond in November 2021 and February 2022. It got 59.3 percent the first time, and 56.6 percent the second.
Puyallup City Council at-large
Shellie Willis and Renne Gilliam are vying for an at-large seat on the Puyallup City Council.
Willis’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says her experience in the U.S. Military will guide her work.
If elected, Willis would expand support for small businesses, bring “good paying jobs,” to the city, and protect the city’s infrastructure and green spaces, according to her statement.
Willis is endorsed by groups such as the 25th Legislative District Democrats and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. As of Oct. 31 she has raised $35,388 for her campaign, according to the Public Disclosure Commission’s website.
Willis is a senior director of collective impact at Workforce Central. In the military she held roles such as drill sergeant and budget analyst, according to her campaign website. She served for more than two decades.
Willis got her master’s degree in business management and nonprofit administration from the University of Maryland.
Gilliam’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she’s a fourth-generation Puyallup resident.
Gilliam wrote that she would protect neighborhoods, green spaces, trails and parks if voters choose her. She would also support the local police department, and avoid “the divisive and contentious politics typically associated with Seattle,” according to her statement.
Gilliam is endorsed by individuals such as Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier and state representatives Cyndy Jacobsen (R-Puyallup) and Kelly Chambers (R-Puyallup).
As of Oct. 31, Gilliam has raised $19,755 for her campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Gilliam is a career and technical education teacher for the Puyallup School District. She got her career and technical education certification from Bates Technical College.
Puyallup City Council District No. 2, Position No. 1
Joe Colombo is running against Dean Johnson to represent District 2 on the Puyallup City Council.
Johnson was first elected to the City Council in 2015. He was reelected in 2019 and became the Puyallup mayor in January 2022.
Johnson’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says that a vote for him is a vote for the local police department. His statement also says he believes voters, not the council, should decide on tax increases.
The News Tribune reported in July that Johnson is endorsed by groups such as the Puyallup Police Association and Teamsters 117.
As of Oct. 31, Johnson has raised $94,195 for his campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Johnson is a small business owner and works part-time at Nordstrom. He got his master’s degree in education from Faith International University & Seminary.
Colombo told The News Tribune previously he would create an ethics commission if elected to oversee City Council decisions. He also said he would help small businesses and provide more affordable housing.
Colombo is endorsed by groups such as the 25th Legislative District Democrats and Pierce County Central Labor Council. As of Oct. 31 he has raised $23,614 for his campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Colombo is an information technology project manager. He got his master’s degree in psychology from Western American University in San Diego. His bachelor’s degree in psychology is from Western Washington University.
Colombo also ran for a seat on the council in 2021. He lost that race to council member Dennis King.
Puyallup School District candidates
Puyallup School District No. 3 Director Position No. 2
Trish Crocker is challenging President Joseph Romero for his seat on the board.
Romero’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he has been committed to putting children first since he joined the board in 2019.
Romero has helped shape and adopt the school district’s strategic plan, which prioritizes academic achievement as well as family and community engagement, according to his statement.
If elected, Romero wrote that he would continue offering students “every chance to be successful.”
Romero is endorsed by the Puyallup Police Association and Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer. As of Oct. 31, Romero has raised $3,730 for his campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Romero is a real estate managing broker. He studied at the University of Washington.
Crocker’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she wants to make sure school personnel have the support they need to provide every student “excellent educational opportunities.”
If voters choose Crocker, she wrote that she would offer school personnel “fair and competitive compensation,” as well as an environment that values them.
Crocker is endorsed by the Washington Education Association and the 25th Legislative District Democrats. As of Oct. 31 she has raised $7,106 for her campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Crocker is a grant coordinator for Pierce County Human Services. She worked toward a master’s degree in public administration, and she got her bachelor’s degree in German Area Studies from the University of Washington.
Puyallup School District No. 3 Director Position No. 3
Gretchen Miles is running against Amanda Cuthbert for a seat on the board.
Miles’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she believes parents and guardians play an “absolutely crucial” role in their children’s education.
If elected, Miles wrote that she would expand awareness of and access to counseling services for students.
Miles is endorsed by the Puyallup Police Association and Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer. As of Oct. 31 she has raised $7,776 for her campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Miles is a caregiver at the Consumer Direct Care Network Washington. She’s working toward a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. She got her bachelor’s degree in sociology and minor in health from Seattle Pacific University.
Cuthbert’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she believes in creating a safe and welcoming environment for every student.
Cuthbert would place children’s safety and education first if voters choose her, according to her statement. She also wrote that she would make sure those involved in the school district have the resources and support needed.
Cuthbert is endorsed by the Washington Education Association and the 25th Legislative District Democrats. As of Oct. 31 she has raised $8,094 for her campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Cuthbert is an early learning coach lead for BrightSpark Early Learning Services. She got her bachelor’s degree in early care and education from the University of Washington.
This year is Cuthbert’s second time running for office. She ran for a seat on the board in 2019 and lost to Michael Keaton.
Puyallup School District No. 3 Director Position No. 5
Davida Haygood is running against Shannon Burch for a seat on the board.
Haygood’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she wants to advocate for students’ and families’ needs and to create “positive change” with other school board members.
If elected, Haygood wrote that she would create an “education ecosystem” that meets the needs of all students. She also wrote that she would build a strong support network by communicating and collaborating with families, teachers, staff and others in the community.
Haygood is endorsed by groups such as the Washington Education Association and the Pierce County Black Collective. As of Oct. 31 she has raised $21,075 for her campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Haygood is an education professor at Pierce College with a focus on special education between preschool and third grade. She got her master’s degree in early childhood education and special education.
This year marks Haygood’s second time running for office. She ran for a seat on the Puyallup City Council in 2021, but she didn’t advance from the primary. Dennis King won the election.
Burch’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she’s focused on “effective education, parental involvement and administrative transparency.”
If voters choose Burch, she wrote that she would be transparent when it comes to school district activities. She would also encourage family engagement to improve the “school experience” for students, according to her statement.
Burch is endorsed by the Puyallup Police Association and Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer. As of Oct. 31 she has raised $8,029 for her campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Burch works in sales and analysis. She has a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University.
Bonney Lake City Council candidates
Bonney Lake City Council Position No. 2
Kerri Hubler and Brittany Rock are vying for a seat on the Bonney Lake City Council.
Hubler’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she’s been an active volunteer in the community since 2011.
If voters choose Hubler, she wrote that she would make sure citizens’ input is considered when making important decisions. She would also make parks, walking trails and sidewalks safe and drug-free for the community, according to her statement.
The PDC’s website doesn’t show that she’s raised any money for her campaign.
Hubler is the co-founder of Untamed Coffee in Sumner. She has worked in business and accounting. She didn’t list any information in the “education” section of her voters’ pamphlet entry.
This year marks Hubler’s third time running for a seat on the council. She lost to Angela Ishmael in 2021 and she didn’t advance from the primary in 2019. J Kelly McClimans won the 2019 election.
Rock’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she would combat “unreasonable” utility rates if elected. She also wrote that she’s committed to public safety, as well as accountability and transparency within local government.
Rock is endorsed by the Pierce County Republican Party. The PDC’s website doesn’t show that she’s raised any money for her campaign.
Rock is a business owner and entrepreneur. She got her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington.
Bonney Lake City Council Position No. 4
Tom Watson and J Kelly McClimans are vying for position four on the council.
McClimans’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he’s been a City Council member since 2019. He’s the current position four council member.
If voters choose McClimans, he wrote that he would continue ensuring the local government is responsible to its citizens. He’s also committed to responsible spending, growth and planning, according to his statement.
As of Nov. 1 he has raised $2,093 for his campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
McClimans is a software engineer. He got his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Washington.
Tom Watson’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he’s been a City Council member for 12 years. He’s the current position five council member, but he’s running against McClimans for position four.
Watson wrote that he consistently contributes his time and energy to help others, which is necessary to be a servant leader in the community. If elected he would work toward lowering water and sewer rates, among other things, according to his statement.
As of Nov. 1 he has raised $3,750 for his campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Watson is a small business owner and wood carver. He got his associate’s degree in criminology from Grossmont College.
Bonney Lake City Council Position No. 5
Jessica Bennion is running against Angela Baldwin for a seat on the council.
Bennion’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she’s always been drawn to civic involvement.
If voters choose Bennion, she would help the city continue to grow by “encouraging the happiness and overall well-being of all community members,” according to her statement.
The PDC’s website doesn’t show that she’s raised any money for her campaign.
Bennion is a substitute teacher for the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. She got her bachelor’s degree in zoology from Brigham Young University.
Baldwin’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she was appointed to the City Council in February 2022. She’s the current position seven council member.
If elected, Baldwin wrote that one of her priorities is monitoring where tax dollars are spent. She also plans to preserve the city so it continues to feel like a place where “freedom prevails and family is valued,” according to her statement.
The PDC’s website doesn’t show that she has raised any money for her campaign.
Baldwin is an educator. She got her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Washington University.
Bonney Lake City Council Position No. 7
Dan Roach and Teresa Caron are vying for a seat on the council.
Roach’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he was a Pierce County Council member from 2011-18. He was also a state representative from 2001-10.
Roach wrote that he would work to provide funds and training for law enforcement and firefighters if voters choose him. He would also protect families from “onerous” taxes and fees, according to his statement.
Roach is endorsed by individuals such as state Sen. Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) and Rep. Eric Robertson (R-Sumner). As of Nov. 1 he has raised $20,944 for his campaign, according to the PDC’s website.
Roach is a real estate broker. He got his bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University.
Caron’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says she believes it’s important to keep the city’s “small town community bond” no matter the growth.
If elected, she would write grants to pay for city park improvements and help with residents’ utility expenses, according to her statement.
The PDC’s website doesn’t show that she has raised any money for her campaign.
Caron works in real estate. She graduated from Sumner High School.
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District candidates
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District No. 320 Director District No. 2
Rocco Lamanna is challenging Paul S. Williams for a seat on the school board.
Williams’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he’s been a school board director since 2015. If elected, Williams wrote that he hopes to continue serving the community with a “reflective and thoughtful” approach.
Williams is endorsed by groups and individuals such as the Pierce County Republican Party and Pierce County Council member Dave Morell. The PDC’s website doesn’t show that he has raised any money for his campaign.
Williams is a real estate broker. He got his bachelor’s degree in history from Western Washington University.
Lamanna’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he believes it’s important for schools to have resources that support student learning and engagement.
If voters choose Lamanna, he would advocate for policies that prioritize student well-being and success, according to his statement. He wrote that he would also support policies regarding teacher development, retention and recruitment.
Lamanna is endorsed by the Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Association. The PDC’s website doesn’t show that he has raised any money for his campaign.
Lamanna is the associate vice provost of academic affairs for Golden Gate University. He got his doctoral degree in educational leadership and management from Alliant International University.
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District No. 320 Director District No. 3
Kevin Lewis and Denis Caron are vying for a seat on the board.
Lewis was elected to the board in 2019. His statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he believes it’s important to “know, value and support every child … to ensure they have a welcoming, diverse and safe environment.”
If reelected, Lewis is “eager” to continue serving the community at the school district level, according to his statement.
Lewis is endorsed by the Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Association. The PDC’s website doesn’t show that he has raised any money for his campaign.
Lewis is a manufacturing sales director. He went to the University of Washington Tacoma.
Caron’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says if voters choose him he would stand up for parents and families who want the school district to be more “fiscally responsible.”
Caron wrote that he would also want the school district to align with “values and ideas the taxpayers hold close.”
The PDC’s website doesn’t show that he has raised any money for his campaign.
Caron is a director of security for a company. He studied political science and criminal justice at Dawson College.
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District No. 320 Director District No. 4
Bill Gaines is running against Paul Monsen for a seat on the board.
Gaines’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he has shown his dedication to youth for 26 years.
If elected, Gaines would provide “positive direction,” according to his statement. He wrote that he would also work collaboratively with other board directors, the community, staff and students.
Gaines is endorsed by the Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Association. The PDC’s website doesn’t show that he’s raised any money for his campaign.
Gaines used to be an assistant superintendent, principal, teacher and coach. He got his master’s degree in school administration.
Monsen’s statement in the voters’ pamphlet says he would prioritize high-quality education for all students if elected.
Monsen would also want students to keep up with the newest technologies and to provide them “trade-based career opportunities,” according to his statement.
Monsen is endorsed by groups such as the Pierce County Chapter of Moms for Liberty and the Pierce County Republican Party. The PDC’s website doesn’t show that Monsen has raised any money for his campaign.
Monsen is a plumber. He underwent a plumbing apprenticeship.
This story was originally published November 2, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
