Mayor: Tacoma’s leader is a role model
I am so glad Victoria Woodards is mayor of Tacoma. She speaks to our hearts, our minds, our very souls.
She creates opportunities to listen and then truly listens at protests, in council, in coffee houses, at special events.
She speaks to us reflecting our concerns with empathy and compassion. She unifies through resolutions and outreach, such as: the Puyallup Tribe flag now up in council chambers, and a declaration of climate emergency in response to youth crying out for their futures.
And now heartfelt understanding and thoughtful action in response to the crisis of racism that George Floyd, Manuel Ellis and COVID-19 have made so apparent.
Our mayor is steeped in our city and reaches across all to call for a Compassionate Tacoma.
She runs council meetings with humor, a welcoming smile and gentle reminding as needed. She celebrates and mourns with us while leading.
Her intent is always forward to the future. Change is hard, but she pushes. She is a role model of leadership. How will November’s slate of candidates compare? Let’s choose well.
Elly Claus-McGahan, Tacoma
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Mayor: Tacoma’s leader is a role model."