Thanks for considering me, Tacoma. I wish you all the best | Opinion

Tacoma will stay with me

As my candidacy for city manager has come to a close, I write to share my heartfelt gratitude for Tacoma and all who call this beautiful city home.

From the South End to the North End and districts within the city’s boundary, I experienced something difficult to manufacture: a genuine sense of community. Whether sharing a meal at local restaurants, walking through unique neighborhoods, gathering over coffee or listening to residents at the public forum, I never once felt like an outsider. The city of Tacoma welcomed me with openness and warmth, and it is an experience I did not take for granted.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Mayor Ibsen and the members of the Tacoma City Council for the care and intentionality with which they approached the city manager hiring process, and for creating the opportunity for residents to engage directly. To those who made time to connect, speak honestly about shared aspirations, and spoke in support of my candidacy, you have left a lasting impression on me.

Tacoma is a city with a distinctive identity, a proud history and a community that is deeply invested in its own future. I leave this experience not with disappointment, but with admiration, knowing that those who earn the privilege of serving this city will be met with exactly the kind of community that makes public service worthwhile.

Thank you, Tacoma. I came as a candidate, and I leave as a member of your extended community. May the “City of Destiny” always rise to meet the promise of its name.

Yolanda Lewis, Washington, D.C.

Millionaire tax is needed

I’m a home care provider and a proud SEIU 775 member. I care for my partner, who has neuropathy. Without my care, she would not be able to live independently in her own home.

Washington’s budget crisis means seniors and people with disabilities are facing possible cuts to long-term care and other critical services. Without stable funding, families like mine are left wondering whether we’ll be able to keep our loved ones safe at home.

Working families like mine are already struggling to make ends meet. Yet we shoulder more of the tax burden in this state because Washington relies heavily on regressive taxes like the sales tax. The Millionaires Tax (SB 6346) would ask the wealthiest Washingtonians to contribute a little more on earnings over $1 million a year.

Legislators should pass the Millionaires Tax to stabilize our state budget and protect funding for seniors and people with disabilities.

Justin Budd, Tacoma

Healthcare workers face racism

When we talk about racism in healthcare, the focus is usually on patients, and that absolutely matters. But what we don’t talk about enough is the racism healthcare workers experience every day.

Imagine deciding your life to care for others, only to be told you’re not wanted because of different appearance. Imagine having to stay calm and polite while someone questions your intelligence, your education or your ability to do your job.

Healthcare workers are expected to remain professional no matter what is said to them. If they defend themselves, they risk complaints that could damage their reputation or even threaten their license.

This does not just hurt feelings. It causes stress, anxiety, burnout and emotional exhaustion. Many healthcare workers already face long hours and high-pressure environments. Adding racism to that weight can make them feel unsupported and unsafe at work. Over time, this can push skilled professionals out of the field entirely.

If we truly care about equality in healthcare, we must protect everyone in the system, including the people providing care. Hospitals need stronger policies that clearly protect staff from racist behavior and ensure accountability. No one should have to choose between their dignity and their career.

Santa Pablo-Ahilon, Shelton

This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM.