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Wayne Fournier is running for Thurston County Commissioner, Position 4 - a new seat created this year. Born and raised in Tenino, Fournier served as a parole officer, firefighter, and city council member before being elected as Tenino's mayor in 2015.
Fournier's platform includes opposing a new airport, providing better representation for south Thurston County residents, and funding infrastructure, first responders, and local culture.
During his years as mayor, Fournier doubled the city budget, renovated every city-owned facility, and obtained a $750,000 grant for playgrounds. He was named best mayor in Western Washington by KING 5 in 2017 and gained national attention during the pandemic for starting a local currency program that gave residents wooden money to spend exclusively at businesses in the city.
Fournier has faced a few notable scandals. He served two years in a diversion program for allegedly slapping a phone out of the hand of a local bartender in 2019. In 2020, while under his mayorship, the city of Tenino was scammed out of $280,000, leading to a recall effort. However, the recall attempt was dismissed and Tenino ended up netting $70,000 when the city sued their insurance company over the scam.
Aside from Fournier, the other candidate for this position is conservative Vivian Eason, who ran for county commissioner as a Republican in 2022. Eason is a retired army veteran who previously worked with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. She blames the commonsense accountability measures that Washington placed on police for peoples' struggle with drug addiction and homelessness and would make funding police her top priority.
Although his career is not free of controversy, Fournier's mayorship has shown his support for labor unions and funding the public infrastructure that helps our communities thrive. Fournier is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-07-13Wayne Fournier
Wayne Fournier is running for Thurston County Commissioner, Position 4 - a new seat created this year. Born and raised in Tenino, Fournier served as a parole officer, firefighter, and city council member before being elected as Tenino's mayor in 2015.
Wayne Fournier is running for Thurston County Commissioner, Position 4 - a new seat created this year. Born and raised in Tenino, Fournier served as a parole officer, firefighter, and city council member before being elected as Tenino's mayor in 2015.
Fournier's platform includes opposing a new airport, providing better representation for south Thurston County residents, and funding infrastructure, first responders, and local culture.
During his years as mayor, Fournier doubled the city budget, renovated every city-owned facility, and obtained a $750,000 grant for playgrounds. He was named best mayor in Western Washington by KING 5 in 2017 and gained national attention during the pandemic for starting a local currency program that gave residents wooden money to spend exclusively at businesses in the city.
Fournier has faced a few notable scandals. He served two years in a diversion program for allegedly slapping a phone out of the hand of a local bartender in 2019. In 2020, while under his mayorship, the city of Tenino was scammed out of $280,000, leading to a recall effort. However, the recall attempt was dismissed and Tenino ended up netting $70,000 when the city sued their insurance company over the scam.
Aside from Fournier, the other candidate for this position is conservative Vivian Eason, who ran for county commissioner as a Republican in 2022. Eason is a retired army veteran who previously worked with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. She blames the commonsense accountability measures that Washington placed on police for peoples' struggle with drug addiction and homelessness and would make funding police her top priority.
Although his career is not free of controversy, Fournier's mayorship has shown his support for labor unions and funding the public infrastructure that helps our communities thrive. Fournier is the best choice in this race.Wayne Fournier
Wayne Fournier is running for Thurston County Commissioner, Position 4 - a new seat created this year. Born and raised in Tenino, Fournier served as a parole officer, firefighter, and city council member before being elected as Tenino's mayor in 2015.
City of Olympia
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County Commission
Depending on where you live, you may have the following county races on your ballot.
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Wayne Fournier is running for Thurston County Commissioner, Position 4 - a new seat created this year. Born and raised in Tenino, Fournier served as a parole officer, firefighter, and city council member before being elected as Tenino's mayor in 2015.
Fournier's platform includes opposing a new airport, providing better representation for south Thurston County residents, and funding infrastructure, first responders, and local culture.
During his years as mayor, Fournier doubled the city budget, renovated every city-owned facility, and obtained a $750,000 grant for playgrounds. He was named best mayor in Western Washington by KING 5 in 2017 and gained national attention during the pandemic for starting a local currency program that gave residents wooden money to spend exclusively at businesses in the city.
Fournier has faced a few notable scandals. He served two years in a diversion program for allegedly slapping a phone out of the hand of a local bartender in 2019. In 2020, while under his mayorship, the city of Tenino was scammed out of $280,000, leading to a recall effort. However, the recall attempt was dismissed and Tenino ended up netting $70,000 when the city sued their insurance company over the scam.
Aside from Fournier, the other candidate for this position is conservative Vivian Eason, who ran for county commissioner as a Republican in 2022. Eason is a retired army veteran who previously worked with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. She blames the commonsense accountability measures that Washington placed on police for peoples' struggle with drug addiction and homelessness and would make funding police her top priority.
Although his career is not free of controversy, Fournier's mayorship has shown his support for labor unions and funding the public infrastructure that helps our communities thrive. Fournier is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-07-13
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Emily Clouse is running for Thurston County Commission to represent the newly created District 5. Clouse is the executive director of CARE Olympia, a nonprofit that connects formerly-incarcerated youth with counseling, education, and mutual aid. She is also an AFSCME union member and a veteran of the US Army, where she worked as a military intelligence analyst.
If elected, Clouse would prioritize funding programs that serve youth and families, protecting the environment, and ensuring workers can get a fair return on their work and access affordable homes. When asked about specific steps she would take to achieve these goals, Clouse stated support for the "scattered site" plan, where case managers work with residents of existing camps and RV settlements to connect them to housing assistance. She also thinks Thurston County should strive for net zero emissions, switching to renewable energy and efficient appliances in new developments.
Clouse's work with formerly-incarcerated people has heavily informed her priorities and her belief that we need to move beyond existing systems of punishment. She proposes working with the sheriff's office to create a new board to include people with lived experience in the legal system.
Clouse's strong emphasis on racial equity and her dedication to restorative justice would make her an excellent choice to represent Thurston County, District 5.Last updated: 2023-07-12Emily Clouse
Emily Clouse is running for Thurston County Commission to represent the newly created District 5. Clouse is the executive director of CARE Olympia, a nonprofit that connects formerly-incarcerated youth with counseling, education, and mutual aid.
Emily Clouse is running for Thurston County Commission to represent the newly created District 5. Clouse is the executive director of CARE Olympia, a nonprofit that connects formerly-incarcerated youth with counseling, education, and mutual aid. She is also an AFSCME union member and a veteran of the US Army, where she worked as a military intelligence analyst.
If elected, Clouse would prioritize funding programs that serve youth and families, protecting the environment, and ensuring workers can get a fair return on their work and access affordable homes. When asked about specific steps she would take to achieve these goals, Clouse stated support for the "scattered site" plan, where case managers work with residents of existing camps and RV settlements to connect them to housing assistance. She also thinks Thurston County should strive for net zero emissions, switching to renewable energy and efficient appliances in new developments.
Clouse's work with formerly-incarcerated people has heavily informed her priorities and her belief that we need to move beyond existing systems of punishment. She proposes working with the sheriff's office to create a new board to include people with lived experience in the legal system.
Clouse's strong emphasis on racial equity and her dedication to restorative justice would make her an excellent choice to represent Thurston County, District 5.Emily Clouse
Emily Clouse is running for Thurston County Commission to represent the newly created District 5. Clouse is the executive director of CARE Olympia, a nonprofit that connects formerly-incarcerated youth with counseling, education, and mutual aid.
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Emily Clouse is running for Thurston County Commission to represent the newly created District 5. Clouse is the executive director of CARE Olympia, a nonprofit that connects formerly-incarcerated youth with counseling, education, and mutual aid. She is also an AFSCME union member and a veteran of the US Army, where she worked as a military intelligence analyst.
If elected, Clouse would prioritize funding programs that serve youth and families, protecting the environment, and ensuring workers can get a fair return on their work and access affordable homes. When asked about specific steps she would take to achieve these goals, Clouse stated support for the "scattered site" plan, where case managers work with residents of existing camps and RV settlements to connect them to housing assistance. She also thinks Thurston County should strive for net zero emissions, switching to renewable energy and efficient appliances in new developments.
Clouse's work with formerly-incarcerated people has heavily informed her priorities and her belief that we need to move beyond existing systems of punishment. She proposes working with the sheriff's office to create a new board to include people with lived experience in the legal system.
Clouse's strong emphasis on racial equity and her dedication to restorative justice would make her an excellent choice to represent Thurston County, District 5.Last updated: 2023-07-12
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Michael Steadman, a member of the Lacey City Council and the owner of a commercial leasing company, is running for Thurston County Commission from District 5. Steadman credits his history as a US Marine, union member, and small business owner for his ability to navigate the issues our communities face.
During his time on the city council, Steadman advocated for funding the Veterans Services Hub in Lacey, improving sidewalks and roads, banning single-use plastic bags, and establishing a commission on equity. Although he has not released information about his priorities if elected at the county level, his other priorities for the city of Lacey have included supporting urban density and affordable housing, protecting the environment, and providing more free and improved transportation options for bikers, walkers, and bus-takers.
Both Steadman and Emily Clouse - the other Democrat running for this position - support progressive causes, but Clouse's platform has a larger emphasis on restorative justice, informed by her experience working with formerly incarcerated youth.
Steadman has also gotten in some hot water over his angry responses to critics in the city council and on the campaign trail (including a notable text message where he called an opponent “not worth a quart of piss"). He has defended these actions as sticking up for himself in the face of bullies who opposed his "yes" vote for Lacey's plastic bag ban.
While Steadman has a progressive track record on key policies, his public behavior raises questions about his temperament and ability to collaborate if elected to the commission.Last updated: 2023-07-13Michael Steadman
Michael Steadman, a member of the Lacey City Council and the owner of a commercial leasing company, is running for Thurston County Commission from District 5.
Michael Steadman, a member of the Lacey City Council and the owner of a commercial leasing company, is running for Thurston County Commission from District 5. Steadman credits his history as a US Marine, union member, and small business owner for his ability to navigate the issues our communities face.
During his time on the city council, Steadman advocated for funding the Veterans Services Hub in Lacey, improving sidewalks and roads, banning single-use plastic bags, and establishing a commission on equity. Although he has not released information about his priorities if elected at the county level, his other priorities for the city of Lacey have included supporting urban density and affordable housing, protecting the environment, and providing more free and improved transportation options for bikers, walkers, and bus-takers.
Both Steadman and Emily Clouse - the other Democrat running for this position - support progressive causes, but Clouse's platform has a larger emphasis on restorative justice, informed by her experience working with formerly incarcerated youth.
Steadman has also gotten in some hot water over his angry responses to critics in the city council and on the campaign trail (including a notable text message where he called an opponent “not worth a quart of piss"). He has defended these actions as sticking up for himself in the face of bullies who opposed his "yes" vote for Lacey's plastic bag ban.
While Steadman has a progressive track record on key policies, his public behavior raises questions about his temperament and ability to collaborate if elected to the commission.Michael Steadman
Michael Steadman, a member of the Lacey City Council and the owner of a commercial leasing company, is running for Thurston County Commission from District 5.
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Michael Steadman, a member of the Lacey City Council and the owner of a commercial leasing company, is running for Thurston County Commission from District 5. Steadman credits his history as a US Marine, union member, and small business owner for his ability to navigate the issues our communities face.
During his time on the city council, Steadman advocated for funding the Veterans Services Hub in Lacey, improving sidewalks and roads, banning single-use plastic bags, and establishing a commission on equity. Although he has not released information about his priorities if elected at the county level, his other priorities for the city of Lacey have included supporting urban density and affordable housing, protecting the environment, and providing more free and improved transportation options for bikers, walkers, and bus-takers.
Both Steadman and Emily Clouse - the other Democrat running for this position - support progressive causes, but Clouse's platform has a larger emphasis on restorative justice, informed by her experience working with formerly incarcerated youth.
Steadman has also gotten in some hot water over his angry responses to critics in the city council and on the campaign trail (including a notable text message where he called an opponent “not worth a quart of piss"). He has defended these actions as sticking up for himself in the face of bullies who opposed his "yes" vote for Lacey's plastic bag ban.
While Steadman has a progressive track record on key policies, his public behavior raises questions about his temperament and ability to collaborate if elected to the commission.Last updated: 2023-07-13
Other Candidates
Terry S. Ballard is a conservative running for Thurston County Commission from District 5. He believes climate change is not a “here and now” issue, supports the kind of aggressive policing that has led to mass incarceration, and has made very divisive statements regarding people struggling with addiction. If elected, he would prioritize removing county offices from Olympia and allowing developers to build on land without mitigating their impact on the habitats of protected species.
Terry S. Ballard
Terry S. Ballard is a conservative running for Thurston County Commission from District 5.
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Jasmine Vasavada is running for the District 1 seat on the Port of Olympia being vacated by the retiring Commissioner Joe Downing. Vasavada is the director of policy and government affairs for the Washington State Department of Commerce where she strives to help Washington communities and economies thrive. She has worked in public service for years and, before that, she used her law degree for public interest advocacy and legislation.
Vasavada is running on a broadly progressive platform to generate community economic prosperity, protect Thurston’s ecosystem, and build a culture of diversity and belonging at the port. She wants to invest in broadband for rural farms and ranches, innovate support for small businesses, create living wage jobs, clean up Budd Bay, restore the Deschutes Estuary, and collaborate with the community, including seeking partnerships with tribal governments. In this race, Vasavada has been endorsed by progressive elected leaders at the state and local level and community organizations including political, labor, and advocacy groups.
Vasavada is facing two opponents in this race: Bill McGregor and Skye Campbell-Ragsdale. Former commissioner McGregor served on Olympia’s elected port commission for 15 years. Before that, he spent his decades-long career working at a number of different Washington ports in high-level operations positions, including at the Port of Olympia. McGregor is also active on a number of community boards. If elected to serve again, he wants to improve economic investment in the community, prioritize environmental stewardship, and lead by engaging the community.
Campbell-Ragsdale is a first-time candidate with a professional background in fulfillment and assembly. Campbell-Ragsdale served as a member of the planning commission and credits their campaign to a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. In this race, they want to push the port further on climate commitments and employ a local-first and ecologically mindful approach to all economic development initiatives. Campbell-Ragsdale wants to lead the port so that generations to come can benefit from Olympia’s economic and environmental vitality.
We recommend Vasavada for Port of Olympia, District 1 because of her strong platform and impressive endorsements from progressive advocates.
Last updated: 2023-07-13Jasmine Vasavada
Jasmine Vasavada is running for the District 1 seat on the Port of Olympia being vacated by the retiring Commissioner Joe Downing.
Jasmine Vasavada is running for the District 1 seat on the Port of Olympia being vacated by the retiring Commissioner Joe Downing. Vasavada is the director of policy and government affairs for the Washington State Department of Commerce where she strives to help Washington communities and economies thrive. She has worked in public service for years and, before that, she used her law degree for public interest advocacy and legislation.
Vasavada is running on a broadly progressive platform to generate community economic prosperity, protect Thurston’s ecosystem, and build a culture of diversity and belonging at the port. She wants to invest in broadband for rural farms and ranches, innovate support for small businesses, create living wage jobs, clean up Budd Bay, restore the Deschutes Estuary, and collaborate with the community, including seeking partnerships with tribal governments. In this race, Vasavada has been endorsed by progressive elected leaders at the state and local level and community organizations including political, labor, and advocacy groups.
Vasavada is facing two opponents in this race: Bill McGregor and Skye Campbell-Ragsdale. Former commissioner McGregor served on Olympia’s elected port commission for 15 years. Before that, he spent his decades-long career working at a number of different Washington ports in high-level operations positions, including at the Port of Olympia. McGregor is also active on a number of community boards. If elected to serve again, he wants to improve economic investment in the community, prioritize environmental stewardship, and lead by engaging the community.
Campbell-Ragsdale is a first-time candidate with a professional background in fulfillment and assembly. Campbell-Ragsdale served as a member of the planning commission and credits their campaign to a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. In this race, they want to push the port further on climate commitments and employ a local-first and ecologically mindful approach to all economic development initiatives. Campbell-Ragsdale wants to lead the port so that generations to come can benefit from Olympia’s economic and environmental vitality.
We recommend Vasavada for Port of Olympia, District 1 because of her strong platform and impressive endorsements from progressive advocates.
Jasmine Vasavada
Jasmine Vasavada is running for the District 1 seat on the Port of Olympia being vacated by the retiring Commissioner Joe Downing.
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Jasmine Vasavada is running for the District 1 seat on the Port of Olympia being vacated by the retiring Commissioner Joe Downing. Vasavada is the director of policy and government affairs for the Washington State Department of Commerce where she strives to help Washington communities and economies thrive. She has worked in public service for years and, before that, she used her law degree for public interest advocacy and legislation.
Vasavada is running on a broadly progressive platform to generate community economic prosperity, protect Thurston’s ecosystem, and build a culture of diversity and belonging at the port. She wants to invest in broadband for rural farms and ranches, innovate support for small businesses, create living wage jobs, clean up Budd Bay, restore the Deschutes Estuary, and collaborate with the community, including seeking partnerships with tribal governments. In this race, Vasavada has been endorsed by progressive elected leaders at the state and local level and community organizations including political, labor, and advocacy groups.
Vasavada is facing two opponents in this race: Bill McGregor and Skye Campbell-Ragsdale. Former commissioner McGregor served on Olympia’s elected port commission for 15 years. Before that, he spent his decades-long career working at a number of different Washington ports in high-level operations positions, including at the Port of Olympia. McGregor is also active on a number of community boards. If elected to serve again, he wants to improve economic investment in the community, prioritize environmental stewardship, and lead by engaging the community.
Campbell-Ragsdale is a first-time candidate with a professional background in fulfillment and assembly. Campbell-Ragsdale served as a member of the planning commission and credits their campaign to a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. In this race, they want to push the port further on climate commitments and employ a local-first and ecologically mindful approach to all economic development initiatives. Campbell-Ragsdale wants to lead the port so that generations to come can benefit from Olympia’s economic and environmental vitality.
We recommend Vasavada for Port of Olympia, District 1 because of her strong platform and impressive endorsements from progressive advocates.
Last updated: 2023-07-13
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Maggie Sanders is running for the newly created District 4 seat on the Port of Olympia. Sanders identifies as a “triple citizen” of the United States, of the Washington community at-large, and of the Makah tribe. She has dedicated her career to public service, working in environmental stewardship, workforce development, and community advocacy, particularly for tribal representation and within the Makah tribe. In her most recent position, Sanders advocated for clean air, representing local tribes as a commissioner on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Tribal Air Association.
If elected, Sanders wants to be a staunch advocate for environmental and community concerns on the port. She believes that there can’t be economic development without both community and workforce development to ensure that port investments can lift all boats. Her extensive experience in public service and expertise in public administration paired with her demonstrated progressive values position her well to execute her campaign priorities. In this race, Sanders has far outpaced her opponents in progressive endorsements.
Sanders faces three opponents in this race for the new commissioner seat. Rose Chiu Gundersen is a first-time candidate and business leader. Gundersen grew up in Hong Kong and has established herself strongly in the community as a small business owner, liaison for small businesses to the Washington State Department of Labor, and most recently in high-level retail services for the Washington Retail Association. She co-founded Washington Trafficking Prevention. In this campaign, her top priority is to beautify the waterfront to make Thurston County a destination, and she also wants to combat human trafficking, create living wage jobs, and invest in some environmental clean-ups.
Also in this race is Joanna Manson, a professional city planner. Manson has held community leadership positions with the International Division of the American Planning Association and her church, and she volunteers with The Nature Conservancy and with the county’s Earth Day programming. While she displays a strong grasp of port procedures and issues, she lacks a bold progressive vision. If elected, she wants to ensure effective and responsible port governance that reflects the needs of all residents, including rural voices.
Bill Moomau is the final candidate in this race. Moomau spent three decades at the Department of Labor and Industries. He volunteers for a number of AIDS-related advocacy groups and previously served as the director of the Thurston County Fairboard. Moomau’s campaign platform is heavily focused on economic planning for the port and lacks some of the community and environmental considerations of his opponents. However, he does have some ideas for using port resources to mitigate the housing crisis.
We recommend Maggie Sanders for Port of Olympia, District 4 to bring her progressive vision and public service experience to the commission.Last updated: 2023-07-13Maggie Sanders
Maggie Sanders is running for the newly created District 4 seat on the Port of Olympia. Sanders identifies as a “triple citizen” of the United States, of the Washington community at-large, and of the Makah tribe.
Maggie Sanders is running for the newly created District 4 seat on the Port of Olympia. Sanders identifies as a “triple citizen” of the United States, of the Washington community at-large, and of the Makah tribe. She has dedicated her career to public service, working in environmental stewardship, workforce development, and community advocacy, particularly for tribal representation and within the Makah tribe. In her most recent position, Sanders advocated for clean air, representing local tribes as a commissioner on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Tribal Air Association.
If elected, Sanders wants to be a staunch advocate for environmental and community concerns on the port. She believes that there can’t be economic development without both community and workforce development to ensure that port investments can lift all boats. Her extensive experience in public service and expertise in public administration paired with her demonstrated progressive values position her well to execute her campaign priorities. In this race, Sanders has far outpaced her opponents in progressive endorsements.
Sanders faces three opponents in this race for the new commissioner seat. Rose Chiu Gundersen is a first-time candidate and business leader. Gundersen grew up in Hong Kong and has established herself strongly in the community as a small business owner, liaison for small businesses to the Washington State Department of Labor, and most recently in high-level retail services for the Washington Retail Association. She co-founded Washington Trafficking Prevention. In this campaign, her top priority is to beautify the waterfront to make Thurston County a destination, and she also wants to combat human trafficking, create living wage jobs, and invest in some environmental clean-ups.
Also in this race is Joanna Manson, a professional city planner. Manson has held community leadership positions with the International Division of the American Planning Association and her church, and she volunteers with The Nature Conservancy and with the county’s Earth Day programming. While she displays a strong grasp of port procedures and issues, she lacks a bold progressive vision. If elected, she wants to ensure effective and responsible port governance that reflects the needs of all residents, including rural voices.
Bill Moomau is the final candidate in this race. Moomau spent three decades at the Department of Labor and Industries. He volunteers for a number of AIDS-related advocacy groups and previously served as the director of the Thurston County Fairboard. Moomau’s campaign platform is heavily focused on economic planning for the port and lacks some of the community and environmental considerations of his opponents. However, he does have some ideas for using port resources to mitigate the housing crisis.
We recommend Maggie Sanders for Port of Olympia, District 4 to bring her progressive vision and public service experience to the commission.Maggie Sanders
Maggie Sanders is running for the newly created District 4 seat on the Port of Olympia. Sanders identifies as a “triple citizen” of the United States, of the Washington community at-large, and of the Makah tribe.
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Maggie Sanders is running for the newly created District 4 seat on the Port of Olympia. Sanders identifies as a “triple citizen” of the United States, of the Washington community at-large, and of the Makah tribe. She has dedicated her career to public service, working in environmental stewardship, workforce development, and community advocacy, particularly for tribal representation and within the Makah tribe. In her most recent position, Sanders advocated for clean air, representing local tribes as a commissioner on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Tribal Air Association.
If elected, Sanders wants to be a staunch advocate for environmental and community concerns on the port. She believes that there can’t be economic development without both community and workforce development to ensure that port investments can lift all boats. Her extensive experience in public service and expertise in public administration paired with her demonstrated progressive values position her well to execute her campaign priorities. In this race, Sanders has far outpaced her opponents in progressive endorsements.
Sanders faces three opponents in this race for the new commissioner seat. Rose Chiu Gundersen is a first-time candidate and business leader. Gundersen grew up in Hong Kong and has established herself strongly in the community as a small business owner, liaison for small businesses to the Washington State Department of Labor, and most recently in high-level retail services for the Washington Retail Association. She co-founded Washington Trafficking Prevention. In this campaign, her top priority is to beautify the waterfront to make Thurston County a destination, and she also wants to combat human trafficking, create living wage jobs, and invest in some environmental clean-ups.
Also in this race is Joanna Manson, a professional city planner. Manson has held community leadership positions with the International Division of the American Planning Association and her church, and she volunteers with The Nature Conservancy and with the county’s Earth Day programming. While she displays a strong grasp of port procedures and issues, she lacks a bold progressive vision. If elected, she wants to ensure effective and responsible port governance that reflects the needs of all residents, including rural voices.
Bill Moomau is the final candidate in this race. Moomau spent three decades at the Department of Labor and Industries. He volunteers for a number of AIDS-related advocacy groups and previously served as the director of the Thurston County Fairboard. Moomau’s campaign platform is heavily focused on economic planning for the port and lacks some of the community and environmental considerations of his opponents. However, he does have some ideas for using port resources to mitigate the housing crisis.
We recommend Maggie Sanders for Port of Olympia, District 4 to bring her progressive vision and public service experience to the commission.Last updated: 2023-07-13
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First-time candidate Sarah Tonge is running to serve the Port of Olympia in the newly created District 5. Tonge has more than a decade of experience working in information technology, and she previously served as a Democratic precinct committee officer. She volunteers with the local Democrats in additional roles and as a member of Moms Demand Action.
Tonge is running a progressive campaign that strongly emphasizes port leadership that protects a green future for Thurston County. Her campaign priorities include engaging the port’s diverse community and industry stakeholders, bringing tech upgrades to improve port efficiency, and putting the community and the ecosystem above special interests. She has earned endorsements from the county Democrats and local progressive organizations, as well as elected and non-elected community members.
Also in this race is Troy Kirby, a local cider bar owner, former Lacey City Council candidate, and sports consultant. Kirby is running on a platform that lacks progressive ideas to uplift Olympia and instead focuses on potentially cutting community funding and streamlining port services. Residents deserve a port commissioner who will approach the seat with a bold, community-centric vision.
Martin McElliott is a real estate broker and the founder of ThurstonTalk.com. He is running on a thin platform with no specific positions or ideas to improve the port, and he lacks a campaign website as of mid-July.
Sarah Tonge is the best choice in this race and deserves your vote for Port of Olympia, District 5.
Last updated: 2023-07-17Sarah Tonge
First-time candidate Sarah Tonge is running to serve the Port of Olympia in the newly created District 5. Tonge has more than a decade of experience working in information technology, and she previously served as a Democratic precinct committee officer.
First-time candidate Sarah Tonge is running to serve the Port of Olympia in the newly created District 5. Tonge has more than a decade of experience working in information technology, and she previously served as a Democratic precinct committee officer. She volunteers with the local Democrats in additional roles and as a member of Moms Demand Action.
Tonge is running a progressive campaign that strongly emphasizes port leadership that protects a green future for Thurston County. Her campaign priorities include engaging the port’s diverse community and industry stakeholders, bringing tech upgrades to improve port efficiency, and putting the community and the ecosystem above special interests. She has earned endorsements from the county Democrats and local progressive organizations, as well as elected and non-elected community members.
Also in this race is Troy Kirby, a local cider bar owner, former Lacey City Council candidate, and sports consultant. Kirby is running on a platform that lacks progressive ideas to uplift Olympia and instead focuses on potentially cutting community funding and streamlining port services. Residents deserve a port commissioner who will approach the seat with a bold, community-centric vision.
Martin McElliott is a real estate broker and the founder of ThurstonTalk.com. He is running on a thin platform with no specific positions or ideas to improve the port, and he lacks a campaign website as of mid-July.
Sarah Tonge is the best choice in this race and deserves your vote for Port of Olympia, District 5.
Sarah Tonge
First-time candidate Sarah Tonge is running to serve the Port of Olympia in the newly created District 5. Tonge has more than a decade of experience working in information technology, and she previously served as a Democratic precinct committee officer.
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First-time candidate Sarah Tonge is running to serve the Port of Olympia in the newly created District 5. Tonge has more than a decade of experience working in information technology, and she previously served as a Democratic precinct committee officer. She volunteers with the local Democrats in additional roles and as a member of Moms Demand Action.
Tonge is running a progressive campaign that strongly emphasizes port leadership that protects a green future for Thurston County. Her campaign priorities include engaging the port’s diverse community and industry stakeholders, bringing tech upgrades to improve port efficiency, and putting the community and the ecosystem above special interests. She has earned endorsements from the county Democrats and local progressive organizations, as well as elected and non-elected community members.
Also in this race is Troy Kirby, a local cider bar owner, former Lacey City Council candidate, and sports consultant. Kirby is running on a platform that lacks progressive ideas to uplift Olympia and instead focuses on potentially cutting community funding and streamlining port services. Residents deserve a port commissioner who will approach the seat with a bold, community-centric vision.
Martin McElliott is a real estate broker and the founder of ThurstonTalk.com. He is running on a thin platform with no specific positions or ideas to improve the port, and he lacks a campaign website as of mid-July.
Sarah Tonge is the best choice in this race and deserves your vote for Port of Olympia, District 5.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
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Dontae Derrell Payne is a US Army veteran and Olympia City Council member running for Mayor of Olympia. He has national experience as a staffer in the US House and currently works as a policy advisor for civil rights and racial justice in the office of the governor. He became the first Black man to serve on the Olympia City Council when he was elected in 2021.
Payne was first motivated to run for office because of the lack of representation of Black and brown people in city government. He says his experience as a gay, Black, former military member will bring the voice of marginalized people to the table. In his bid for mayor, his key concerns are housing affordability, reimagining public safety, a resilient economy, social equity and diverse representation, and climate mitigation.
In recent years, Payne has supported renters' rights legislation that capped move-in fees and required landlords to give more advanced notice of rent increases. He also advocated for community-based health care and sidewalk accessibility for people with disabilities. During his time, the city council additionally accepted the conclusions of the "Reimagining Public Safety" workgroup — a community-led effort to address the root causes of crime and make public safety truly equitable.
Payne has a nuanced opinion on defunding the police. Although he had a personal negative experience with a patrol officer and wants to get systemic racism out of policing, he sees the discussion of the budget as "a convenient distraction from white supremacy" when there is still a need for officers. He supports additional funding for body cameras, social services, and the city's crisis response unit.
Payne's challengers are Desiree Chantal Toliver and David Ross. Toliver is an aspiring nurse and self-identified Democratic Socialist who recently graduated with her associate's degree from Puget Sound Community College. She does not have any political experience and offers few specifics on her website as of mid-July. Ross is a typically conservative candidate whose platform is based on increasing policing and ineffective and harmful encampment sweeps.
Because of his extensive experience, proven track record, and dedication to racial justice, Payne is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-07-17Dontae Derrell Payne
Dontae Derrell Payne is a US Army veteran and Olympia City Council member running for Mayor of Olympia. He has national experience as a staffer in the US House and currently works as a policy advisor for civil rights and racial justice in the office of the governor.
Dontae Derrell Payne is a US Army veteran and Olympia City Council member running for Mayor of Olympia. He has national experience as a staffer in the US House and currently works as a policy advisor for civil rights and racial justice in the office of the governor. He became the first Black man to serve on the Olympia City Council when he was elected in 2021.
Payne was first motivated to run for office because of the lack of representation of Black and brown people in city government. He says his experience as a gay, Black, former military member will bring the voice of marginalized people to the table. In his bid for mayor, his key concerns are housing affordability, reimagining public safety, a resilient economy, social equity and diverse representation, and climate mitigation.
In recent years, Payne has supported renters' rights legislation that capped move-in fees and required landlords to give more advanced notice of rent increases. He also advocated for community-based health care and sidewalk accessibility for people with disabilities. During his time, the city council additionally accepted the conclusions of the "Reimagining Public Safety" workgroup — a community-led effort to address the root causes of crime and make public safety truly equitable.
Payne has a nuanced opinion on defunding the police. Although he had a personal negative experience with a patrol officer and wants to get systemic racism out of policing, he sees the discussion of the budget as "a convenient distraction from white supremacy" when there is still a need for officers. He supports additional funding for body cameras, social services, and the city's crisis response unit.
Payne's challengers are Desiree Chantal Toliver and David Ross. Toliver is an aspiring nurse and self-identified Democratic Socialist who recently graduated with her associate's degree from Puget Sound Community College. She does not have any political experience and offers few specifics on her website as of mid-July. Ross is a typically conservative candidate whose platform is based on increasing policing and ineffective and harmful encampment sweeps.
Because of his extensive experience, proven track record, and dedication to racial justice, Payne is the best choice in this race.Dontae Derrell Payne
Dontae Derrell Payne is a US Army veteran and Olympia City Council member running for Mayor of Olympia. He has national experience as a staffer in the US House and currently works as a policy advisor for civil rights and racial justice in the office of the governor.
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Dontae Derrell Payne is a US Army veteran and Olympia City Council member running for Mayor of Olympia. He has national experience as a staffer in the US House and currently works as a policy advisor for civil rights and racial justice in the office of the governor. He became the first Black man to serve on the Olympia City Council when he was elected in 2021.
Payne was first motivated to run for office because of the lack of representation of Black and brown people in city government. He says his experience as a gay, Black, former military member will bring the voice of marginalized people to the table. In his bid for mayor, his key concerns are housing affordability, reimagining public safety, a resilient economy, social equity and diverse representation, and climate mitigation.
In recent years, Payne has supported renters' rights legislation that capped move-in fees and required landlords to give more advanced notice of rent increases. He also advocated for community-based health care and sidewalk accessibility for people with disabilities. During his time, the city council additionally accepted the conclusions of the "Reimagining Public Safety" workgroup — a community-led effort to address the root causes of crime and make public safety truly equitable.
Payne has a nuanced opinion on defunding the police. Although he had a personal negative experience with a patrol officer and wants to get systemic racism out of policing, he sees the discussion of the budget as "a convenient distraction from white supremacy" when there is still a need for officers. He supports additional funding for body cameras, social services, and the city's crisis response unit.
Payne's challengers are Desiree Chantal Toliver and David Ross. Toliver is an aspiring nurse and self-identified Democratic Socialist who recently graduated with her associate's degree from Puget Sound Community College. She does not have any political experience and offers few specifics on her website as of mid-July. Ross is a typically conservative candidate whose platform is based on increasing policing and ineffective and harmful encampment sweeps.
Because of his extensive experience, proven track record, and dedication to racial justice, Payne is the best choice in this race.Last updated: 2023-07-17
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