City of Puyallup

Joe Colombo is running for the Puyallup City Council, District 2, Position 1 currently occupied by John Palmer, who is not seeking re-election. Colombo works in IT project management. He is also active in the community, serving as a precinct committee officer, a member of the city’s Design Review & Historic Preservation Board, and a founder of the Families of Puyallup Public Schools group.

Colombo is running to bring community-centric, local solutions to the issues facing Puyallup residents. If elected, he wants to preserve farmland, establish an independent ethics commission, and make investments in public infrastructure and repairs. In order to raise the quality of life for everyone living in Puyallup, Colombo wants to utilize his background in finance to steward tax dollars responsibly. Colombo’s grassroots campaign approach has earned the support of teachers, unions, and the local Democrats in this race.

There are two other candidates in this race. Dean Johnson is the current mayor and serves on the city council representing all three districts. Johnson has narrowly focused his campaign platform on increasing policing. Puyallup voters deserve elected officials who can provide unbiased oversight to the city’s police force and prioritize the wide range of issues affecting the city. Our neighborhoods aren’t made safer by increasing the presence of militarized police; instead, our communities are strengthened through good schools, fair wages, clean air, and quality public infrastructure.

Also in this race is Mark Palmer, an Army veteran, civil engineer, and first-time candidate. Palmer is running on a centrist and very general platform to improve parks and public infrastructure, manage development, and ensure local government runs smoothly. He has served on a number of community groups including the planning commission and the Stonegate Homeowners Association.

Joe Colombo is the best option in this race for Puyallup City Council, District 2, Position 1.