The Graham Business Association hosted a candidates forum Wednesday morning, September 19.  Participants included 10^th congressional district candidates Denny Heck (D) via a proxy and Dick Muri (R). 2^nd legislative district Senate candidates Randi Becker (R) and Bruce Lachney (D), 2^nd legislative district representative candidate Gary Alexander (R) (currently 20^th District Representative), County Executive candidate Bruce Miniker (R) and Al Rose as a proxy for Executive Pat McCarthy (D). Candidates for Pierce County Assessor Treasurer Mike Lonergan and Billi O’Brien, the top two in a race that is non-partisan and Representative Jim McCune and former Senator Marilyn Rasmussen were present to stump for the County Council District 3 seat.

With so many campaigning politicians in one room, there’s bound to be a few interesting moments. At the beginning a pleasant campaign letter from Denny Heck about his interests and strong background as a businessperson was read. Then Dick Muri spoke about his desire to provide “principled conservative leadership,” his support for the county’s new charter amendment #40 that will require a 2/3 council vote to raise taxes and his number one priority, to support the armed services. It should be mentioned here that many times in the past, Muri has voiced that he does not support the Cross Base Highway. He did not bring that up in this forum.

Senator Randi Becker noted her years of experience running a business before being elected. She also remarked at later question about medical marijuana that she is a potential yes vote, if the finer details can be adequately resolved. Her healthcare background includes an understanding of the benefit of this as a medication. Her opponent, Bruce Lachney pointed out some technical details of tax exemptions that should be eliminated to help increase revenue streams for the state. He also noted his business experience as a cranberry farmer and airline pilot.

Representative Gary Alexander pointed out that he was last elected in the 20^th district and due to the new district boundaries has found himself in the 2^nd. Interestingly, he was soft spoken as he presented his case for election. Alexander is the ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee.

Al Rose quoted Executive Pat McCarthy’s desire to do the work the government must do including continuing to make improvements in the Planning and Land Services Department, her recognition of the 80 businesses that are aerospace industries in Pierce County via a county aerospace summit and her support for the SR167 extension and Cross Base Highway. Executive candidate Bruce Miniker expounded on his 29 years as a corrections worker and supervisor and experience in construction.

Mike Lonergan, whose experience includes running the Tacoma Rescue Mission and being a Tacoma City Councilman was interested in creating an atmosphere for economic growth. He also pointed out almost with a hint of glee, that the current Assessor only got 11% of the vote. His opponent Billi O’Brien noted her training and years of experience inside the Assessor Treasurer’s office where their job is not to make policy, but to administer the law. She noted she would put the employees and skill sets in the right places to help people get the most out of the system, be treated fairly and help taxpayers understand the process.

When Representative McCune spoke, he first gave a plug for Gary Alexander, “Since he is running for my seat.” The audience chuckled. The new district boundaries drew Alexander into the 2^nd district and Representative McCune into the 28^th. McCune went on to talk about land use and land theft by government regulations. He stated that we should not have property taken from us for wetlands. He also desired to make the county permitting system more efficient. He noted support for the extension of SR167, but did not mention the Cross base Highway.

Senator Rasmussen spoke of her 52 years in the county and experience in the legislature and on the school board. She noted that all politics is local and about people, that the county issues are not as partisan as the legislature. She mentioned her work on the meth bills, DUI laws and the need for public safety as a priority. She also reminded everyone that she has always been very accessible and easy to reach for their questions and needs. She noted the Pierce County Skills Center as one of her accomplishments and indicative of her ability to make things happen.

At the end, Bethel Superintendent Tom Seigel asked the Assessor candidates about their management styles. Lonergan noted his experience in management at the Rescue Mission and other endeavors, but the surprise comments came from Ms. O’Brien. She pointed out that she has worked under four Assessors in her career. She said, when they come into office, they don’t understand the process, the rules or the calendars that must be kept. She noted the current Assessor has used abuse and retaliation in his tenure. She wants to create a professional atmosphere that is open and where everyone is treated professionally. The office has a dedicated staff and they need to be allowed to do their job. There was a lot of inside experience with the current Assessor packed into her words. It is obvious the staff in that office are looking forward to this election.