Eight Council Finalists Make their Last Appeal

This afternoon, the eight remaining candidates for Tacoma’s two at-large City Council seats were held in an isolated room and invited, one-by-one, to their final interview before the Council.

Candidates had twenty minutes to present their prepared answers to three questions – what sets them apart from the other applicants, what the City’s priorities should be, and how they viewed their role as a Council Member in a city manager government structure – and answer other questions from the current Council.

Bob Sheehan
The assistant police chief said an increased focus on Tacoma’s youth should be a priority for the Council. Under that umbrella issue, Sheehan said specific subpriorities should include the reduction of crime and increase in programming among the youth population. “I believe that we need to do everything we possibly can for our youth to give them the opportunity to be educated and have a good life in the city. If we don’t do that, I believe we’re making a terrible mistake.”

Sheehan also noted that his pending retirement from the Tacoma Police Department will give him time to be proactive and heavily involved with the city. “Of course,” he said. “I’ll have to check with my wife and granddaughter on that.”

Rick Talbert
The former City Council Member noted that, if appointed, he would spend the next two years seeing where he could improve City efforts in the areas of public safety, quality of life, and opportunity for Tacoma residents. When asked by his successor, Marty Campbell, how he would approach the move from a district representative to an at-large seat, Talbert said he wouldn’t change his approach at all. “It’s important to be elected by district, but decisions we make impact every decision. I always approached each and every one of my votes that way.”

Philip Cowan
Cowan credited his financial background as the asset he would bring to City Council. Cowan tied his experience to a priority of fiscal health – achieved by strengthening businesses already in place. “You’re always trying to lure new employers,” Cowan said. “But you can also keep employers here and grow the current employers you have right now. “

Some steps he said he would take toward improving the City’s financial approach? Cowan said he would look at the big picture, make more concrete fiscal plans, and ensure that budget cuts are thoroughly investigated for costs and benefits.

David Boe
Architect and self-proclaimed “problem solver” David Boe prioritized density as his key issue as a potential City Council member and guide every future action the city takes. Boe also noted that Tacoma’s small business community should be of critical importance, crediting his 14 years as a private business owner. “Tacoma is wonderful at starting businesses, and it can be better at starting businesses,” he said.

Boe’s other big concern if he were selected? “I’d have to buy a suit.”

Koree Baker
A native to Pierce County and relatively fresh face in Tacoma, Baker acknowledged she has a lot to learn, but said she can bring “new eyes, a fresh perspective, different outlook on the issues that are facing the city.”

Like Cowan, Baker said her financial management background will be a crucial asset to the Council. “I’ve been in the trenches of finance and I think that knowledge base would bring a lot to council. It can be very easy in times like these to grab whatever’s closest and do what seems reasonable.” But Baker continued by stating it’s important to think critically through the decision and be wary of the long-term impacts of short-term decisions.

Patricia Lecy-Davis
Small business owner and activist Patricia Lecy-Davis used her time to express the need for the City Council to create a clear vision to guide its work for the next decade. She said the establishment of a tangible vision will lead to planning for transportation and small business growth in the city.

Lecy-Davis described her leadership style as one that stirs the pot. “I have a lot of haters. You’re not doing something aggressively enough for things if someone doesn’t complain.”

Ryan Mello
In order to gain the trust of voters, the local conservation director said it’s important “to do the basics right.” He outlined these basics as public safety, the provision of transportation options, and a focus on economic development. “Government can’t solve all of our problems,” Mello said. “But people do look to the City as an umbrella organization.”

Mello also said his reputation among the community as a “highly collaborative individual” will also make him be a successful addition to the City Council.

Chris Thompson
A former political “media guy,” Thompson says he is primed with the thick skin and professional experience necessary for any future City Council Member. He stated education – including postsecondary education –issues would be at the forefront of his decision-making interests, along with public safety, business development, and the expansion of transportation systems.

As a representative of the entire city, Thompson said he would make a specific effort to expand his knowledge of the city beyond his residency in the North End. “I’m constantly trying, personally, to learn more about the wide range of issues and concerns that aren’t directly a problem for me.”

This Thursday at 8 a.m., the Tacoma City Council will reconvene in a special meeting to discuss the qualifications of the remaining candidates in an executive session. The executive session will not be open to the public. Tacoma City Council Members Spiro Manthou and Marty Campbell said an announcement on the appointments may come as late as next Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Previously on Exit133: Eight Names Move Forward in City Council Appointment Process