Our community face unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Between health concerns, job losses, and business closures, our communities are in emotional and financial pain. But I know a strong recovery is possible.
As a member of the Lakewood City Council, I helped reinvigorate the City of Lakewood by attracting more jobs and achieving financial security following the 2008 economic downturn. We ensured Lakewood created a healthy rainy-day fund to respond to emergencies and economic downturn, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and we pushed to invest more money into mental health services.
I am confident that – through smart policies implemented by the right leadership – Lakewood will experience a strong COVID-19 recovery.
I pledge to:
- Listen to the experts and follow the guidelines outlined by them
- Increase vaccine access and mental health services
- Ensure small businesses have access to the resources they need to recover financially and retain employees
- Implement smart incentives to attract more businesses to Lakewood, as well as more affordable housing, creating more jobs and reinvigorating local growth
- Create a robust rainy-day fund capable of helping our community overcome unexpected future emergencies
As the Deputy Mayor of Lakewood, I’ve worked hard to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 shutdowns on small businesses in my community. I worked with my fellow city council members to establish an assistance program dedicated to providing funding for small businesses to sustain operations and retain employees. The program converts the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding to grants, ensuring capital arrives to qualified businesses quickly.
Serving on the Economic Development Board (Tacoma – Pierce County) has also given me the opportunity to make a difference for businesses in communities across Pierce County, including Lakewood. Initiatives like the Business Retention and Expansion program assist growing companies – including a maritime manufacturer and food processing companies – to ensure job creation. We also continue to attract more companies to Lakewood through recruitment programs. Lakewood will welcome its new largest employer in 2021. Aero Precision is expected to employ 800 workers by the end of the year in its new Lakewood headquarters and manufacturing facility.
Our efforts resulted in a noticeable improvement in many industry sectors. Lakewood is ahead of many other cities across our county on the path of recovery. Of course, far more must be done for the health of our community. I want to continue to help lead Lakewood toward recovery.