Climate – a Hot Topic in Local Elections

In this year’s races for city councils and the port commission, climate change is an important issue. This is especially true with the cities and the county lagging in their implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan, and while we experienced a heat dome and wildfire smoke this summer due to the continued irresponsible pollution of fossil fuel companies. With the new rollback of federal climate programs and policies, greater climate action at the local level is more important and urgent than ever. So we thought TCAT newsletter readers would like to know where local candidates stand on climate change. 

This year, candidates are running for positions on the Olympia City Council, Tumwater City Council, Lacey City Council, and the Port of Olympia Commission. Our friends at Olympia Indivisible (OI) have received questionnaire responses from many of these candidates, and some of the OI questions deal with sustainability and climate change. For Olympia and Lacey city council candidates, there was a specific question about the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan, which Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater City Councils all adopted (along with Thurston County Board of Commissioners).  So we’ve pulled together responses to those questions. Not all candidates responded to the OI questionnaire; we’ve only included those who did.

There are also school board elections for Olympia, Tumwater, and North Thurston School Districts. The OI questionnaire for school board candidates did not include any questions about climate change or sustainability, so we have not included those candidates in this article.

You can find the full set of materials OI gathered for local candidates, including video interviews and profiles, here.

As you review the candidate responses to climate change below, and decide whom to vote for, here are some points to consider about candidates’ positions on climate change:

• How specific is the response? For example, does the candidate demonstrate understanding of the basic contents and goals of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?  Are the proposals specific, or is the language general and the proposal(s) vague?
• The biggest opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Thurston County are in building energy and transportation. The largest opportunity for sequestration is in restoring habitat and planting more trees. Are the proposals substantive and targeted to these opportunity areas?
• Does the candidate demonstrate understanding of the connection between climate action and social justice, especially how climate change affects multiple sectors of our community (workers, renters, people of color, tribes, homeowners, youth, food systems, etc.)?
• Is the candidate willing to challenge local governments and systems to do more, or accepting current ways of doing things and budget limitations?

So..for your consideration…here are the candidates’ thoughts on climate change:

Port of Olympia

Position 2

Bob Iyall

In your opinion, how can the Port best promote economic development in Thurston County that is environmentally sustainable, and that helps to improve the lives of all who reside in the county. 

With over ten years of experience building a strong economy and advancing environmental sustainability for the Nisqually Tribe, I believe the Port can lead by investing in green infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and creating family-wage jobs. By engaging the community, continuing the cleanup and restoration of Budd Inlet, and integrating Tribal knowledge into long-term planning, the Port can foster inclusive growth that protects our environment and improves the quality of life for all who live in Thurston County.

What should the Port do to address climate change and sea level rise? 

The Port is an active member of the Olympia Sea Level Rise Collaborative and will follow the guidelines set forth in the Sea Level Rise Response Plan.

Jerry Toompas

In your opinion, how can the Port best promote economic development in Thurston County that is environmentally sustainable, and that helps to improve the lives of all who reside in the county? 

The Port should champion a just transition to a clean economy. That includes recruiting green industries, like solar component manufacturing or climate-resilient construction, and investing in job training for local residents. We should also promote sustainable land use, support worker-owned businesses, and center rural economic justice. Public land should benefit the public: that means mixed-use waterfront development, more community space, and long-term leases that create living-wage jobs and environmental value. 

What should the Port do to address climate change and sea level rise? 

The Port must lead by example. That means electrifying port equipment and vehicles, expanding renewable energy projects, and making all new development climate-resilient. We need shoreline restoration to buffer sea level rise, stronger climate benchmarks in leases and contracts, and alignment with the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. Climate change is an emergency, and the Port must act accordingly. 

Position 3

Anthony Hemstad

In your opinion, how can the Port best promote economic development in  Thurston County that is environmentally sustainable, and that helps to improve  the lives of all who reside in the county. 

As a government that is set up to promote economic development, the Port can  and should be doing more to address some problems/opportunities that continue  to challenge Thurston County.  

One example is the Tumwater Brewery properties that were once a key part of  the local economy but have decayed and become a liability to the community  today. While the property is not in public ownership, the Port should work with  Tumwater, the Squaxin Tribe and other governments and the current landowners  to try and move these from eyesores to productive parts of the community again.  As we’ve seen, this is unlikely to happen without active leadership.  

On environmentally sustainable economic development, would note that I made  the initial connection between the Port and Artemis (the electric foil ferry  company that visited the area recently), and have pushed to get Olympia actively  included in the electric foil ferry discussion now taking place in the region. While I  don’t see Olympia in the first wave of adoption for this technology in the Puget  Sound area, I do think it is the right technology that could help bring some  Mosquito Fleet routes back to Olympia. A route to the airport (Des Moines  Marina) would likely be time and cost competitive with the current Aeroporter van service. A potential tourist route from the Port Peninsula connecting out to  the Squaxin Museum and other Squaxin facilities could also make sense in the future. Having more attractions on the Port Peninsula would make prospects for  a ferry more realistic (more on that later).  

Similarly, I think Olympia could be a leader in having eVTOL aircraft using the Olympia Airport, or Port Peninsula, for that matter. Expanding transportation 

options using relatively ecologically friendly options should be a key part in the  Port’s future economic development strategy.  

What should the Port do to address climate change and sea level rise? 

The Port should adapt its Port Peninsula area to be as climate resilient as possible.  A recent presentation was made to the Port Commission about a wide variety of  design and built responses that could/should be made in the years ahead.  

The Port should also be a model in expanding renewable energy production on its  buildings and (where applicable) land. It can be a leader in providing charging  infrastructure for various incarnations of electric (or other alternative energy)  vehicles – cars, boats & eVTOL aircraft. 

Krag Unsoeld

In your opinion, how can the Port best promote economic development in Thurston County that is environmentally sustainable, and that helps to improve the lives of all who reside in the county.

Economic development must be sustainable and benefit future generations of citizens by including lasting stewardship of environmental resources. There needs to be a deliberative process including stakeholders and members of the public in determining the best way forward for the Port. 

When developing the 2050 report, the Port used public participation and feedback. Unfortunately, the final report did not include many of the opinions expressed nor did it seriously consider the reality of sea-level rise. We must ensure that the public is listened to, their voices do matter, and that their beliefs and opinions will influence final Port decisions.

The Port needs to develop opportunities for small businesses and artisans.  Some of this could be done on the Port peninsula including the area that is currently used to store logs for shipment with an awareness of sea-level rise.  The peninsula should also have a park for the public to use and enjoy. The waterfront could be used for shoreline restoration projects and education, conducted by high schools, colleges, and the public.

8) What should the Port do to address climate change and sea level rise?

An important step in addressing climate change and sea level rise is stopping the development of residential, office, and warehouse buildings on Port property that will be flooded as sea level rises.  This should be the first step for the Port before beginning to complete other steps necessary to implement the Olympia Sea Level Response Plan.

Unfortunately, the Olympia Sea Level Response Plan, though a collaborative approach in which the Port participates, is mostly too little, too late.  The degree of sea level rise and the time it will take for adaptation efforts, and the cost of these efforts are very conservative estimates.  Science plays a significant role in climate adaptation efforts, particularly the science of hydrology.  Olympia has a very high ground water table.  You can build walls or implement efforts to keep sea water out, but the sea may rise through the ground inside these sea walls.  This is especially concerning on the Port peninsula because it is composed of dredged fill. We need more science to inform us in our decision-making about how to address climate change and sea-level rise on the Port peninsula and on all other Port properties. 

An important long term policy to address climate change would be to restore railroad shipping to Olympia.  This would reduce greenhouse emissions from diesel trucks.  It could also provide alternative work for ILWU members as log exports are phased out.

Olympia City Council

Position 4

Clark Gilman

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?  

As someone who has worked full time in the past on climate change issues I have lukewarm support for the Climate Mitigation Plan and the Regional Collaborative. 

Explain how it can be used or amended.  

If there is indeed a climate crisis then we should aim to accomplish our pollution reduction goals rather than make a modest effort to address our goals. We continue to have a net increase in carbon emissions year after year. 

The regional collaboration is valuable. But, moving together at the speed of the lowest common denominator will not make the progress we need.

I believe we should emphasize a regulatory approach rather than an education approach in order to reach our goal of 85% reduction in emissions by 2050.

Position 6

Robert Vanderpool

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?  Explain how it can be used or amended.  

I support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. I am the current Olympia representative to the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative Executive Committee and as such are responsible for staff funding and implementation. I feel that the plan itself will need to be updated in the near future. 

I do also believe that the plan is not being implemented at a fast enough pace. Our work around energy scores and heat pumps have been successful in meeting some of our goals. Deep change, however, will require higher levels of financial investment. The Climate Commitment Act funding will help us but, I am afraid that the serious issue of lowering Green House Gases is not going to meet our goals. 

I would propose including a more aggressive approach to funding in our ILA between our partners. Something I plan on speaking on during our yearly retreat later this year. 

Justin Stang

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? Explain how it can be used or amended. 

Yes, I support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan (TCMP). It represents a vital and collaborative effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare our region for the impacts of climate change. The plan is the product of years of work and input from local jurisdictions—Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County—as well as extensive community engagement. It provides a strong framework for local action rooted in our shared values of sustainability, resilience, and equity. 

Like any long-term policy document, the TCMP must remain dynamic. As we gain new insights into what’s effective, better understand community needs, and respond to evolving technologies and funding opportunities, the plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to remain practical, equitable, and aligned with our climate goals. 

The TCMP should guide Olympia’s climate-related investments in transportation, housing, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure. It should inform decisions across all departments—from permitting to public works—and serve as a cornerstone of how we plan for future growth. 

We must also update targets and strategies as new data emerges and expand efforts in areas such as environmental justice, workforce development, and implementation funding. Ongoing regional collaboration and robust community input will be essential to its success. 

Position 7

Caleb Gieger

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?  Explain how it can be used or amended.  

I support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. I recognize the importance of this plan for our region.

While the plan is a good foundation, I believe it needs to be updated to ensure we are meeting our climate goals.

While efforts around energy scores and heat pumps are positive steps, achieving meaningful change requires greater financial investment and a faster pace of implementation. Although funding from the Climate Commitment Act is helpful, I am concerned that we are not on track to adequately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

I would propose a more aggressive approach to funding and implementation among our regional partners. Yet, we also have to lobby the state to raise progressive revenue. It’s simple: for decades, the rich disproportionately profited from and contributed to climate change. It’s time for them to pay their fair share to help mitigate and reverse climate change. 

[Additional response received 9/12/2025:]

Meeting our climate goals requires more than symbolic gestures. It demands a fundamental shift in how we design our communities and move through them. Caleb understands that cutting car dependence is key to reducing emissions, improving public health, and creating more livable neighborhoods. That’s why he envisions a city designed for people, not cars. That means a dense downtown focused on biking, walking, and transit.  

Caleb also recognizes that land use, transportation, and affordability are deeply interconnected. He supports implementing zoning reforms that allow for more multi-family and mixed-use. This not only reduces commute times and emissions but also helps make Olympia more affordable and inclusive. Importantly, Caleb believes growth must benefit everyone. Renters, working families, and low-income residents should be able to afford to live in the city where they work rather than be displaced by rising costs.

A key pillar of Caleb’s vision is his unwavering commitment to the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan, especially its emphasis on equitable climate action and avoiding disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. Unlike his opponent, whose platform focuses narrowly on parks and affordable housing—without addressing how people access these resources—Caleb takes a comprehensive approach. He tackles density, transportation, and climate head-on, treating them as interconnected challenges that must be solved together to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable Olympia.

Paul Berendt

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? Explain  how it can be used or amended.  

Yes, I strongly support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and  will support aggressive actions while on the council to reach the goals  outlined in it.  

I would like to work on several areas within the plan to help reach the goals  set forth in it: 

1. I believe the three most potent ways I can support the Climate  Mitigation plan is by ensuring that there is an ongoing commitment to  
2. Parks and Open spaces  
3. Ensuring that as we budget for roads, bicycle lanes, public  transportation, sidewalks and other infrastructure, it is all done  in ways that support carbon reduction policies for each  

infrastructure project.  

1. Regional Recycling upgrades – Many items that people put in  their recycle bins actually end up in landfills. This includes  many paper and plastic items. In rereading the plan, I was  

surprised that his area didn’t receive adequate attention. Our  city does a better job at recycling than most – but improvement  is needed. An Amendment regarding recycling may be in order.  Additionally, I support:  

2. Urban Infilling. 
3. Energy Education – It is an ongoing challenge to reeducate people  about energy efficiencies, lower carbon travel options, urban green  space, water usage and many other subject matters. 

I would support a significant public outreach plan to get people to  leave their cars at home and use Intercity transit. It is a well-run, good  transportation system that gets people around our community  efficiently. The public needs to be educated as to how this system will  benefit their daily lives if they use it!  

4. Supporting Electric Vehicle city policy upgrades – related to building  codes, charging stations, EV parking and incentives.  
5. Expanding grey water usage. 

Lacey City Council

Position 4

Maren Turner

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? Explain how it can be used or amended.

Yes. I support a regional approach to protecting our environment. Adopting energy efficient appliances, helping residents make informed decisions about energy efficiency, protecting our ecosystem, and reducing emissions are essential elements of sustaining our environment. If we don’t have a climate mitigation plan, the consequences can be severe, including negative impacts on public health and disruptions in our ecosystem.

Position Six

Ryan Siu

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? Explain how it can be used or amended.

I am 100% behind the Climate Mitigation Plan. It is a great starting place for us, as a region, to work on reducing our local contribution to climate change. I believe that climate equity is a vital aspect of the plan and appreciate the recognition that climate change must be addressed in coordination with racism and other inequities. A commitment that climate justice must be accessible to all residents ensures that the most vulnerable populations are included in the plan. The Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan should be considered in every decision made by the city and we must uphold our commitment to the implementation of this plan.  In addition to working toward reducing Lacey’s greenhouse gas emissions, we will need to adapt this plan to make our city more resilient as we face current climate change impacts, such as the increase in extreme weather events.

Position Seven

Carolyn Cox

Do you support the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? Explain how it can be used or amended.

Yes, I do support the plan. I helped craft it with my participation in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative. The plan gives participating jurisdictions a menu of steps they can take to reduce carbon emissions and points to actions we all need to be taking simultaneously to move the needle on emissions. It is becoming clear that we’re not on track to meet our carbon reduction goals for 2030, and that is frustrating to me. However, with budget constraints (local, state and federal), I doubt that we can add staff or significantly increase spending on carbon reduction programs. Nor is it realistic to expect residents who are fearful about the economy to invest in expensive equipment or renovations to make their homes more energy-efficient without financial assistance. I’d like to see more community education, as well as matching rebates and grant programs to help residents reduce their carbon footprints.

Tumwater City Council

[NOTE: For Tumwater City Council candidates, there was no question about the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan.  Instead, we have included responses to a question about sustainability.]

Mayor

Lance Brender

How should the city of Tumwater contribute to ensuring the sustainability of our planet?

The city of Tumwater best ensures sustainability by being a small town.  Locally owned businesses mean more money stays here, which means more people can buy or afford to inherit forever homes that are built to multi-generational standards.  The better we build, the less we have to worry about track-style housing wearing out and conveniently needing an expensive and resource-intensive replacement.  Small town also means a meaningful connection to the land, enshrining our old growth and our waterways with protective ordinances and meaningful plans to integrate them into our buildings and expansion.  It also means embracing the right forms of change, including more electric vehicle charging stations as we lessen our dependence on oil.

Put another way, we ensure sustainability by rejecting fast-consumer culture.  We are bombarded with advertising (and monitored against our will by big data companies) that encourage us to buy things cheap and re-buy when stuff quickly breaks.  At the government level, I will oppose this by first directing the Tumwater PD to participate in the Department of Enterprise Services program (which is right here in town), taking advantage of free or nearly free government-owned property that other federal, state, and local municipalities have given back to the government for redistribution.  And in our own city purchasing and building, we will buy things that last and build structures that aren’t made to the lowest legal standards.  More importantly, and circling back again to housing, the true stewards of the planet are not governments, but the people who live on the land.  People who own their own home and land, by and large, take care of it much better than government ever could.  The more people who can afford to own, the better we all will be.

Leatta Dahlhoff

How should the city of Tumwater contribute to ensuring the sustainability of our planet?

I love this question because I think about this daily as this is my job at the Department of Commerce. I would like to pilot more efforts to do things differently. If we want to make a difference, we need to do things differently and we need to be different. That means partnering with The Artisans Group that specializes in sustainable designs and builds. That means greening our procurement by using goods and services that reduce toxics, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and diverts solid waste. That means everything we do we look at it through the lens of sustainable actions. That means protecting human health and our environment is always a priority. I would like to pilot recycling furniture and textiles and flooring and carpet to make inputs for more sustainable products. It means looking at everything in a circular economy. Ideas include more community solar. Looking at battery electric storage systems, electric vehicle infrastructure at businesses and homes.  And it means implementing climate adaptation and mitigation plans. And we do this by creating a new climate element in our Comprehensive Plan, which we are doing right now. 

Position 5

Rachelle Martin

How should the city of Tumwater contribute to ensuring the sustainability of our planet? 

Environmental justice is essential to the health and future of our community. Tumwater is one of the most beautiful places in the world, lush with green spaces, fresh air, and clean water. As residents of this region, we have a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of the land we live on, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. 

Sustainability must be a guiding value in our local decision-making. That means protecting our green spaces, ensuring everyone has access to natural areas to walk, breathe, and connect with the environment. Green spaces don’t just make life more enjoyable. They improve public health, lower temperatures, and enhance community well-being.

Respecting Indigenous land is a critical part of environmental justice. We must not continue harmful development on Native lands, and we should work in partnership with local tribes to preserve and protect sacred and ecologically important areas. 

We also need to make it easier for people to do the right thing. That includes providing accessible options for recycling and responsible disposal of large or hazardous items. If we don’t offer clear, simple solutions, too many materials end up in landfills or worse, dumped in our forests. 

Finally, as more people switch to electric vehicles, we need to plan ahead. Expanding EV charging infrastructure throughout Tumwater is a practical and forward-thinking step toward reducing emissions and building a cleaner, more resilient future. 

Local governments must lead by making sustainability the standard, not the exception by partnering with building trades and environmental groups to create and support responsible, sustainable policies and programs.