Candidate Forum 2021
We wanted to know where our local candidates stand on Climate issues, so we asked them all to answer a few questions about their priorities, how they would fund and implement the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan, the climate crisis, equity, and more. Below are the responses we received along with the relevant race.
Port of Olympia
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
I would rank climate action as number 1 in my list of priorities. Climate change is upon us and is a pressing issue in every decision we make. The most important steps we take at this point are to first adapt and overcome, and then to ensure that because we know better, we are doing better. We can shape the economic future and the future of industry at the port through best practices. We do not have to shut things down to accomplish our climate goals. We do have to be mindful of what we leave for the next generation, however.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
The initial goal should be to have the Port sign on to the climate mitigation plan. While the Port has taken major steps on its own including certification through Green Marine and more, it is important to form partnerships that keep all local governing authorities on the same path. So, yes, I would support the Port of Olympia providing funds to implement the jurisdictional obligations of the plan. Cost is not something that can be worked out in the framework of a single question and is a complex issue that will involve specifics on each project. For example, one of the primary goals is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The Port could participate in such goals through such actions as retrofitting facilities to promote energy efficiency, creating a culture of responsibility in future development and business decisions, and ensuring simple mitigation steps are taken to correct current practices. The cost will, of course, need to be mitigated through innovation and proactive recruitment of the types of businesses and industry we want to see (like green industries) at the Port.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
For the Port, specifically, it is going to have to be transportation and land use. However, that also impacts buildings and energy. It is my goal to grow the Port and bring good skilled jobs to the Port, but I do not think that this vision and protecting the environment/tackling climate change are mutually exclusive. We can seek out businesses like the manufacturing of solar panels and the shipping of finished products and break-bulk goods like rice, soy, and grain. We can hold shippers accountable by ensuring they use proper mitigation procedures such as catch basins and other best practices. We can also seek to add elements to the Port like a small fleet of electrified ferries, a commuter service at the airport (which is exploring electric planes) and focus on getting congestion off I-5. These are all long-term projects, but achievable.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
I do, but I want to ensure that there is a proper transition, and we do not just put an end to good paying jobs that the fossil-fuel industries have supported. People need to be assured that they can still take care of their families, and they should not lose out because we are moving in a different direction. We need programs that put these same people to work in green industries, because they have the skills, experience, and knowledge to truly be great at these jobs.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
First, have the Port and other entities sign on that have not and receive full commitment that they too are focused on similar goals and their piece of the agreement. Then, we must incentivize action through property tax credits and other incentives that motivate both people and business to be invested.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
I see the world through the lens of the working person. I will make the decisions that I believe will make the best sense for workers and the climate. The way we accomplish this is by being innovative. For example, we can grow apprenticeships in many of these green industries by cooperating with local labor organizations and business to develop and train workers and create good paying family wage jobs. We can teach them best practices in mitigating environmental impacts and create a culture from the ground up.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
The Port’s stated purpose is to “enhance the quality of life throughout Thurston County by creating, retaining, and growing economic and employment opportunities while providing a competitive value to our customers”. Having such an influence on critical habitat at Budd Inlet and the Olympia Regional Airport makes the Port’s responsibility for environmental stewardship extremely important.
The Port has committed, in it’s written strategic plan to “sustainably managing the natural resources impacted by our activities by complying with environmental regulations and implementing innovative environmental management initiatives”. I’ve mentioned in several candidate forums that the Port needs to be taking action now. It’s not enough to be compliant with regulations, the Port of Olympia should be leading the effort and setting the example for others.
My answer is 1, climate action is a very high priority.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
I will support funding the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. It’s difficult to put a number on funding at this point. The Port has a history of questionable financial decisions, and I am not in favor of increasing taxes to subsidize operations. There is a reserve fund created by Port staff that may be used to support TCMP. The 2022 budget will surely be passed before the new commissioners are sworn in so we will have to plan for the following year to stop the bleeding and support important causes like TCMP, if the 2021 budget falls short.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
Water is Life. Our Southern Salish Sea is in trouble. The marine eco system needs healing. All issues sited are important however, healing the waters and protecting the rivers to recover salmon, Kelp forests, and other marine life is my choice for this question. The Port needs to take a position on the 5th Ave. dam removal, and action is needed to begin the healing of Budd Inlet. I would like to see the Port identify one project to begin the process.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
I do support policies to electrify our homes and businesses. The Port can take immediate steps toward that goal by considering upgrades to renewable energy options like retrofitting solar panels onto existing facilities. Major producers are making commitments to move away from fossil fuel production and are focusing research and development resources to renewable energy.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
The Port of Olympia can be a leader in the effort by identifying a mitigation project that can be started immediately. As the saying goes, a million-mile journey begins with the first step. Local Government entities and community groups can surely identify one project we can start with. Maybe the removal of creosote pilings can be the project that starts the engine toward a clean Budd Inlet.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
The Port needs a decision-making process that includes a matrix to identify and rate the level of several different aspects/impacts of a project. The aspects should include financial impacts/benefits, environmental, social, and reliance on tax subsidies.
Local Government entities, including the local Native American Tribes, should be consulted to assess potential impacts that projects will have on the environment including whether the project/facility will contribute to climate change that causes further sea-level rise.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
If we have a flood based on climate change, that would be a 1, as it is an immediate emergency caused by climate change. If we are addressing climate action through policy work, we must have a sense of urgency or further emergencies will occur. Practically speaking, because it is an impending emergency, not an immediate emergency would be a 2.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
I believe in coordinating efforts with other jurisdictions. Supporting the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan gives us the opportunity to join in the efforts of our neighbors. I don’t think I have enough knowledge of the budget to make a recommendation at this time.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
Transportation and land use, because transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gases and by creating intentional land use planning, we can reduce transportation needs and therefore greenhouse gases.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Incentivizing behavior changes and educating the public about the benefits will continue to yield progress in addressing climate change.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
By working collaboratively to listen to the concerns of diverse stakeholders. Black and white thinking where only one extreme or the other can exist does not allow for collaboration. Without collaboration, we will continue to recycle our efforts without meaningful progress. To create action, we must find action with diverse buy-in.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
My natural born bias is to think about the impact policies have on people. When I think about climate equity I think about the privilege we have as Americans and as Washingtonians. As we address climate change, I want to ensure we embrace an equitable approach that doesn’t just pass the buck to less resource rich areas or individuals.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
One. The Climate Emergency is an existential crisis and to quote Billy Frank Jr. "We are running out of time."
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
Yes, I will support funding the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. The first step will be to get the Port of Olympia to sign on to the plan. Currently, I serve on the Climate Mitigation subcommittee of the Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee and we have been instructed by Port leadership to cherry pick actions from the plan so that the Port can create their own stand alone plan with a few of the items. This is a mistake. The Port needs to adopt the existing plan and join with regional partners on the Climate Mitigation Steering Committee. The time for half measures is over. The time to stand together and work together is now.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
They are all critically important and we must address them all, but if I had to choose what to address first it would be the built environment and energy, and transportation because they make up the bulk of our greenhouse gas emissions as a county, and at the Port.
Additionally, with the availability of grants and financing options, projects to make the built environment more energy efficient and projects to electrify our transportation assets and rolling stock can not only reduce GHG emissions, but also reduce operating expenses at the Port leaving additional dollars to continue making progress toward our GHG goals.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Yes absolutely. This shift will create an enormous amount of work to upgrade electricity infrastructure, but I have spoken to our IBEW electricians and they are up to the task! Getting more people into apprenticeships will be a key component of making the transition, but it will also create a tremendous number of family wage jobs.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
The first step is to get the Port to sign on and join the Climate Action Steering Committee. This may require some updating of some of the language in the Steering Committee Charter because the Port does not have land use jurisdiction and all of the current signers (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Thurston County) do. However, once those changes are made to the language of the Charter, it will open the door for other jurisdictions to also join including the school districts, the PUD, and the conservation district. That is exciting stuff!
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
I will ask the question "Are we being good ancestors?" That is, how will our decisions look five, six, seven generations from now? Will our descendants look back and say that we made decisions that put us on a path to a more just, equitable, ecologically sustainable world?
One example is in food production. Currently we have a food system in America that creates three tons of dead, eroded topsoil for every ton of food that it produces. A system that uses fossil fuels in the production of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, and transportation in a way that has poisoned and impoverished rural communities throughout our nation. A return to local, regenerative food systems can not only build resiliency in our ecosystems, but in our human communities as well. I look forward to a day when the greatest export from our rural communities isn't our children. When the greatest hope of rural parents isn't that their kids will grow up, leave, and never come back. Right sizing agriculture and working with rather than against natural systems, I believe, is a paramount in addressing climate change and equity.
City Of Olympia
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
One, climate action is a top priority.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
Yes, I support providing funds from our jurisdiction’s budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. As far as how much we should spend, this is dependent on how much would be needed for the individual items brought forward, support received from other jurisdictions, etc. Climate action is a top priority, and I understand that to truly prioritize it is to provide monetary support for it in the budget.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
All elements of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan are important as they are all interconnected. Buildings and energy, specifically moving towards 100% electrification in new buildings and retrofitting/increasing energy efficiency in existing buildings, is an element that I am currently working on with my council colleagues as it is an element that we may be able to address in the short term and make a long lasting impact.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Yes, I support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
I agree with the science. We absolutely must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. Some ways that we can more quickly implement the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan are: making tangible progress on the plan, seeking ways to incorporate the elements of the plan into other projects (i.e. housing, transportation), and asking what more we can do to mitigate climate change that goes above and beyond the plan. I am enjoying serving on the Thurston Climate Action Steering Committee and partnering regionally on this critical issue.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
Environmental justice cannot be met without gender justice and racial justice, it’s intertwined. There are real economic disadvantages for people to participate in environmentally conscious activities. We must reduce these barriers and increase outreach and education for groups that are not usually included in conversations surrounding environmental justice actions. The City of Olympia is in the process of forming a Social Justice and Equity Commission to lift and include the voices of historically underrepresented community members. It will be important for this commission to be included in our environmental justice efforts, before decisions are made.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
#1
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
I support funding implementing the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. I also support funding Olympia taking stronger actions more quickly. I think Olympia should spend money to implement the plan, but not spend money to “study the issues” or further create a regional bureaucracy. God Bless King County for trying, but years of King County Climate Change Collaborative efforts yielded little result. Recent decisions to act on land use and construction regulations are much more likely to move the needle. Let’s learn from their experience and not spend another decade studying and talking about what to do.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
What is most important to me is that we recognize that most people in our community do not perceive our pollution and consumption of energy as an existential threat. What I feel is most important is moving away from education and encouragement efforts to investments and regulations that begin to make changes in our county-wide lifestyles and consumption patterns.
If I had to choose one element of this interdependent web, I would focus on water. Everything that we do to preserve water, clean water, and enhance aquatic habitat has broad benefits for climate mitigation. If we make bold decisions about restoring and protecting waterways we will begin the kind of shifts necessary to meet our climate pollution reduction goals within our agreed upon timelines.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
There is no question that eliminating the use of fossil fuels is a necessary action to combat climate change. Natural gas is not a “cleaner” or “better” fossil fuel. I hope that we will act quickly to prohibit natural gas connections in new construction and work to phase out natural gas from existing buildings.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
We could more quickly move to reach our regional climate mitigation goals by turning attention towards people of moderate income and modest housing. Rest assured that the roof-top solar hosts and Tesla drivers will continue to do their part without your aiming limited resources to educate or encourage early adopters. Focus on bigger impact areas like electric energy efficiency for multi-family housing, getting people out of pick-up trucks and SUV’s as single occupancy vehicles, facilitating remote work through democratizing and increasing access to broadband. Focus on the many, not the few, the reluctant not the willing. If we are going to do this we need to move more quickly and assertively.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
Let’s take the example of unhoused people camping along a stream. People who drive a diesel four wheel drive pickup truck and hire a lawn service to spray herbicides on their landscaping upstream complain, in the name of indigenous people and the salmon, that the unhoused people are sullying the creek.
Let’s back up and look at the ecosystem impacts and the inequity created by a throwaway consumer society that creates an immense waste stream and just as casually throws away people who can’t “compete” for their basic needs. To me, the environmental and climate equity case says that we focus on providing the basic needs for all community members as the most sensible way to eliminate the impacts of people camping along a stream. And I believe that the equity case would also say that there is a role for government to regulate reckless consumption.
I try to bear these things in mind as I make decisions related to government interventions on behalf of the environment.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
#1 (all other issues intersect with climate changes from social justice and equity to COVID recovery. It’s simple without action on climate mitigation we will have not have a livable planet in the next few decades)
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
We have begun the process by setting aside 80,000 plus the position of Climate Program Manager. Climate Mitigation plan must be a line item in the city budget. In 2021 we accepted not only the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan but passed a Declaration of Climate Emergency. In the Declaration, it states that the city must adopt a climate lens on all actions and that we would be bold in our actions.
In 2022, we need to spend at least the 125,000 - 150,000 already ear marked amount for phase 4 of the climate mitigation plan. We need to reserve some of the remaining American Recovery Plan Act money for climate mitigation (ideally around 250,000). A climate lens should be used in all projects and master plans especially those revolving around COVID economic recovery and our Housing Action and One Community Plan. Ensuring a climate lens on these topics will leverage other portions of our budget. We need to leverage our Capital Budget to help retrofit city owned building to switch from fossil fuel to electric and improve energy efficiency. Lastly, we need to begin the process of electrification of our entire city fleet.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
All of these are super important and make me want to say all of the above. For example, without adequately densifying our urban areas we will fail to help mitigation climate change through loss carbon sequestration in our rural portions of the county, we will not reduce car mile traveled and increase use of walking, biking, and transit, and we will reduce the portion of our county land capable of producing food locally (with regenerative farming techniques)).
If I can only choose one of these options it would be buildings and energy, because these two represent the largest carbon footprint for Thurston County. We need to make all housing actions that are jurisdiction sponsored or funded through sources such as Community Block Grants require building energy efficiency, electrification, and encourage solar.
Olympia has already signed onto Green Direct and thus our municipal buildings are already reducing their footprint. We need to continue our work to retrofit our buildings for energy efficiency and to electrify our buildings. We need to move our city fleets to electric vehicles, including our first responders and heavier vehicles (e.g., tractors and garbage trucks).
We need to complete the work and get passed through all four jurisdictions the necessary legislation to enact a regional energy efficiency audit at time of listing for residential buildings. We also need to start stakeholder meetings to begin the process of exploring energy efficiency audit at the time of listing for commercial and multifamily buildings. We need to start and complete the assessment of the cost impact of requiring electrification of new buildings in Thurston County. Lastly, we need to begin the work of how we move away from fossil fuel use in new buildings in our region.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Yes, I support moving away from use of fossil fuels in buildings and working to retrofit existing buildings to electric appliances and heating/cooling units (heat pumps).
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
We need to continue working regionally with our partners to help remove barriers and financial constraints slowing down implementation of the plan. We need to actively lobby the state (Governor’s office, Building Code Council, UTC, and legislature) using our regional unity for climate mitigation as a power and a larger voice to the state. We need to actively join other jurisdictions in our state to increase our ability to lobby other regions in the state, the state government, and federal representation to engage in climate mitigation.
In Olympia, we need to be bold and be leaders to help not only other jurisdictions but our communities to step up an work on implementation. Bold actions like build electrification, marrying homelessness and housing crisis action, transportation master plans, entire Comprehensive plan, and our sea level plan to the climate mitigation plan and Olympia’s declaration of a climate emergency (insisting a climate lens in all actions for our city).
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
All actions by council and staff must be driven by the wording of our Declared Climate Emergency Resolution, Climate Mitigation Plan, and Sea Level Plan. Use of a combine Climate and Equity lens for all actions taken by our council and city staff no matter how unrelated it appears from these two issues. We need to start aligning our city budget to climate and equity. Lastly, we need to embed in our Comprehensive plan these lenses and ensure the Climate Mitigation Plan, Inheritance Resolution, Sea Level Rise plan, our equity and diversity work are in the bones of the comprehensive plan. We will have an opportunity to ensure this latter plan in 2023 when we open up the comprehensive plan for updating.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
1-highest priority. I’m very aware that many people do not have the privilege to prioritize the threat of climate change over their immediate needs such as paying their rent, mortgage, taxes, or putting food on the table. However, I believe that the threat of climate change is one that unites us all, for better and for worse. We are headed towards a very troublesome future if we fail to act now. Responding to the climate crisis takes collaborative action. We must ensure we meet residents’ basic needs, so they have the ability and the means to do their part in response to the climate crisis.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
I support the use of city funds for the implementation of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. If elected, I would advocate for this funding and consult climate organizations such as the Thurston Climate Action Team to assess what funding is needed. I will work with other councilmembers to determine what’s fiscally feasible depending on the amount of funds we receive from our regional, state, and federal partners.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
Each of these elements play a role in climate change. Community members, tribal nations, developers, and environmental stakeholders should all be considered and allowed to weigh-in prior to any decision on land use, particularly when there are environmental concerns and needs. I am concerned about water and waste as well and I believe city officials should consider alternative locations for development where there may be issues with protecting marine life and wildlife habitat. I’d listen to each of the parties' concerns and demands to make the best-informed decisions to protect marine life and wildlife while also preparing for the inevitable growth to our region.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Yes, we should also encourage businesses, households, and other facilities to reduce waste or become Zero waste to decrease the amount of garbage in landfills. Much of this work will take cooperation with the state and federal government as well, perhaps through social initiatives to bring awareness and encourage the public to take up an active role.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
City officials should continue encouraging residents to walk, bike, purchase electric vehicles (if possible) and use public transit to help reduce our emissions and have higher density for housing while making sure our public transit system continues to provide easy access to homes, jobs, educational facilities, and health care facilities, etc. All of which should be converted to renewable energy sources as well. Higher density with accessible and convenient transit and converting our main dwellings to renewable energy sources is the fastest way to reduce emissions in our region.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
We need to acknowledge that people of color are not only victims who are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, we must realize that people of color can be part of the solution as well through appointment to relevant positions and employing people of color in renewable energy jobs. We must also continue advocating for renewable energy sources and increasing educational outreach on climate change and human contributions in all communities and demographics. Additionally, I will review zoning requirements and restrictions to ensure they are equitable and do not disproportionately affect some people more than others. We need to uphold tribal sovereignty even in times when it may be inconvenient for the local government. Some local government actions have a tendency of causing communities of color to experience the impacts of environmental devastation more often and it is due to intentional and unintentional decisions by governments across the country.
City of Lacey
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
One. There can be no higher priority. If humans continue their destructive ways, there won't be a point to most of the other work we do as a City Council because we'll have to spend all our time and treasurer on merely surviving.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
Yes. Our draft budget calls for $200,000 for climate work in 2022/ If the draft is approved, it will include a half-time planning position devoted to climate work, electric vehicle purchases and more. I think that's a good start, but I want to see higher amounts tied to key initiatives in future years.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
Buildings and energy because they contribute most to our carbon output. State energy efficiency guidelines for new buildings are heading in the right direction. I would advocate for applying those standards to redevelopment and for programs to help homeowners and commercial building owners weatherize and modernize their structures for maximum energy efficiency.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Yes, but it will require a phased approach, starting with new construction and establishing programs to help residents convert from natural gas to all-electric. We have to figure out a way to do this without bankrupting our constituents.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
Speeding up the implementation plan timetable, and going after more grant money to help the parties to the plan pay for carbon reduction activities.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
The threats and challenges climate change poses are never far from my mind. Massive hurricanes, wildfires, heat domes, record snowfall, sea-level rise ... all are constant reminders. I've asked staff to develop a matrix to help councilmembers understand environmental impacts, social and climate justice impacts, and the impacts of other priorities such as housing and homelessness on all the decisions we make.
City of Tumwater
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
As a currently elected official this would be "1" on my list of priorities.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
We have put this as a budget priority in Tumwater. What specific actions are being reviewed by the council now.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
I believe that all of these are connected and none of these elements should be put on the back burner. I believe that we can keep all of these top of mind and a priority.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
I do support this and in addition, we need to focus on energy efficiency in homes and renewable energy such as solar.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
I agree that this is urgent. I believe that the public is now more aware so it will be easier to get public support on actions implemented since public resistance can make policies more difficult to implement.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
As a current Councilmember, I work to make sure that low income people are able to participate in this process since the cost of much of this is more expensive. We need to make sure that these individuals are included.
***One thing that I would like to add. I worked for WSU Extension Energy Program for 5 years in the Clearinghouse division of the Weatherization and Renewable Energy division in addition to ARPA-E. I also worked in the Energy Division at the WA Department of Commerce for additional 3 years so I understand the importance of the topics in the questions above.
If elected, on a scale of 1 to 5, how high would climate action rank in your list of priorities (1 being highest priority, 5 being lowest priority)?
Climate action will be a high priority for me. I’m not really sure how to rank that in the context of 1-5 and how those numbers rank against other priorities so I’ll decline to offer that. I think one challenge with ranking things with concrete numbers is it pits priorities against one another. We need to be successful on climate, on housing, on transportation, and in other areas all at the same time if we are to achieve our city’s mission, vision, and goals.
If elected, will you support providing funds from your jurisdiction's budget to implement the actions in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan? How much do you think your jurisdiction should spend in 2022 to implement the plan?
We haven’t received any kind of proposal for how much it will cost to implement the plan so that’s difficult to answer without additional context. As a fiscal agent for the city, it wouldn’t be responsible for me to just say yeah, we’ll pay whatever it costs without being able to understand what those costs are, what they are purchasing, and without doing other fiscal due diligence. That would also be damaging in terms of public process – we need to demonstrate to the public that we’re being thoughtful about what the expenses are so they have buy-in and understand the necessity at every level. That said, we need to be cognizant and sober about the fact that it will cost money and I’m committed to supporting investment that achieves the goals of the plan. We just don’t know what that is and haven’t vetted those figures so I can’t give an amount. A good example of our commitment to this work is funding for our first ever full-time dedicated staffer to environment and climate matters. We fully funded that in our budget and are in the process for hiring for that position. I think that shows our commitment to seeing this work through to its fullest, especially since we did not cut this item despite some pretty tumultuous economic conditions.
Which element of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan do you consider most important: buildings and energy; transportation and land use; water and waste; or agriculture, forests, and prairies? Why? What would you do to address that element?
These areas aren’t mutually exclusive from one another and we need to make progress on each to be successful. Certainly issues like prairie preservation are more relevant for Tumwater’s actions than Olympia’s but other items like buildings or transportation are just as important for all jurisdictions. I think buildings in particular is an area where the city could be a leader for our community’s private sector. In the next year, I plan to propose an ordinance prohibiting new natural gas connections for city buildings as a small gesture to lead by example. I’m not an environmental scientist but local advocates have informed me that buildings and natural gas connections are absolutely critical to getting this problem under control and I’ve taken that advice/knowledge to heart.
Because state law now requires utilities to convert their production of electricity to 100% renewables, natural gas use in our buildings, as a fossil fuel, will make up a larger percentage of our local carbon pollution. Do you support local policies to electrify our homes and businesses, moving away from the use of fossil fuels?
Electrification is key for the future. See answer 3 about one way in which Tumwater can lead the way for the private sector. I think it’s important that we demonstrate this before asking others to do the same so we can make the argument that we are playing by the same rules.
Scientists tell us we must act urgently on climate change to avoid global catastrophe. In your opinion, how could we more quickly implement our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan?
That’s a good question and honestly I’m not sure I have a good answer. One thing I’ve been thinking about though is to eventually host a climate summit where each of the jurisdictions attend a joint meeting so we can all be on the record together in support of these priorities. If this is truly a regional effort, then we’ll need a forum at some point to discuss regional commitment.
If you are elected, how will you make your decisions with climate change as well as climate equity in mind? Please provide an example.
One thing I’ve had on my mind is whether there would be a way to incorporate something like a climate impact statement into our internal policy development process (separate from and in addition to processes like EISs). For instance, if we propose to increase density in some zones, is there a way to formally demonstrate the effect that might have on climate in the future in public council briefing packets? If we endeavor to build more walkability into our transportation grid, could we have a statement within our packet on how that could effect climate in the future? I’d like us to formally adopt some kind of analytical process so that staff are directed to build these considerations into everything they do.