Recently, the Pierce County Council approved the redistricting of the Pierce County Council district boundaries. This was in response to population changes throughout the County. I now reside in District 4, a district that will be vacant at the end of 2012. After much thought, discussion with my family, friends and supporters I have decided to run for this position. My roots are in local government and I believe that I am better equipped to serve my constituency at the local level because of my previous experience on local government plus my knowledge of the State’s role. This has not been an easy decision. I currently represent the 29th Legislative District. I have taken this position seriously and will continue to strongly represent the 29th for the remainder of my term.

Let me explain my reasoning for wanting to run for County Council District 4. As many of you know, I served in local government on the Tacoma City Council for 8 years. The new County Council District 4 includes much of the area that I represented on the City Council. While serving on the City Council, I worked on improving economic development strategies, developed strategies to collaborate with neighborhood groups to work on solving crime, blight and nuisance problems; sponsored policies that provides for sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting and landscaping in neighborhood business districts and developed and passed Public Safety policies in areas of Domestic Violence, gangs, prostitution, drugs and drug paraphernalia. (See Council Accomplishments for further details) My long history of community involvement and elected office has provided my with an understanding and knowledge of what is important and needed in this district.

My work on the City Council enabled me to become more aware of the problems and concerns of our residents. I took that awareness to Olympia to continue my service for the people in the 29th Legislative District. My work at the Legislature has helped me to better understand the State’s role and its impact on local government. Due to budget constraints at the State level, government responsibilities are being shifted to the local governments. The State’s budget has a direct impact on local government and I am prepared to respond to those budget impacts and to advocate for the needs of the County. It is important now more than ever that Pierce County has someone that understands these shifts, how it will impact local government and is able and willing to press forward for the benefit of our citizens.

The County Council makes decisions on Economic Development, Public Safety, Juvenile Justice, and Human Services as well as Environmental issues, Recreation, and Public Works. I have policy experience and continued interest in these areas and want to continue to serve the people of Pierce County. These are challenging times for our citizens and the governments that serve them. It is important to you that you have someone that listens, cares, and serves. I have a long history of working for the public and look forward to continuing to do so.

Sincerely,

Connie Ladenburg