Issues

It is more important now than ever in the history of the United States to uphold the rule of law and to encourage voter participation in local elections. On May 1, 2025, I retook my attorney oath in Olympia in front of the Washington State Supreme Court along with over 1300 Washington attorneys from around the State.

Lakewood is one of the most culturally diverse populations in Washington. We are one of the few cities in the state with a majority of the population made up of minorities. Reports indicate anywhere from 52%-54% of residents in Lakewood identify as BIPOC. Our vibrant International District centers around our very own K-Town.  There are over 500 Korean-owned businesses in Pierce County, with many concentrated in Lakewood.

While much of Lakewood is filled with natural beauty, the fact is that many Lakewood residents live in areas designated as environmentally disadvantaged by state and federal organizations due to our proximity to major corridors and military bases, the historical industrial use of the lands which have left behind multiple brownfields in the city, and the existence of "concrete jungle" areas without sufficient trees to reduce urban heat. Additionally, some areas in our community do not have sufficient stormwater management. This can cause flooding in residential areas and create dangerous road conditions.

The City of Lakewood is so named due to the many lakes in our community. However, the reality is that only a small portion of the community has access to our lakes.

The biggest problems facing our municipal criminal justice systems right now are substance abuse issues, homelessness, and mental illness. Many times, these are NOT matters for the criminal justice system, but due to these incidents involving unhoused individuals, the behavior is frequently criminalized.