Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor | Doing democracy here at home
The ballots just arrived in our mailboxes offer each of us an opportunity for some good government housekeeping. While polarized party politics may have shut down the national government, here in Pierce County we will select a non-partisan Charter Review Commission to ensure our county government stays fresh and effective.
By electing three Commission members for each of the seven council districts, our votes will launch the regular, ten-year review of our County Charter—our local constitution. The non-partisan commission will report back to us next year with proposals to ensure that the more than $3 billion we spend on public safety, health, and social services are delivered by a well-organized county government.
The Charter Review Commission is not about partisan politics—it’s about thoughtful, informed leadership and public trust. That’s why I’m supporting Justin Leighton, Brenda Lykins, and Martha Lantz for Pierce County Charter Review, District 7, Positions 1, 2, and 3. Each of these three public servants bring unmatched experience, integrity, and a shared commitment to ensuring our Charter works for all of us—now and into the future. Read more about each in the Voters Guide.
Justin Leighton, running for Position 1, is a lifelong Pierce County resident who has lived in both rural and urban communities. With over 15 years of experience working with local governments, he knows the systems from the inside out. He served on the Tacoma Charter Review Commission in 2015 and will bring that direct experience to the county level. He’s not just familiar with the process—he’s proven he can lead it. With a background in education, transit policy, and public administration, Justin understands the importance of accountability and accessibility in government.
Brenda Lykins, running for Position 2, is a seasoned healthcare provider and former elected Gig Harbor City Councilmember. As Mayor Pro Tem of Gig Harbor and a Pierce County Regional Council member, she has worked across jurisdictions and viewpoints to solve problems. Brenda’s collaborative, respectful leadership style makes her uniquely suited for the deliberative work of charter review. Her 45 years in the county—serving in both Gig Harbor and Tacoma—means she represents the full breadth of District 7’s perspectives. She’s committed to bringing people together, listening deeply, and representing everyone in the district.
Martha Lantz, running for Position 3, brings an experienced legal mind and a legacy of public service. As the Vice Chair of the 2016 Charter Review Commission, she led with fairness, transparency, and results. One of her proposals—focused on ethics and conflicts of interest—was overwhelmingly approved by voters. With more than 30 years in public service law, she understands the consequences of every word in a governing document. Her professional background advising the City of Tacoma and Washington State means she knows how to uphold a charter’s intent while ensuring it functions in the real world.
Please vote. No matter how angry or disgusted you may be with national politics, ours is a bottom-up, We the People democracy. By electing a strong, non-partisan Charter Review Commission we can do the important work of good democracy right here at home.
Leighton, Lykins & Lantz—The Right Choices for Charter Review District 7
Former 26th District state Rep. Larry Seaquist
Gig Harbor