News
Pierce County Council candidates in their own words
The Fox Island bridge, traffic and growth are some of the key issues facing Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula voters as they choose between two candidates to represent them on the Pierce County Council.
The two finalists following the primary are newcomers Mike Solan, a Republican, and Brenda Lykins, a Democrat. They are vying to replace Robyn Denison, who announced in March she would not seek reelection after serving one term.
Candidate profiles
Gig Harbor Now also published short profiles of the two candidates. Find them here:
Gig Harbor Now asked each candidate the same questions. Here are their answers in their own words, with some minor editing.
Q: Do you support or oppose Charter Amendment No. 53, which would make the county sheriff an appointed position?
Lykins
During my tenure earlier this year on the Pierce County Charter Review Commission, one of the most extensively discussed issues was whether the Sheriff should remain elected or become an appointed position.
When Pierce County’s original Charter was adopted more than 40 years ago, the Sheriff was an appointed position. In 2006, voters approved a Charter amendment changing the position to an elected one. Twenty years later, the Charter Review Commission revisited the issue after constituents from across the county asked us to give voters an opportunity to consider the change. Much has changed since 2006: Pierce County has grown to nearly one million residents and has become significantly more diverse and younger.
After careful consideration, I voted with the majority of the Charter Review Commission which ended in a 12-9 vote in favor to place this proposal before all Pierce County voters this November.
I support an appointed Sheriff because I believe the county’s chief law-enforcement leader should have the appropriate credentials, qualifications, and proven record of public service and public safety leadership. An appointed Sheriff would be selected through a process designed to evaluate those qualifications and would remain accountable for job performance every day.
More broadly, I believe in government that promote accountability, efficiency, responsiveness, transparency, and integrity in the process. Ultimately, this decision belongs to the voters of Pierce County. My vote on the Charter Review Commission was one of 21, and the decision before voters will be decided collectively. I respect that process and will respect the outcome, even if it differs from my own position. A healthy democracy depends on informed debate, civil discourse, and respect for differing views.
Solan
No. I oppose Charter Amendment No. 53 because it takes away your vote.
In 2024, voters elected their sheriff to a four-year term. Amendment 53 would cancel that vote and remove the sheriff mid-term, sidestepping the lawful recall process. After that, voters would never choose their sheriff again. An appointed sheriff answers to politicians, not to the people.
My opponent, Brenda Lykins, voted YES to put Amendment 53 on the ballot.
If you don’t like the sheriff, the law already gives you two options: recall or vote them out when the term ends. Both keep the decision with voters, where it belongs.
Vote NO on Amendment 53 and protect your right to choose your sheriff.
Q: Pierce County removed Purdy from the Gig Harbor urban growth boundary area in late 2024. The Growth Management Hearing Board later ruled that the removal was a mistake. Do you think Purdy belongs as part of Gig Harbor’s Urban Growth Boundary?
Solan
Yes. Purdy belongs in Gig Harbor’s Urban Growth Area, and the Growth Management Hearing Board was right to call its removal a mistake. Purdy is already built at urban density. The county can’t relabel it rural without first analyzing whether it has rural character, and it never did that work. That’s why the Board found the county’s action “clearly erroneous.”
The county relied partly on the City of Gig Harbor’s support to justify removing Purdy. That support came in a November 14, 2024, letter signed by my opponent, Brenda Lykins, as Mayor Pro Tem. The Board found her letter “inaccurately said” the city’s own consultant report supported removal. In fact, the report recommended keeping Purdy in. Purdy needs sewer, and staying in the Urban Growth Area is how it gets there. In Gig Harbor, Purdy and the Key Peninsula, growth should come with infrastructure first and predictable permitting, not density first and services later. On the County Council, I’ll insist the county show its work and get its facts right.
Lykins
Purdy is a unique community, and I believe its future should be guided by sound planning, infrastructure capacity, environmental protection, and meaningful community input.
The Growth Management Hearing Board’s ruling regarding the county’s effort to remove Purdy from the Gig Harbor Urban Growth Area (UGA), along with the recent legal settlement between the County and Rush Company, adds important context to this discussion. Under the settlement, Rush can pursue a smaller development of one home per acre on its 18-acre property using septic systems rather than connecting to Gig Harbor’s sewer system. The settlement provides a path forward, but several approval steps remain before any project is built.
To me, this underscores the need for a thoughtful, long-term land-use designation for Purdy rather than making decisions property by property. Purdy has schools, businesses, transportation infrastructure, and existing residential development, but there are also legitimate concerns about fire protection, sewer and water capacity, traffic, and environmentally sensitive areas such as Burley Lagoon.
Following the county’s October 2025 appeal, staff analysis characterized the area as a “Rural Activity Center,” allowing one residential unit per acre. In May 2026, the county council expanded that designation beyond the settlement area to include Peninsula High School, Purdy Elementary, existing small-lot homes, and some commercial development.
Before determining whether Purdy should remain or be included in the Gig Harbor UGA, I would first want a clear understanding of whether this expanded Rural Activity Center designation is appropriate as a long-term plan. Land-use decisions can have lasting impacts, and they deserve careful, transparent analysis.
I would consider supporting Purdy’s inclusion in the UGA only if a comprehensive analysis demonstrates that it is the most appropriate long-term designation. UGA status does not mean unrestricted development, however. Any growth must be matched with adequate infrastructure, responsible transportation planning, public-safety capacity, and strong protections for critical areas and habitat.
Most importantly, the county should work collaboratively with the City of Gig Harbor, Peninsula School District, residents, property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders to develop a consistent and comprehensive vision for Purdy’s future.
Q:What are the top transportation projects for the Gig Harbor/ Key Peninsula area and how would you complete them as a county council member?
Lykins
District 7’s transportation priorities should focus on safety, reliability, connectivity, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars across unincorporated Gig Harbor, Fox Island, and the Key Peninsula.
First, we need to address the Fox Island Bridge, including a long-term replacement plan while maintaining the safety of the existing bridge. It is the critical connection between Fox Island and the Gig Harbor Peninsula. Pierce County is studying replacement options that consider seismic and climate resilience, environmental impacts, and multimodal access. As a councilmember, I would keep this project moving through design and environmental review while pursuing state and federal funding. Fox Island residents have consistently told me they want the least expensive solution that provides a safe, durable, and dependable bridge for generations. That principle would guide my decision-making, along with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and meaningful community input.
Second, I would prioritize completion of the Lackey/Jackson Lake Road/Key Peninsula Highway roundabout and continue targeted safety improvements along the Key Peninsula Highway, including the 134th Avenue intersection and other areas where speed and pedestrian safety are concerns. This includes considering work on emergency egress on the Key Peninsula n the event of wildfire or road blockages from events such as downed trees or power poles.
Third, we should expand transportation options. The Peninsula Transit Pilot is an important first step in connecting Key Peninsula residents with Gig Harbor and regional transportation. I would use the pilot’s data and community feedback to evaluate sustainable long-term service. In addition, I would also explore opportunities to expand and connect our local trail system through regional partnerships to provide multimodal options to move through the area.
Finally, transportation improvements require strong partnerships. I would work closely with the City of Gig Harbor, WSDOT, transit agencies, neighboring counties, and state and federal representatives to improve coordination and pursue every available funding opportunity. I am committed to finding practical affordable solutions that build broad coalitions and ensure that communities and local governments have the resources needed to keep projects moving forward.
My goal is to ensure District 7 receives its fair share of transportation investment while protecting taxpayers, the environment, and the rural character of our unincorporated communities.
Solan
Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula need infrastructure before rooftops. On the County Council, I’ll be straight about who owns what and push hard on both.
County roads: The Lackey and Jackson Lake roundabout is on track for summer 2027. I’ll defend that timeline and push to fund the Key Peninsula Highway connectors that still have no money behind them.
State roads: SR 302 and the Purdy Bridge are the backbone of the Key Peninsula, and they belong to the State. I want a written answer from the State on three things:
- Will the bridge be rehabbed or replaced?
- What is the earliest year it can be funded?
- What are the risks while we wait?
I’ll also press Olympia to fund state Route 16 improvements to relieve congestion.
The free Peninsula Transit shuttle runs through 2027, with a stop at then Longbranch Fire Station. The pilot started with about $575,000 in county and state funding. I’ve ridden the Red Line myself, and a driver told me it averages about six riders over a twelve-hour day. I’d support making the shuttle permanent if the ridership is there, the cost is clear, and residents want it.
Bringing Pierce Transit to the Key Peninsula would take a vote of the people, and that’s the right call. Every dollar should follow the data and what residents want.