Community Government
Pierce County Charter Review 3 | Charter commission veteran vs. former legislator
A former state representative is attempting to thwart a public service attorney’s return to the Pierce County Charter Review Commission.
The board is elected every 10 years to propose amendments to the county’s governing document. Martha Lantz served the last time it met, in 2016.
Lantz received 40.2% of the vote in this year’s August primary election for District 7’s No. 3 position. Jesse Young, who served in the House of Representatives from 2014 to 2023, also advanced to the Nov. 4 general election with 33.1% of the vote in the four-way race.
Charter reviewed every decade
The charter was established by citizens in 1980 as Pierce County’s governing document. It defines roles of the county executive, county council and other elected officials; outlines the county’s authority, including budgeting and law-making; establishes election procedures, including term length; and provides for public participation and transparency.
Every 10 years, a 21-person charter review commission comprising three members from each of the county’s seven geographic districts is elected to evaluate the document and propose amendments. After considering public input, the board votes on each change. A majority is required for approval.
Approved amendments are submitted to the Pierce County Council, which places them on the ballot for a public vote. They become enacted by a simple majority.
In 2016, the commission proposed four amendments and the county council added a fifth. Voters passed three, including Lantz’s proffer to ban dual office-holding, which was approved by 83% of voters. The others added more time for reviewing referendum ballot titles and raised the dollar amount for competitive bidding on county construction projects. Failing were efforts to reduce the number of signatures for referendums and initiatives.
Martha Lantz
Lantz boasts long career as public service attorney
Lantz, 61, has worked as deputy attorney for the city of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities for 16 years. She previously served as a judicial clerk in the state Court of Appeals and as state assistant attorney general.
She was a member of the first Gig Harbor High School graduating class, in 1981. She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Scripps College and a law degree from Boston College.
Lantz’s father, John, helped draft the first county charter as a freeholder. Her mother, Pat, served six terms in the state House of Representatives.
Besides serving as vice chair on the county’s last charter review commission, Lantz has twice advised the city of Tacoma’s charter review boards. She’s familiar with what the charter contains and understands what a commissioners job is and isn’t, she said.
Would hit the ground running
“I would be able to lead our group in trying to quickly agree on a process and not taking many meetings to try to organize ourselves,” she said in an interview. She wouldn’t promote her own opinions but heed the community’s concerns and “advance the issues that emerged in our review as clearly as possible for voter consideration.”
Lantz advanced the amendment to prohibit dual office-holding a decade ago because the charter wasn’t clear about it. “It just seemed like a good government thing to clearly state what the parameters and expectations were,” she said. “It really resonated with a lot of folks that this was a good idea.”
Other issues the commission should review are whether the charter still reflects how the county does business and if it’s consistent with state law, she said.
Lantz said the direction her career has taken translates well to the review process.
“I’m very confident in my ability to analyze, research and discuss,” she said. “If I do have a personal opinion, I don’t lead with that. I’m very confident in my ability to see the bigger picture. My experience has given me the right kind of lens for this type of work.”
Young served in state House 2014 to 2022
Young, 49, was appointed to fill a vacant House seat in 2014. Voters elected the Republican to the position four more times. He gave up the seat to run for state Senate in 2022, where he lost to Emily Randall.
Jesse Young
Young, who earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of Notre Dame, works as a software engineer, consulting major corporations. He views the charter review commission as an opportunity to draw from two Pierce County perspectives.
Young was raised by a single mother, bouncing from home to home and sometimes homeless in Tacoma, he said in an interview. He persevered, became the valedictorian at Wilson (now Silas) High School, attended college and forged a good career and life in Gig Harbor.
Can relate to both sides
“I feel as if I have an intimacy with both parts,” he said. “There’s something appealing about that. I have an affinity for that rural (Gig Harbor) part, but I’ve never forgotten where my roots are in Tacoma.”
Young believes he has a unique experience and skill set for the commission, and the time. He has cut back from work to spend more time with family, particularly to get kids into and through college. One has graduated, three are enrolled and another is a high school senior. A 6-year-old still has a way to go.
“Fortunately I did well in my early career,” he said. “I have some free time to focus on (the commission) and my kids.”
Among Young’s top legislative achievements was leading a group that froze Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll increases. They convinced the state to lend funds to keep up with escalating bond costs that will tolls will pay back after the bonds are satisfied.
His access to staff was restricted in 2017 after former campaign and legislative staff members accused him of berating them. And in 2020, some Black Lives Matter demonstrators accused Young of accompanying armed counter-protesters to an event in Gig Harbor. Young told the Peninsula Gateway at the time that while he knew some of the counter-protesters, he was not there with them and in fact attended to “support the call for justice and peaceful protest.”
Experience transfers to commission
Young believes his experience transfers well to the commission.
“If chosen, I will lead this charter process to make it the most transparent and publicly accountable review ever conducted,” he wrote for the voters’ pamphlet. “Our communities and families will be prioritized above politics and special interests as I will combine my public policy and industry experience with a tireless work ethic to make sure our county is well-positioned to secure prosperity and options for us all.”
Young has raised $22,000 in contributions through Oct. 11, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Lantz does not have to file contribution reports because she opted for mini-reporting in which she can’t raise and spend more than $7,000 and must commit to receive no more than $500 from any one contributor.
Question & answer
Gig Harbor Now asked both candidates for written responses to five questions regarding the charter review board. Their responses are printed verbatim below:
1. What specific changes or updates do you believe are most needed for the Pierce County Charter, and what evidence or public input supports your view?
Martha Lantz
I approach this work with an open mind, without committing to any specific changes or updates. The Pierce County Charter lays out fundamental directives such as form of government, separation of powers, which officials are elected and which are appointed, term limits and the number of Council members, to list a few. The Charter also dictates elements of the day-to-day functioning of Pierce County government such as bidding, contracting, hiring of personnel and times and places of Council meetings.
I have heard community questions and concerns about whether we want an elected or appointed Sheriff, and about the size of the Council and the powers and duties of the elected officials. I am confident that these topics will be of interest to the Charter Commission and look forward to exploring them. The Charter review is also helpful to identify processes or requirements that may have become outdated or are too inflexible to support an efficient and responsive County government.
My job will be to hear from community members, County employees and elected officials as to what we want and need in our Charter and whether updates or changes, large or small should be advanced to the voters.
Jesse Young
I believe that approaching this responsibility as a representative of the citizens, rather than as a representative of a city government, a political faction, or another special interest, is essential to preserving the integrity of this process. The Charter Review Commission was created as a citizens’ review of the county charter. To come into this role with a narrow agenda would undermine the very purpose of the commission.
That said, one issue I believe deserves consideration is the matter of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls. For more than two decades, the taxpayers of the Seventh Council District have carried the disproportionate financial burden of paying off the bridge. Yet the benefits of this infrastructure have extended to the entire region. Once the debt is paid, it is only fair and equitable that the tolls be removed. If the state cannot accomplish this on its own, Pierce County should be empowered through the charter to step in and ensure it happens. This would reflect a commitment to fairness, shared responsibility, and respect for the sacrifices our local communities have already made.
2. How will you ensure your personal or political views don’t override the bipartisan process of reviewing the charter?
Young
The Charter Review process has a unique opportunity to show our community — and the entire state — that we can rise above partisanship and work together for the common good. To achieve this, I believe we must commit to running the most transparent, citizen-centered process in Pierce County’s history.
That means holding more citizen engagement meetings than any previous review, and more importantly, meeting people where they are. Rather than merely asking people to come to us on our schedule, we should go to them—whether in senior centers, local community organizations, or churches. By formally prioritizing these outreach efforts, we demonstrate respect for citizens’ time and lived experiences.
My own legislative record reflects this commitment. While serving in the Washington State House of Representatives, I earned the most bipartisan voting record in the chamber by choosing to listen first and to put citizens ahead of partisan interests and attacks that are prevalent in today’s political climate — on both sides. I intend to bring a servant-leader approach to the Charter Review Commission: listening twice as much as I speak, and ensuring that citizens’ voices — not political agendas — shape our work.
Lantz
My career has been in public service, as legal advisor to state and local government officials, boards, and commissions. My job is to provide objective research, analysis, and conclusions, formed by facts and data, regardless of my personal views or opinions. I will bring that impartiality to the charter review process. I listen carefully, ask questions, and seek to understand different perspectives. I am not afraid to change my mind. Good ideas can come from many places, and I fully commit to seeking and receiving input from the widest possible variety of sources.
3.What experience do you bring that will help the commission evaluate complex issues and build consensus among its 21 members?
Lantz
I served as vice chair of the 2016 Pierce County Charter Review Commission and in leadership roles on other boards and committees, projects and efforts, both professionally and as a community volunteer. In these roles I worked to achieve consensus among the members of the group by making sure we agreed early on a common set of rules or guiding principles for our work, including plans for seeking and receiving information and opinions from experts beyond our own group.
A clear process to receive and document varied points of view helps ensure confidence and support in a result. I look forward to learning from the diverse community members who will make up the 2026 Charter Commission and will respect and honor their input.
Young
I bring more than a decade of experience as a state legislator, where I gained deep knowledge of how budgets are crafted and how funding flows from the federal and state levels down to counties and municipalities. This expertise will be critical in helping Pierce County secure its fair share of resources. Too often, larger counties like King County leverage their lobbying power to claim a disproportionate amount of state and federal dollars. My background in budget writing will help ensure Pierce County has the tools it needs to compete effectively for funding that supports our roads, housing, social services, and programs addressing homelessness.
Additionally, my experience with parliamentary procedure, legislative processes, and team-based governance will allow me to contribute immediately to the commission’s work. I understand how to navigate complex discussions, build consensus, and keep the group focused on results.
Recognizing that many commissioners will be entering this process without prior experience, I am also willing to serve as chair to help set an agenda, manage timelines, and keep the work on track. My legislative background has prepared me to meet deadlines and deliver results on time and under budget. Applying that discipline here will enable us to serve citizens effectively and maintain their trust in the process.
4. What is your strategy for completing a review of the entire charter and proposing meaningful amendments within the 6-month timeframe?
Young
The key to meeting the six-month deadline is efficiency and preparation. Drawing on my legislative experience, I would move quickly to establish a working calendar, structure the commission’s priorities, and ensure that we are forward-facing from day one.
Another essential element of my strategy is partnering with local media. Just as community groups and citizens provide valuable feedback, our local press corps offers a unique perspective on the pulse of Pierce County. I think they too should be engaged as “voice worthy” participants in the process, not just “observers.” By engaging editorial boards and local reporters, among other community groups, in a formal and structured way, we can amplify our outreach, share accurate information broadly, and bring new voices into the process.
This dual approach — disciplined scheduling combined with innovative outreach — will allow us to complete a full, substantive review of the charter within the required timeframe. Bringing this together will require committed leadership, yet I am certain the outcome will reflect greater wisdom, clarity, and purpose. It will also assure a more balanced and trusted product.
Lantz
At the outset, the Commission will need to adopt a meeting calendar to identify the deadline for advancing amendments to the voters and to work backwards from there for timely completion. It will be essential to quickly adopt a process to prioritize key items and issues. Strategies for review of the Charter include grouping topics of interest into broad categories and working through the Charter from beginning to end. It will also be important for the Commission to responsibly and appropriately use available staff, assistance, and other resources so that the Commission’s time is spent on substantive review.
5. How do you plan to engage and educate the public about proposed charter amendments and solicit feedback before they’re placed on the ballot?
Lantz
Transparency, public trust, and accountability are key to the Commission’s success. The Commission will need to agree upon a communication strategy and plan to identify avenues of outreach for public participation. The Commission should hold meetings in each of the seven Council Districts, with other, regular, meetings in a centrally located, accessible public facility. All meetings should be in hybrid format for maximum flexibility and options for community members wishing to participate. As the proposals take shape, it is important that they are drafted simply and clearly so that the public understands what is being considered to advance for a vote.
Young
Public engagement will be the cornerstone of this process. As I mentioned earlier, we must hold more citizen meetings than any prior charter review — not just one or two more, but an ambitious schedule that covers all seven council districts. Each community should have multiple opportunities to participate.
Beyond town halls, I am committed to a “meet citizens where they are” strategy: reaching out directly to senior centers, churches, civic organizations, and industry groups. Partnering with local media, as I discussed in response to Question 4, will further expand our ability to educate and inform citizens.
I am personally committed to dedicating the time required to make this happen. From the moment I chose to run, I resolved to devote myself fully to this responsibility — even if it means attending meetings every night to ensure citizens’ voices are heard. While not every commissioner may be able to commit to that level of involvement, I am prepared to fill in the gaps as chair so that the commission as a whole remains accessible and accountable.
Ultimately, my goal is that citizens will look back on this process and say: This was the most transparent charter review in Pierce County’s history. We were heard, respected, and represented.