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Joe Lonergan
Residence: Tacoma
Contact: 253-473-1640
E-mail: Joe@JoeLonergan.com
Website: www.JoeLonergan.com
Occupation: Account Executive

Experience: South End Neighborhood Council board member: 2003-Present Blueberry Park Volunteers: 2004-Present Wapato Park Citizens Steering Committee: 2008-Present Tacoma Police Substation Artist selection committee: 2006 Salvation Army volunteer: 1992-1999

Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration with majors in General Management and Marketing and a minor in Communications, Eastern Washington University, 1999

What do you see as the three top issues facing Tacoma?
I had an idea about what things were important in the South End and the city as a whole, but I wanted to hear what the people thought. To that end, I developed a simple survey so everyone had a chance to be heard. While responses are diverse, the common threads are crime reduction, street conditions and jobs/business. There is also an enormous need for a grocery store in the southwest section of Tacoma.

Do you support the city's proposed $180 million streets and sidewalks measure? Why or why not?
I do not favor this measure. There is no denying the need for street improvements, but this measure is a bad idea for a couple reasons. First, many people are scrambling to cut costs, worried about jobs or foreclosure. The idea of asking them to increase their taxes is silly. Secondly, we haven't shown a good-faith effort on streets. We need to use the money we are already collecting before we go asking for more.

What more, if anything, does the city need to do to attract and retain employers?
We need to take care of the basic responsibilities of the city first - things such as streets, and clean, safe and attractive neighborhoods. An employer needs to be confident they can attract qualified and contented employees which means we need good and diverse educational opportunities and a safe and attractive community for employees. As to retention, we need to be proactively communicative and responsive to the needs of our local businesses big and small.

Personal Statement:
I love Tacoma and its people. That is why I chose to buy my home and to raise our family here. I want nothing more than to serve my community by making sure that the concerns of the people are heard and reflected in our policies. By listening and responding, we can build on the progress we are finally making on street conditions and in our neighborhoods.

Beckie Summers Kirby
Residence: Tacoma
E-mail: becitha@harbornet.com
Website: www.beckieforcouncil.com
Occupation: Consultant

Experience: Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees, 1998-2008; Pierce County Charter Review Commission 2006-2007; Tacoma Civil Service Board 1991-1995; City of Destiny Awards Program Certificate of Appreciation 1995; Tacoma Human Rights commission 1987-1994; Pierce County Community Action Advisory Board 1991-1995; Pierce County Domestic Violence Task Force Steering Committee 1993; Co-Chair, Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment Conference Committee 1993; Pierce County Volunteer Award 1990; Soroptimist Club of Tacoma -- Women Helping Women Award 1989

Education: Bachelors Degree in Politics and Government, University of Puget Sound 1989; Associate Degree in Arts and Science, Tacoma Community College 1984; Recipient of the Tacoma Community College "Outstanding Student of the Year" Award, 1984; Graduate, Stadium High School 1975

What do you see as the three top issues facing Tacoma?
The city's priorities should include more basic neighborhood services. Our streets are falling apart, prostitution and gang activity are increasing, and we need to direct more of our resources into making our neighborhoods safe and livable. My background and experience will allow me to begin changing the city's priorities right away. I know all the players without a program, but I'm not invested in the policies of the recent past that haven't worked.

Do you support the city's proposed $180 million streets and sidewalks measure? Why or why not?
No. This proposal illuminates the City Council's disconnect with the real world. A tax increase won't pass right now because people can't afford it, and because there is a serious lack of trust that the revenue generated will actually be used to fix the streets. Additionally, the city must address the concerns of the thousands of citizens who already paid for their streets, only to have the city neglect them, causing them to deteriorate.

What more, if anything, does the city need to do to attract and retain employers?
I believe economic opportunity grows in a climate that's friendly to both business and neighborhoods. We don't have to choose between the two as I believe city councils have in the past. If we want to attract the best businesses to Tacoma, we need to get our priorities straight and make every neighborhood in Tacoma safe and livable, and examine our tax structure and zoning codes to ensure they are fair for everyone.

Personal Statement:
After twenty-three years serving on various boards and commissions, I've built a reputation as someone who never backed away from a challenge or forgot where I came from. Now I'd like to take my experience to the City Council to fight for safe neighborhoods and schools, to stop the neglect of our streets, sidewalks and neighborhood parks, and to create an economy that provides family wage jobs and is responsive to business and neighborhoods alike.