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Jim Merritt
Residence: Tacoma
Contact: 253-272-2406
E-mail: merrittformayor@gmail.com
Website: www.merrittformayor.com
Occupation: Architect

Experience: Sounder Train -Dome District Association (2006 to present) Hillside Development Council -Market Street Closure (2005 to present) Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (1998-2000) Tacoma Rescue Mission (1998-2001) Cable-Stay SR 509 Bridge concept designer (1991-1992) Conflict Resolution -Riga, Latvia and Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia (1991) Coaching high school basketball (2000-2007) "Reading to Kids" (2008-2009) University of Washington Tacoma Site Identification (1992) I-705 Redesign (1979) Jim's resume and extensive list of activities is available online: www.merrittformayor.com

Education: Bachelor of Architecture, University of Washington, College of Architecture & Urban Planning, 1970 School Medal, 1970 (First in Class) Magna Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa Charles Winthrop Lea III Scholarship National Endowment of the Arts National Study Scholarship

What do you see as the three top issues facing Tacoma?
Jobs: keeping the jobs we have and attracting/creating the jobs we need. Potholes/Infrastructure:finding a superior fill material. The city has spent millions on inferior road repair. Improving quality of life: safety, education, and neighborhoods. Tacoma has the highest crime rate in the state. Gang activity is increasing. As Mayor, I will lead a transformation to address and begin solving these problems.

Do you support the city's proposed $180 million streets and sidewalks measure? Why or why not?
No, I do not support the measure at this time. The city does not have a clear implementation strategy or an ongoing maintenance plan. We need to convene a grassroots dialogue with all neighborhoods to define the extent of the problems and gather ideas for solutions. This is not the time to tax families with already stretched budgets. Upgrade of utilities must be included with road repairs. Focus our existing budget on pothole repairs.

What more, if anything, does the city need to do to attract and retain employers?
Tacoma must work towards a more equitable tax system, an educated and trained work force, and an upgraded infrastructure of roads and utilities. We must become a city known for its customer service orientation. I will work to have our current businesses become our ambassadors for incoming and new employers. Presently, we are known as code enforcers more than helpers. A "user friendly" business environment will lead to renewed growth in family wage jobs.

Personal Statement:
My family has been in the Tacoma area for over 100 years. I am married with three children. I have been passionately involved with Tacoma's revitalization through my business and civic contributions for 30 years. One example was my role in the Union Station restoration project. I brought parties together and guided the discussions of the group to a consensus solution. I will put this experience and collaborative spirit to work as your Mayor.

Marilyn Strickland
Residence: Tacoma
Contact: 253.396.0265
E-mail: StricklandforMayor@gmail.com
Website: www.StricklandforMayor.com
Occupation: City Council Member

Experience: Elected to Tacoma City Council in 2007: Vice-Chair of Public Safety, Human Services & Education Committee; Government Performance and Finance Committee; Pierce County Regional Council; Board of Directors, Safe Streets. Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, 1998-present; Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees, 1998-1999; Board of Directors, The Grand Cinema, 2004-2007; YWCA Project Empower and Employ, 2006-Present; Boys and Girls Clubs, Regional Planning Committee, 2007-2008; Chamber of Commerce Creative Cities Leadership Project, 2007.

Education: Mt. Tahoma High School, 1980; bachelor's degree, sociology, University of Washington, 1984; master's degree, business administration, Clark-Atlanta University, 1990.

What do you see as the three top issues facing Tacoma?
1. Economic Development -- job retention and creation. 2. Education -- more students must graduate from high school prepared to enter the work force or go to college. 3. Growth -- Tacoma's population is expected to grow by 50% in the next 30 years. Our transportation system, infrastructure, neighborhoods and business districts require thoughtful planning to absorb this growth. All of these issues affect the quality of life in our city.

Do you support the city's proposed $180 million streets and sidewalks measure? Why or why not?
A tax increase during the current economic climate is a bad idea. The proposed plan to repair our residential and arterial streets is a good start to set priorities, ensure neighborhood equity and explore funding options. The current condition of our streets represents decades of wear and inconsistent maintenance. Residents must be confident that street repair funds will be spent efficiently and as promised. It is city government's job to ensure this is the case.

What more, if anything, does the city need to do to attract and retain employers?
Tacoma must make economic development a priority. We cannot control the national economy, but we can support local businesses of all sizes now. We have the opportunity to capitalize on our assets and strategically pursue high growth sectors of the future -- traditional and allied health care, clean energy, technology and the creative arts. Improving educational outcomes and diversifying our economic base will help attract private investment and make Tacoma a competitive employment center.

Personal Statement:
It's time to start a new chapter in Tacoma's renaissance. We need a qualified, experienced, forward-thinking leader who can connect with people from all walks of life. As your mayor I will work hard to keep and create jobs, attract private investment, make education a priority, ensure that all our neighborhoods get the services they need, protect our assets, and stand up for our children and senior citizens. Thank you for your consideration.