Elections Database
Gig Harbor council position 3« Go back
Ken Asplund
Residence: Gig Harbor
Contact: 253-222-6090
E-mail: kenasplund@rocketmail.com
Website: kenasplund.com
Occupation: Estimator/Project Manager

Experience:

Education: Peninsula High School 1978

What do you see as the three top issues facing Gig Harbor?
1.With the economic downturn, the budget shortfall is a current problem,and will continue until the economy recovers. 2.With more and more people moving to this area infrastructure issues such as traffic will continue to be an issue. 3.Preserving the historic downtown area will always be an issue.

What measures would you support to keep your city living within its means?
I believe running a lean city government is what we need to do now, and continue to do even after the economy recovers.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I was born and raised in Gig Harbor, and my family has been here for 70 years. I believe that with my knowledge of the Harbor and my vision for the future of the area, I will bring a fresh perspective to Council Position #3. It's time for a change. My real life know how and understanding of the community exceeds the incumbents.

Personal Statement:
When I was a child and a young adult I took Gig Harbor for granted, it was just "home". After living in Tacoma for 10 years and moving back here I was struck by how beautiful a place it really is. I would be honored to have your vote so I can be part of decision making process for the future of this wonderful gem we ALL call home

Derek Young
Residence: Gig Harbor
Contact: (253) 225-5878
E-mail: derekmyoung@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.derekmyoung.com
Occupation: Web Design

Experience: Gig Harbor City Council 1/98-present Pierce County Regional Council 1/2005-present Chair, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee 1/2003-present Community Organizer/Team Coordinator, Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Stand for Children 7/2008-present

Education: Gig Harbor High School 9/90-6/94 University of Washington 9/94-6/97

What do you see as the three top issues facing Gig Harbor?
1) Finances - We must find a way to close a large deficit without harming too severely services this community values. 2) Transportation - Despite the financial crisis, we must still plan for large transportation improvements like the Borgen interchange and 38th Street. Continuing to find those solutions is essential. 3) Land Use - Growing with grace is always a struggle and in Gig Harbor it has meant tough choices over the years.

What measures would you support to keep your city living within its means?
Already we have made steep cuts to operating and capital expenses delaying much needed projects and laying off employees. More needs to be done unfortunately. We'll have to look for positions that are no longer required to serve the city to cut. Mandatory work furloughs or wage reductions must be negotiated with the employee guilds, and we must work with citizens to determine which services are the most important and prioritize accordingly.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I don't know that I'm the best candidate for this or any office, however I have decided to run again because of the financial crisis our city finds itself in. I felt that my 12 years of experience as a leader on the Council and depth of knowledge on the budget would be an asset to the City and that someone new would have a hard time learning quickly enough to help solve this crisis.

Personal Statement:
Thank you for your support in the past. It has been a privilege to serve Gig Harbor for the past 12 years. I had not planned to run for another term until last fall's credit crisis brought the national economy to its knees. It has meant difficult choices for our city. If you believe my experience and leadership would be beneficial to Gig Harbor still, I would be honored by your vote.