Puyallup - Council District 1, Position No. 2
Jim Kastama
Joshua Harem
(253) 820-0861 electjimkastama@gmail.com
(253) 565-7142 joshua@electjoshuaharem.com www.electjoshuaharem.wordpress.com
Elected Experience: Current Puyallup City Council Member, State Senator (2000-2012) and State Representative (1996-2000).
Elected Experience: 2016 Precinct Committee Officer. It would be an honor to serve you on the Puyallup City Council.
Other Professional Experience: Chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee and of the Government Operations and Election Committee; former member of our state’s Economic Development Commission; and former Examiner for the Washington State Quality Awards. Currently a business consultant.
Other Professional Experience: US Air Force Veteran; Current IT Software Developer; Former IT at Zillow and Milgard Manufacturing; Former Regional Building Automation HVAC Developer
Education: Graduate of Puyallup High School (1978), attended Claremont McKenna College and graduated from the University of California (1983). Community Service: Past President of the Puyallup Library Foundation, Past Advisor for the UW Tacoma School of Engineering and Technology, Volunteer Ski Patrol at Crystal Mountain and former Board Member for first Washington robotics program. Statement: Thank you for letting me serve you for the last four years. During this time, Puyallup added ten new police officers, completely restructured our Planning and Permit Department, began major redevelopment in our Downtown core, added new ball fields for youth sports, and hired a new City Manager who is committed to bringing world-class standards to our city. My vision for Puyallup is a safe community that creates a supportive, healthy environment for thriving families -- with access to world-class schools, employment opportunities, recreation and libraries. I will continue to advocate for safe neighborhoods, where children are free to walk to school and play in our parks without a threat of harm. I am proud to be endorsed by the Puyallup Police Association and am grateful for our officers’ commitment to this community. As Puyallup continues to grow, it is important that we work together to create a city where everyone can thrive and flourish. Puyallup has world-class research scientists, hard-working business entrepreneurs, excellent healthcare resources, and strong, welcoming neighborhoods built on generations of families. With the right leadership, the possibilities are endless. I love Puyallup and am dedicated to meeting this challenge.
Education: B.S., Information Technology, Western Governors University; Gig Harbor High School Class of 2003 Community Service: Former Maplewood Elementary PTA Member, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer, USAF Squadron Booster Club Member Statement: After growing up in Pierce County and serving in the Air Force, my wife and I were struck by the charm of Puyallup and wanted to raise our daughter here. We love our neighborhood. I’ve felt an increasing call to help Puyallup move forward in sustainable and successful directions. Our district has diverse neighborhoods, but many people feel invisible and without voice. I support a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission to reflect on concerns from citizens and inspire community educational events, resulting in a welcoming atmosphere that fosters new business activity in town. Fiscal responsibility is paramount. I won’t waste city resources on continued adversarial relationships with homeless service providers. Council must work with community stakeholders to build relationships and facilitate providers so our district isn’t the only area doing its part. Resources can then focus on housing, resulting in a reduction in homelessness. We need to launch crime prevention initiatives, complete unfinished sidewalks, and install lighted crosswalks across neighborhood arterials. We need to expedite trails to the Rec Center, proceed with the Library Board’s recommended Teen Center, and save parking for the Senior Center. New leadership is needed to move these projects forward. Your vote is key. Thank you!
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