Key Peninsula Metropolitan Park District .................................................................................. 84

John “Pat” Kelly

(253) 432-4256 johnpkelly2014@gmail.com

Elected Experience: Commissioner, Key Peninsula Metropolitan Parks District, 2013-2019; Chair, 26th Legislative District Democrats, 2016-2018

Other Professional Experience: Wedding officiant, Universal Life Church, ordained 2020; First Responder, glazing remediation following Hurricane Ike, Houston, TX, 2008-2010; Sales, administration; material handling industry, 1989-2008

Education: University of Washington, Seattle, Bachelor of Arts 1985; Microsoft Office Suite advanced training, Washington Employers Trust, Seattle, 1992-1994; Blueprint Reading for Metal Trades, South Seattle Community College, 1992; Mt. Rainier High School, Des Moines, WA, 1979

Community Service: Washington State Licensed Foster Parent; KP Parks volunteer; Lions Club, 2017-present; White Cane Days fundraiser, 2018-present; Moderator, KP Democrats Discussion Group, 2016-present; Peace Lutheran Church Meals Program, 2000

Statement: My vision for the Key Pen Parks is to deliver the best multi-generational health, fitness and recreational opportunities for the citizens of the district and our visitors. I recognize that trails provide the most popular recreation and exercise opportunities, and support equal access to trails.

I will call for a steering committee of park users, to include parents of young children and senior citizens, to review and evaluate our current programs and develop new programs that best suit our community.

I will propose a program to fight illegal dumping in KP Parks. Dumping costs the parks district thousands of dollars each year in refuse fees and man-hours, and has caused the closure of public facilities and parking areas. A “Don’t Dump on KP Parks” initiative could install cameras and create a community-wide lookout for dumpers. Dumpers could be prosecuted, and their names and likenesses published in an ad in the KP News.

Accomplishments during my previous term include Gateway Park, specifically support for the Splash Pad. I spoke up for dog owners until the off-leash park was finally built. I requested the highway sign for Maple Hollow, and will do the same for Taylor Bay and Rocky Creek.

Rosie Ayala

rosie.mptboard@gmail.com facebook.com/rosie4parks

Elected Experience: No Information Submitted

Other Professional Experience: Associate Director of Collective Action at Foundation for Tacoma Students. There, I also manage the Tacoma College Support Network (TCSN), one of several networks part of the Graduate Tacoma movement. As Associate Director, I’m involved in strategic thinking and process alignment to meet collective goals. I am a long-time education and career access professional, having worked for nationally recognized service programs such as TRiO as well as supported students transitioning out of their education into a career path.

Education: Masters of Arts--Systemic Organizational Leadership & Design; Bachelor of Arts--Sociology/Anthropology

Community Service: Chair, Tacoma Arts Commission; Vaccine Clinic, outreach and coordination support (RAIN Incubator)

Statement: As a professional with a history in education access, I’ve been tasked with building the container and setting the conditions that will allow youth to thrive in their academic and social development. Parks and recreation services are flagship components of the work, but they’re also flagship components for all people as we use park land and services for our physical and mental health, community building and galvanizing, as well as personal celebrations and meet-ups.

The impact of the pandemic on Parks has given me pause to imagine a Tacoma where a critical mass of organizations work together to serve those living in this town. I would love to use my formal training as a systems thinker, data driven decision maker, and connecter and convener to support the rebuilding and transition out of pandemic conditions. This requires a vision focused on equity, continuous improvement, and investment in our community. Working together for authentic collaboration and partnership will open fiscal opportunities that can support Parks to build stronger moving forward.

I am asking for your support and your vote for Parks Board of Commissioners, Position 3 to make all of this happen.

Carolyn Edmonds

carolyn.edmonds.MetroParks@gmail.com

Elected Experience: WA State House of Representatives; King County Council; District 2 Representative on the 2016 Pierce County Charter Review Commission

Other Professional Experience: Realtor, Windermere Professional Partners; Senior Fitness Instructor; management positions in large and small corporations and non-profit organizations. Consultant for micro-business development to combat poverty; Assistant Director of statewide, volunteer based, program of advocacy for residents of long term care settings.

Education: Masters of Public Administration, University of Washington; Bachelor of Science Business Administration, San Jose State University.

Community Service: City of Tacoma Planning Commission; Council Secretary, Tacoma Mountaineers; Past Co-Chair, NE Tacoma Neighborhood Council; Volunteer, City of Tacoma Police Dept.

Statement: Our city is very fortunate to be a community with a nationally recognized Parks and Recreation District. Like so many, Metro Parks Tacoma did not escape impacts from the pandemic. Significant loss of revenue and experienced staff is only the beginning of its challenges.

Carolyn, the experienced leader the Board of Commissioners needs to navigate through this situation, fully understands how important it is to maintain our parks and provide recreation programs for all residents, without raising taxes.

Carolyn knows our community. Working as a Realtor, she has been to every neighborhood and realizes the importance of local parks. Teaching Senior Fitness Classes, she is an advocate for safe places to exercise at every age. Serving on the City of Tacoma Planning Commission, Carolyn comprehends land use and City regulations.

Carolyn’s priorities include clear, regular communication with residents; transparency in how tax dollars are spent; and listening and responding to the diverse voices of our community. Living outside North Tacoma, her voice will give Metro Parks balanced geographic representation.