Community Government

Three vying for PenMet commissioner seat

One seat on the five-member PenMet Board of Commissioners will go before voters in the Aug. 1 primary election.

Four candidates registered during the May 15-19 filing period to run for Position 5 held by Amanda Babich, who isn’t seeking re-election. Christine A. Bromell of Fox Island withdrew her name ahead of the May 22 deadline. Those remaining are Madelyn Hunter and Steven Nielson, both of Gig Harbor, and Billy Sehmel of Fox Island. Parks commissioners serve six-year terms.

Two advance to Nov. 7 general election

The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.

Primary ballots will be mailed on July 14. They must be returned by 8 p.m. on Aug. 1. The local voters’ pamphlet was sent on July 7. It, along with a voters’ guide, sample ballot and other information, can be viewed on the Pierce County Elections website.

PenMet operates parks outside Gig Harbor city limits between the Narrows and Purdy bridges. It owns nearly 600 acres of parks and other facilities and is building a Community Recreation Center sports complex at the former site of Performance Golf Center on 14th Avenue.

Nielson an aerospace engineer

Nielson, 43, has lived in Gig Harbor since 2018. The Enumclaw native embarked on a 20-year aerospace engineering career after graduating from the University of Washington in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering. He now works as a senior program quality manager in rocket engine production for Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin in Kent. His professional focus has been on space and its colonization.

Nielson became familiar with the Gig Harbor area as a youth attending Camp Seymour on the Key Peninsula.

“Coming from Enumclaw, we would come to Gig Harbor to play,” he said. “I spent a lot of time out here and had a connection to the natural element, the water element in Gig Harbor. Having the opportunity in adult life to live where I played as a child really spoke to me.”

He served on Orting’s parks commission

Nielson, the father of four, was appointed chairman of Orting’s Parks and Civil Service Commission from 2013-15. He volunteered to help restore trails and preserve habitat with the Audubon Society. He manages the forest on his property and created a trail to connect his kids and neighbors to the outdoors.

“I guess that’s me,” he said. “What it comes down to is I live and love the outside.”

Nielson has coached youth baseball with PenMet Parks and coordinated workplace events for the American Heart Association.

Hunter, 28, moved to Gig Harbor six years ago. The Vancouver, Wash., native has been interested in theater since playing an Oompa Loompa in a preschool presentation of the Wizard of Oz. She attended the University of Puget Sound for a couple years before continuing north to work in the Seattle theater community.

“I was able to do that for a little but, but found Gig Harbor and fell in love with it and decided to bring more art and theater into the harbor,” she said.

Hunter contracted to teach PenMet classes

She became familiar with PenMet through contracting with the parks district for four years to provide ballet and acting classes from which businesses Tots On Their Toes (2017-present) and French Toast Theatre (2019-present) sprang.

“It didn’t fill my soul the way I wanted it to,” Hunter said of the Seattle scene. “It wasn’t until I opened a theater and directed kids that I found that this is what I’m supposed to do.”

Hunter split with PenMet after becoming disenchanted with the state of the facilities she rented.

“The reason I’m running is because I’ve seen what they prioritize and I believe they can do better,” she said. “Children’s safety is my No. 1 concern. … I want to be a PenMet commissioner because I think their parks are beautiful. They’ve got all the right tools, but they need help using those tools correctly.”

She helped organize Pride event

Hunter helped organize Gig Harbor’s first “Pride in the Park” event June 24 at Skansie Brothers Park.

Sehmel, 40, is among the fifth generation of the family that homesteaded the property that is now PenMet’s jewel — Sehmel Homestead Park — in the 1880s. His father, Bill Sehmel Sr., served as an early commissioner with PenMet, which formed in 2004.

Sehmel knew PenMet from the beginning

“I grew up (in North Rosedale) at a time when there wasn’t a strong parks and recreation system and I am glad that the community voted 20 years ago to form this (district),” he said. “I am happy that PenMet has grown to what it is today and I would love the opportunity to guide it the next six years.”

Sehmel has worked for more than 20 years in the internet technology field, the past 15 managing teams for IBM. He leads teams that develop and support cloud computing automation products and services. He lent his expertise to PenMet in 2019-20 as a member of its Information Technology and Communications Citizen Committee and said, “While there’s still room for improvement, I do feel they’ve come a long way in terms of communications and accessible information online.”

He sat on parks technology committee

The father of three children, Sehmel served on a PenMet citizen workshop committee dealing with park sorting and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, and often attends board meetings. He also volunteered with EnviroCorps as an adopt-a-road participant and performing trail maintenance.

“I think PenMet has grown into a wonderful parks district and I would love the opportunity to help guide the next six years as we navigate the CRC and other projects the community is putting forward,” he said.

The candidates were asked to respond to five questions. Below are their unedited responses.

Madelyn Hunter

Why do you want to be on the commission?

I decided to run for office because of my deep love for the community. This community has been instrumental in the success of my theater company, especially during the uncertain times when I left PenMet as a contractor. Fox Island came to my aid, providing support when I needed it the most. When I heard the concerns expressed by the residents of the island regarding PenMet, I felt a strong calling to help address those concerns. This is not just a place I live; it is my home.

The incredible sense of community has had a profound impact on my life. Running for the PenMet parks commissioner position is my way of giving back to my home and the people who extended their helping hands when I was in need.

I am deeply committed to the well-being and growth of this community. If elected as a PenMet parks commissioner, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of Fox Island and Gig Harbor residents are heard, valued and addressed. I will advocate for the enhancement of PenMet’s services, facilities and programs, with a particular focus on the needs and aspirations of the community. By leveraging my experience, passion and gratitude for this community, I will strive to make a positive impact and contribute to its continued success.

Together, we can strengthen the bonds within our community, foster a spirit of collaboration and create a PenMet Parks system that not only meets the needs of its residents but also provides opportunities for recreation, relaxation and cultural enrichment. Fox Island has shown me the true power of community support, and I am dedicated to paying it forward by serving as a committed and effective PenMet parks commissioner.

Do you support the levy lid lift? Why or why not?

I do not support the levy lid lift. Here are my reasons (please see my website for a much more in-depth discussion):

• PenMet had Hunter George (then executive director) and his staff prepare a cash flow study for the years starting in 2024. In that study, Hunter determined that PenMet would be in a strong financial position going forward from 2023 whether or not this current levy lid lift proposal was passed. Is the conclusion still applicable and if not, why not?
• Implementing a levy lid lift would place an additional financial burden on residents and businesses. This is especially true when you consider the recently approved levy lid lifts for the Peninsula School District and the Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 5 which will also cause huge levy increases.
• PenMet has not fully disclosed the overall financial impact of this levy lid lift so that taxpayers can make an informed decision. Just one small example: It has not disclosed that just in 2024 alone, this levy lid lift will increase the levies for every taxpayer living in the PenMet park district by almost 30% and increases don’t stop there!
• PenMet has not disclosed the dramatic 77% increase in its revenues from 2017 (the year before the levy lid lift approved in 2017 went into effect) to 2023 (the last year of the 2017 levy lid lift). I think voters need to know this.
• PenMet is now explaining that the 6% maximum annual increase does not mean PenMet has to take the full 6%. However, we can see in the past six years PenMet has taken the 6% increase every time.

For all of these reasons (and more on my website), I firmly oppose the PenMet levy lid lift.

Do you support a senior center and aquatics center? What should be PenMet’s role?

It’s important for PenMet to prioritize and manage its existing projects effectively before investing in additional space. Ensuring that current facilities and services are well-maintained and meeting the community’s needs should be a priority.

Once PenMet has successfully addressed any outstanding issues and established a solid operational framework, I would fully support investing in new facilities like a senior center and aquatics center.

Do you support adding the city to the PenMet district? Should user fees be imposed for those outside the district?

I support PenMet, the city of Gig Harbor and the Peninsula School District working TOGETHER on what our community needs in its parks, recreation and open spaces. Together we can accomplish so much more than we can alone. And it would make the community better, too. In the end, adding the city to PenMet is a decision that has to be made by the taxpayers of Gig Harbor.

Steven Nielson

Why do you want to be on the commission?

I believe the health of our parks system speaks to the quality of our community. I have a deep love for our community and believe in the power of our parks system to enhance our lives. This is why I have been a five-year volunteer with the parks sports programs. I am driven by my desire to contribute my skills, knowledge and passion to the commission and my community, ensuring that future park management and growth is “Natural. Beautiful. Safe.”

What are your priorities for the parks district?

As your parks commissioner I will be your advocate for conservation and stewardship in our growth and maintenance projects, pledging to expand natural spaces and protect biodiversity unique to our Cascadia bioregion. I am committed to beautification through vibrant parks and programs that are inviting to all in our community, including future projects that are a rich mixture of technology and art. I will strive to ensure that our parks are safe to you and your property, and be a champion for budgeting security efforts against break-ins or vandalism. Parks do not come without a cost, so I will be an advocate for right-sizing our parks, programs and our budget.

Do you support the levy lid lift? Why or why not?

In its current proposed form, I do not support the levy lid lift, and if I were on the board may represent the lone vote against the proposed tax increase. I understand the importance of adequately funding our parks, but I believe it is essential to earning the trust of the community that we demand transparency in budgetary requests amounting to a $17 million tax on our properties. I do not believe the work has been done at this time to ask for such a burden.

Do you support a senior center and aquatics center? What should be PenMet’s role?

I support building the parks and programs that will serve the community long term. I support the efforts of the feasibility studies and would take under advisement input from such studies for how such a project would be best incorporated into our parks system. I do support such a vision, and believe that the solution could draw funding and other necessary resources from a broader community coalition of partners, while being managed and maintained by PenMet.

Do you support adding the city to the PenMet district? Should user fees be imposed for those outside the district?

There are strategic benefits to merging Gig Harbor Parks and PenMet, but any such effort should be left to the voters to decide. As for imposing fees, I am a solid no. As a coach in PenMet sports, many of my players originate from outside of our district, and all of them should be free to enjoy the parks and programs without additional undue burdens. Our parks should be open and provide for a natural, beautiful and safe experience.

Billy Sehmel

Why do you want to be on the commission?

I am interested in serving on the parks commission because I believe it provides an excellent opportunity to be a voice for parents, families and taxpayers while actively contributing to the improvement of our living, working and recreational spaces. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of safe and enjoyable parks for our children to play and grow. By serving on the commission, I can advocate for the needs and concerns of parents, ensuring that our parks cater to the diverse interests and developmental requirements of our young ones.

Moreover, as a taxpayer, I value fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of public funds. Serving on the parks commission would allow me to contribute to decision-making processes that prioritize responsible budget allocation. I believe in finding innovative ways to improve our parks while ensuring that we make the most of the available resources.

Ultimately, my goal is to shape and enhance the place we call home by actively participating in the development and improvement of our parks. By working closely with other commission members, community leaders and residents, I hope to contribute ideas and initiatives that align with the diverse needs and aspirations of our community. Together, we can create a thriving environment where families, children and individuals can enjoy recreational activities, foster a sense of community and experience the benefits of well-maintained public spaces.

What are your priorities for the parks district?

My priorities for the parks district include developing more small park projects, sport courts, small fields and improvements around saltwater access. I will also help guide the district as it develops programming at the new Community Rec Center, while making sure the older facilities and parks are maintained at levels we expect. I believe in-district users should have priority for registration and lower costs and would work to prioritize policies around that. I believe the board should establish a “Land Opportunity Fund” to be used for future land acquisition that makes sense when an opportunity arrives.

Do you support the levy lid lift? Why or why not?

Yes, I support asking the voters to approve the lift. Without the additional funds, it will be hard for the district to maintain facilities and expand according to community desires and needs. The additional $17.7 million over six years could be used to help fund some of the $60 million in unfunded park projects the district citizens wish for, develop master plans and see them through for some of the park property that does not have any plans yet. (McKee property in Rosedale, Peninsula Gardens site, the north aspect of the Maplewood area site, Harbor Family Park, to name a few.)

Though if the community decides not to renew it, if elected I will work with the other board members and staff to maintain current park assets and do what we can at the lower rate.

Do you support a senior center and aquatics center? What should be PenMet’s role?

I believe that PenMet should have programming for all ages. I think the district has enough current space to provide robust programming to cover the various age groups, including seniors. The district should collaborate with local nonprofits and the city in not overlapping and doubling any senior programming requirements of a dedicated future senior center but help augment it.

I believe an aquatics center would be an excellent addition for the district and the community, based upon the feedback of the community. However, I strongly think the district needs to send any project of that size and cost to a vote of the people.

I also feel PenMet could explore partnering with the school district to open some of our existing publicly funded pools for community use.

Do you support adding the city to the PenMet district?

I am a strong advocate for adding the city of Gig Harbor to the PenMet Parks District. One of the key reasons for this support is the fact that over 30% of the district’s users come from outside of the current district boundaries. By including the city of Gig Harbor within the district, we can capture a significant portion of these out-of-district residents and increase the tax base, thereby securing additional funding to better manage our facilities and programs, also giving the city residents an opportunity to be elected to the PenMet BOC, and helping shape the district.

Expanding the district to include Gig Harbor would have a positive impact on the financial stability of the parks district. With a larger tax base, we would have more resources to allocate toward the maintenance, improvement and development of our parks and recreational facilities. This increased funding would enable us to enhance the quality of our programs and ensure that our facilities are well-managed and adequately maintained.

Furthermore, including Gig Harbor in the district would foster a stronger sense of community and collaboration. It would align the interests of Gig Harbor residents with those of the existing district residents, creating a unified vision for the parks and recreational offerings in the area. By working together, we can leverage a larger pool of resources, share expertise and foster a greater sense of regional cohesion.

Adding the city of Gig Harbor to the PenMet Parks District is a strategic move that recognizes the significant number of residents from the city who already utilize our parks and facilities. It not only increases the district’s tax base but also acknowledges the diverse needs and interests of the broader community. By doing so, we can ensure that our parks district remains sustainable, vibrant and capable of providing exceptional recreational experiences for all residents, both within and outside of the current district boundaries.

Should user fees be imposed for those outside the district?

Yes, citizens of the district should also be given registration priority.