Community Government

Gig Harbor City Council candidates explain positions on key city issues

Three city council positions are up for grabs in the Nov. 7 election.

Four candidates are vying for the seats: Incumbent Mary Barber and challenger Ed Nadler square off for position 4, while incumbent Le Rodenberg and parks commission member Ben Coronado run unopposed.

Ballots are due to be mailed to registered voters on Friday, Oct. 20. For Gig Harbor-area voters, the ballots include a PenMet levy lid lift and a PenMet commission seat; and three school board races, two of which are unopposed.

Gig Harbor Now sent a questionnaire to each candidate. Their responses are posted here.

City Council Position 4

Ed Nadler is challenging incumbent Mary Barber for council position No. 4.

Mary Barber

Mary Barber was appointed to the council in 2022. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. She was vice chair of the Parks Commission and is a volunteer with the Downtown Waterfront Alliance.

Question 1: Climate change

The city recently adopted a Climate Action Plan and an Urban Forest Management Plan. Both deal with climate change.

1. a) Do you agree that climate change is an issue? Why or why not?
2. b) Do you agree with the climate and forest plans? Why or why not?

Answer: Climate change is one of the most important issues facing our world. The solutions are complex and involved, and will take everyone around the globe working together. The Climate Action Plan and Urban Forest Management Plan represent our effort here in Gig Harbor to do our part. The plans compiled by our city teams, consultants and volunteers are a wonderful effort to have some short term wins in long term problems. There remains a tremendous amount of work to do creating implementation plans. I am counting on the residents of Gig Harbor to help make a difference.

Question 2: Trees

Approximately 800 trees will be removed to build the Sports Complex. How can the loss of those trees be balanced with the city’s tree-retention goals?

Answer: We all have a responsibility to help the city meet its tree retention goals. Everyone needs to plant trees on their own property. The city team is including as many trees as possible in the Sports Complex plan. Mitigation efforts, including the 50 acres just purchased near North Creek, have been ongoing for about ten years as the city planned for the fields. The trees that will be cut to make way for the fields are, according to an arborist, not specimen trees. The fact is 11,000 area youth need the sports fields. All decisions require thoughtful balance.

Question 3: Housing

The Legislature has mandated that cities throughout the state need to provide more affordable housing. Gig Harbor needs to add approximately 890 affordable homes. Where should these homes be located?

Answer: The affordable housing referenced here needs some additional definition. It’s based on building housing units for people making 80 percent of our median income and below. That means we need to build houses for people who make $80,000 or less. These are our emergency personnel, teachers, service workers and others who are already active members of our community. When they live here, they’ll help us reduce commuting and our carbon footprint. This housing should be an integrated part of all our neighborhoods without placing a burden on one neighborhood over another, and without changing the character of the city.

Question 4: Zoning/Density

Currently, the city’s zoning code calls for a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet. Do you think this is appropriate to meet the needs for additional housing?

Answer: Our Planning staff, Planning Commission and other groups are working on the update to our Comprehensive Plan which would include any changes to zoning that will help us meet affordable housing needs. The 7,000 square foot minimum lot size requirement is for R-1 zones. I do believe there will need to be zoning changes made to allow more density including for residents who want to add accessory dwelling units or apartments to their existing single-family homes. I believe we can make those changes while maintaining the character of our town.

Question 5: Downtown vitality

What can city government do to increase the vitality of our historic downtown? How can the city help local downtown businesses to thrive?

Answer: The City currently provides support to the Downtown Waterfront Alliance and should continue to do so. I sit on a parking committee at the Alliance that is looking at ways to improve traffic and parking in downtown. We have also worked with staff to increase signage and marketing about public parking spaces. I look forward to hearing the recommendations of the Historic Preservation Commission. Our team at the City is also working hard on ways to improve the permitting process to work with all residents and businesses throughout the city so we can better support local businesses everywhere.

Question 6: Most important issue

What, in your opinion, is the single most important issue facing the city of Gig Harbor in 2024? What is the solution?

Answer: As a City Council member my job is to set policy that addresses the changes needed in our City based on listening to and hearing from community members, learning from our professional experts, and reviewing best practices. We need to come together as a community to listen and hear each other. We need to understand that change is ever present and be open to and accepting of new ideas. When we come together, we will be better able to solve the issues like affordable housing, crime, small business and the needs of our young families and seniors.

Ed Nadler

Ed Nadler is a retired vice president of supply and trading for U.S. Oil and Refining in Tacoma. He has a bachelor of science degree from Rider College in Laurenceville, N.J. He serves on the Junior Sail fundraising committee and, as a longtime sailor, is a patron of the Veteran with the Gig Harbor BoatShop. He and his wife moved to Gig Harbor in 2016.

Question 1: Climate Change

The city recently adopted a Climate Action Plan and an Urban Forest Management Plan. Both deal with climate change.

1. a) Do you agree that climate change is an issue? Why or why not?

Answer: There is an abundance of scientific data documenting the global rise in temperatures and the impacts to climate. There are personal and public avenues to mitigate that impact. From a local perspective we should focus our energies where we can make the most difference. Tree canopy retention, shoreline resiliency, transportation alternatives, and construction practices are areas we, in Gig Harbor, can have the greatest effect.

1. b) Do you agree with the Climate Action Plan and Urban Forestry Management Plan? Why or why not?

Answer: Both are a good start to outlining what we can do for ourselves and the environment.  While the plans contain goals let’s also discuss:

• Budgeting for resiliency measures along our shoreline.
• Developing a local, fixed route and on-demand electric vehicle transportation system.
• Providing safer streets and sidewalks to encourage walking and biking in lieu of vehicular traffic.
• Encourage the remodeling of structures, rather than demolition.
• Removing old tires and abandoned pilings littering the harbor.

Question 2: Trees

Approximately 800 trees will be removed to build the Sports Complex. How can the loss of those trees be balanced with the city’s tree-retention goals?

Answer: The city’s goal is to increase the tree canopy to 45%.  This will be partially accomplished by establishing a replacement ratio of 3:1 for trees removed in natural and preservation areas.  In addition, I suggest adopting a net zero policy for tree removal in other areas; if 100 trees are removed, 100 trees will be replanted, either on that site or elsewhere in Gig Harbor.

When discussing plans for the complex, the costs to replace the trees that might be removed needs to be considered.  This is an opportunity for the city to put the Urban Forest Management Plan to good use, to ‘lead by example’.

Question 3: Housing

The Legislature has mandated that cities throughout the state need to provide more affordable housing. Gig Harbor needs to add approximately 890 affordable homes. Where should these homes be located?

Answer: The state has advised that affordable housing should consider the location of employment opportunities and major transit stops.

87% of Gig Harbor’s residents work elsewhere which indicates we are primarily a retirement and bedroom community.  Without employment opportunities or the transportation needed to accompany these targets we would simply be providing subsidized housing.  This is not a winning growth strategy.

Let’s create a policy that prioritizes Gig Harbor’s employees, existing residents and those employed within our city limits. Let’s solve for the needs of Gig Harbor.

Question 4: Zoning/Density

Currently, the city’s zoning code calls for a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet. Do you think this is appropriate to meet the needs for additional housing?

Answer: The city met its 2030 housing targets several years ago.  There is more than enough buildable land in the City of Gig Harbor to meet the 2044 growth targets without making changes to our zoning regulations.

Based on the Pierce County Buildable Lands Report of Sept. 2022, the city of Gig Harbor has 261 Final Adjusted Net Acres to build upon.  Referencing the Gig Harbor Municipal Code Title 17 – Zoning, which sets forth the number of units per acre for various land use zones, the city of Gig Harbor could theoretically accommodate between 1,200 and 1,500 new housing units.

That’s not to say we should build on every available acre.  Let’s figure out what works for Gig Harbor.

Question 5: Downtown vitality

What can city government do to increase the vitality of our historic downtown? How can the city help local downtown businesses to thrive?

Answer: Overwhelmingly, citizens tell me they do not want to see downtown change, but rather be reinvigorated.  Encouraging community services (a grocer, pharmacy, dry cleaner, etc..) versus business services in the district would provide a more enduring business model.  Preserving historic structures will maintain the charm and character that draws people to this area.

The mayor is our ambassador for attracting businesses to the city along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Waterfront Alliance.  An economic plan and a targeted marketing effort will attract businesses that will thrive in Gig Harbor.

Question 6: Most important issue

What, in your opinion, is the single most important issue facing the city of Gig Harbor in 2024? What is the solution?

Answer: Community representation and participation.

The legislative process is the consideration of different interests in a search for compromise acceptable to the majority. While we may not practice direct democracy, Council needs to listen to the citizenry, especially our citizen commissions.

Too often special interests drown out the concerns of our citizens. This has increased apathy among residents.  When it comes to managing our city, we need citizen participation. I urge everyone to get involved.

The city is doing a better job of communicating, but there is room for improvement.  Let’s ask more questions, have more conversations and work on listening to and understanding citizens.

Position 5

Ben Coronado

Ben Coronado is running unopposed the seat currently occupied by Julie Martin. Martin was appointed to the seat in January 2023 to fill the vacancy left when Robyn Denson was elected to the Pierce County Council. She chose not to run for another term.

Coronado has a degree in Urban Studies from University of Washington. He is a long-time Gig Harbor resident. He is self-employed as a planning and building science consultant, according to the Voters Guide. He currently chairs the city’s parks commission and has served as a substitute teacher in Peninsula School District.

Question 1: Climate change

The city recently adopted a Climate Action Plan and an Urban Forest Management Plan. Both deal with climate change.

1. a) Do you agree that climate change is an issue? Why or why not?
2. b) Do you agree with the climate and forestry plans? Why or why not?

I believe that climate change is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. I support the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) adopted by the city to help tackle climate change. The CAP aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable transportation. The UFMP focuses on preserving and enhancing the city’s urban forest, which helps mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. I look forward to utilizing these plans in helping inform decisions and policy, while serving on the council.

Question 2: Trees

Approximately 800 trees will be removed to build the Sports Complex. How can the loss of those trees be balanced with the city’s tree-retention goals?

Regarding the Sports Complex, I believe that the loss of trees should be balanced. The city has a good start to this balanced approach, it has conserved and protected 50 acres of forested creek land, while planning and developing the future Sports Complex less than a mile away. I also support retention and planting of additional trees to help offset the continued development within our city.

Question 3: Housing

The Legislature has mandated that cities throughout the state need to provide more affordable housing. Gig Harbor needs to add approximately 890 affordable homes. Where should these homes be located?

I believe that affordable housing should be located near public transportation, jobs, and other amenities. I also support mixed-use development that combines residential and commercial spaces.

Question 4: Zoning/Density

Currently, the city’s zoning code calls for a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet. Do you think this is appropriate to meet the needs for additional housing?

Regarding zoning/density, I believe that reducing minimum lot sizes could help meet the needs for additional housing. Infill development can help us reach our housing goals, while not dramatically changing the landscape of our city. I also support zoning changes that encourage mixed-use development and affordable housing.

Question 5: Downtown vitality

What can city government do to increase the vitality of our historic downtown? How can the city help local downtown businesses to thrive?

To increase downtown vitality, I suggest improving our public spaces, increasing pedestrian access, and promoting local businesses through events and marketing campaigns. Supporting our downtown businesses is key to having a robust and thriving downtown, that will continue to draw people to our beautiful city.

Question 6: Most important issue

What, in your opinion, is the single most important issue facing the city of Gig Harbor in 2024? What is the solution?

In my opinion, the most important issue facing Gig Harbor in 2024 is affordable housing. I believe that increasing housing options will help attract new residents to the city and support economic growth. The solution is to work with developers to build more housing options, while ensuring that they are located near transportation, jobs and other amenities that can successfully support residents.

Position 6

Le Rodenberg

Le Rodenberg is running unopposed for council position No. 6. He was elected to the council in 2019. He has served on numerous industry boards and has been president of the Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club for five terms. He attended Ceritos, Compton and Victor Valley Colleges and volunteers for several local non-profits. 

Here are Rodenberg’s responses to the Gig Harbor Now candidates questionnaire:

Question 1: Climate change

The city recently adopted a Climate Action Plan and an Urban Forest Management Plan. Both deal with climate change.

1. a) Do you agree that climate change is an issue? Why or why not?
2. b) Do you agree with the climate and forest plans? Why or why not?

Answer: I agree with both the CAP and UFMP. I voted yes for both of these plans. These plans are very ambitious, but they are achievable. I suggest that anyone that has doubts of the city’s dedication to retaining our urban forest read these plans themselves and not to listen to the naysayers and misinformation. I’m not sure how much Gig Harbor and its 14,000 plus residence can do to turn the tide with its CAP but change has to start somewhere.  We don’t have to look to nations like Mexico and China to see that our goals are but a drop in the bucket, we can just look at other cities in Washington State that are not taking steps to curb the climate change.

Question 2: Trees

Approximately 800 trees will be removed to build the Sports Complex. How can the loss of those trees be balanced with the city’s tree-retention goals?

Answer: One only has to look at the newly passed UFMP to see that the city is making sure that we retain a net positive when it comes to our urban tree canopy. For as long as I can remember the city has always done its very best to make sure that trees that need to be removed for whatever purpose get replaced. Most of the city’s residents do not know that the city has had a tree management plan for many years. The city and its partners have recently acquired three large plots of land (previously with approved to be developed) and put it into a nature conservancy to guarantee that the land will always remain undeveloped. These plots were destined to be developed into homesites until the city and its partners purchased them.

Question 3: Housing

The Legislature has mandated that cities throughout the state need to provide more affordable housing. Gig Harbor needs to add approximately 890 affordable homes. Where should these homes be located?

Answer: Finding locations for these homes is a challenge. They should be located close to mass transit, shopping, and schools. The city is currently working to solve this issue. Thankfully we have several years to figure out the answers and do it properly.

Question 4: Zoning/Density

Currently, the city’s zoning code calls for a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet. Do you think this is appropriate to meet the needs for additional housing?

Answer: Obviously not every home requires this much space. We need to look at re-zoning of some nature. This is a complicated issue and will have to be studied and implemented where appropriate.

Question 5: Downtown vitality

What can city government do to increase the vitality of our historic downtown? How can the city help local downtown businesses to thrive?

Answer: The Downtown Waterfront Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the City together and separately are continuously working on ways to increase and maintain the Historic Downtown economy. Recently there have been some great ideas implemented with success, those plans and more should be studied and improved upon. There should be workshops with these groups and the merchants to learn what they need to be more successful. It should be easier for new businesses to open in this area, with consideration given to less rigid parking standards, easier permitting processes.

Question 6: Most important issue

What, in your opinion, is the single most important issue facing the city of Gig Harbor in 2024? What is the solution?

Answer: It takes an enormous amount of revenue to maintain the level of service the city’s residents expect in infrastructure, law enforcement, utilities, and in maintaining its high-quality staff. It takes a knowledgeable City Council to budget it all and maintain the best standards of fiducial responsibility. In recent years the City’s residents have elected for slow growth in development, that comes with a cost of reduced permit fees and associated revenue, inspections, utility hook ups and services. The city has seen a large reduction of its sales tax revenue. The 2023/24 budget review this year and possible amendments will take exceptional effort by staff and Council to make sure all the residents’ expectations are met. The 2025/26 budget that council and staff will be working on just one short year from now will be more important than ever.