Columns Letters to the Editor

Letter to the editor: Lonergan will bring experience to Pierce Co. Council

With only weeks to go before the Midterm elections here in Washington, Paula Lonergan continues putting the word out about where she stands for the voters of Pierce County and District 7. As a Pierce County Council member, Paula would be responsible for passing legislation, setting county policy, adopting the county’s budget, and holding government meetings.

After listening to her at a couple of gatherings recently, I had an opportunity to speak with Paula both on the phone and in person. What I heard and saw was determination, strength, compassion, humbleness, and excellent listening skills that translated into a great understanding of people’s needs, both locally and nationally. In my opinion, Paula has a true servant’s heart for God, family, and country!

On top of being a Veteran, where Paula served her country as a Sergeant from the USAF, she also served 30 years in state service. She attended the University of Puget Sound, where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration.

Paula’s loaded resume speaks for itself encompassing a plethora of attributes and professional experience. Here are just some of those…

• Area Representative, Washington Federation of State Employees (1987-88)
• Pierce County Elections Observer: 2012-2021
• Pierce County Sheriff’s Civil Service Board Commissioner, 2015-present
• Volunteer: Point in Time homeless count (2016 & 2017)
• Washington State Affordable Housing Advisory Board member (2016-2022)
• Pierce County Republican Party Secretary & Vice Chair (2018-2020)
• State Human Resource & Program Manager, retired; 30 years public service
• Chairs the Pierce County Civil Service Board; Current
• Tacoma Human Rights Commissioner
• Tacoma Citizens Affirmative Action Advisory Committee member
• Volunteer: Offender Transition/Re-Entry program
• Legislative District Treasurer & Vice Chair
• Numerous church and community volunteer positions

It is evident that grassroots run deep within her community, where she was elected to and served two terms as a Precinct Committee Officer, 2018 & 2020, and numerous church and community volunteer positions. All these experiences have perfectly aligned her on a path towards this position where honesty and transparency are sacred and respect for others, monumental.

Brandie Herbert

Gig Harbor