Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Technically the summer ends with the autumnal equinox on September 22. But when I talk to people, I get very different answers. For some, it ends on Labor Day weekend. For others, it hinges on when their kids go back to school. Some are excited for the beginning of the […]
Celebrating excellence
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. As Executive, I have several celebrations that I really look forward to each year. The list is long and includes New Employee Orientations and Sheriff’s Department Commissioning Ceremonies; our Volunteer Recognition event; our Job Fair; ribbon cuttings; and more! But no list would be complete without including the Employee Incentive […]
Recovering
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Taking care of Puget Sound and our rivers and streams is critically important for many reasons. Our waterways are spectacularly beautiful and a vital part of our natural environment and heritage. But they also are important economically, recreationally, and provide crucial habitat for fish, orcas…..and bugs! I found out how […]
Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. When we think about diversity, equity, and inclusion, we often consider aspects such as a person’s age, race, gender, or veteran status. However, there are many more elements to our lives that make us distinct. Take neurodiversity, for example. It’s a word that has become more common as we work […]
A daunting challenge
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. “Solving” chronic homelessness is hard and defies easy answers – that is why we need to be smart and invest in proven solutions that get results. When I discuss chronic homelessness, I am referring to the people who are trapped living on our streets in squalor, many with untreated mental […]
Taking a chance
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. 2024 has been a year of international turmoil and uncertainty. We are witnessing wars being waged in many places, elections in major international countries, with some elections considered a sham. I am thankful to live in our country where we decide our leaders with ballots and not bullets – the […]
Heading North
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. For this summer’s vacation I am traveling internationally with family and friends – but not too far from home! We will be visiting the Canadian Gulf Islands – just across the border from the San Juans! I love to plan these trips – often setting out the plan in early […]
Happy birthday ADA
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Thirty-four years ago today, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. In honor of this important milestone, I asked Kris Dowling with Human Services’ Aging and Disabilities Resources group for permission to re-post a blog she wrote to mark the occasion. I’m grateful for the work she and […]
In good times and in bad
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. One of our most crucial responsibilities is to be there when our community needs us most. Whether it is a mass shooting, wildfire, plane crash, train derailment, or pandemic, we need to support our residents on their “worst day.” That’s why this week’s Safety Summit, sponsored by the Department of […]