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 […]
Turbulence
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Each week when I speak to new employees, I talk about the importance of respect. As public servants, we must treat our residents – no matter their background – with the consideration and regard each of us as human beings have a right to expect. This certainly applies to our […]
Turning up the heat
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. I hope you and your friends and family had a safe and sane celebration of our nation’s independence! Those of us who grew up in the Pacific Northwest know that summer doesn’t really begin until July 5th – as proven by years of experience with cold and wet Fourth of […]
Shifting the spotlight
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. While much of my adult life has been spent in public service, I must confess that I can be uncomfortable when the spotlight shifts to me. In this blog I much prefer placing the focus on you and the great work you’re doing for our residents! That’s why I’m a […]
Unearthing a mystery
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. As I have mentioned before in this blog, the Executive Team is moving. Next Tuesday will be our first day in our new home – 1501 Market Street! To prepare for the move, we’ve been going through closets, cabinets and drawers to determine what items need to make the move […]
Cause for celebration
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Next Wednesday our offices will be closed. While a day off is often a cause for celebration, June 19 has much more significant importance: Juneteenth. Juneteenth, observed every year on June 19th, commemorates the pivotal moment when Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, to […]
They like us
Submitted by Bruce Dammeier, Executive. Apologies to Sally Field and her infamous Academy Award speech but it feels awesome when outside people or organizations recognize your work. This week’s decision by the Hearing Examiner to approve the Conditional Use Permit and deny the appeal of our SEPA (State Environmental Protection Act) mitigated determination means the […]