Five Questions Asked of Each Candidate:

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?
  2. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?
  3. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?
  4. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?
  5. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 2

Candidate Thomas Taylor

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

I have worked in the law enforcement field for over 40 years. I have been a Deputy Sheriff, Detective, Field Training officer, Corrections Deputy and a pre-employment and criminal polygraph examiner. All my positions have required the ability to talk to and listen to community members, often during very challenging times. The ability to listen and gather information and develop solutions is a skill that I believe is very important as a City Council member. Listening to the community and being their voice in addressing issues is something very needed in Ocean Shores

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

I have co-workers who are members of the LGBTQ community. I am currently employed as Animal Control/Code Enforcement for the City of Hoquiam. Every day I interact with LGBTQ community members. I also have conducted pre-employment polygraphs for members of the LGBTQ community who are seeking careers with Law Enforcement agencies.

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

I would like to see more restorative practices used to bring healing to challenging community issues. I believe that through guided conversation it is possible to bring understanding to all parties. Each county in Washington State has a designated Dispute Resolution Center whose purpose is to assist in helping develop solutions. I believe in using trained neutral facilitators which these centers provide.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

People want to feel like their opinions are heard and valued. Using town hall style meetings to gather people together, allowing them to express their opinions and then making sure that those opinions are acknowledged and applied to a solution or cause as much as possible is very important. Follow-up is also an important part of building bridges.

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

Everyone is welcome in Ocean Shores. It takes many different perspectives and visions to make a community great. I am looking forward to listening and learning about the needs of our LGBTQ community.

Contact information:
360-310-8965
www.Tom4citycouncil.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092961335016&mibextid=LQQJ4d


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 6

Candidate PJ Faria

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

Any member of our community is fully capable of providing a voice on the city council of Ocean Shores. The beauty of city council representation is that citizens who are aware of the important issues affecting each of us have this opportunity to serve. My professional background is that of a previous business owner and Media Communications/Project Coordinator for Costco Corporation, where my voice and sensitivity to our members from all walks of life, was critical to supporting this successful retail operation.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

I personally treat all members of society equally and believe we are all entitled to have a right to be heard. I accept people on their character. My engagements and experiences with family and friends in the workplace and in my personal life have been positive and supportive.

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

Hearing each others needs and discussing differing opinions respectfully is critical to keeping all our citizens safe and secure in this beautiful city. We are not always going to agree on certain issues but making sure we can count on the responsibility of our city government to be honest and ethical as a basis for our relationships with each other, I believe civility will prevail.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

Participation in community meetings and other gatherings where open discussion takes place is critical. All citizens are welcome to make public comments at City Council meetings and this has proven to be a powerful tool for action taken on attention to challenging matters. Finding common ground on all issues will support positive energy and a vibrant inclusive strong community.

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

Welcome to Ocean Shores our little piece of paradise here in the northwest!

Contact information:
pjpatriot@proton.me
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092845370525


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 3

Candidate Susan Conniry

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

Over 45 years ago I took an oath to uphold the constitution when I swore allegiance to America as a naturalized citizen and since then, I have voluntarily served my community both on and off the Dias, including my first elected position as a member of the governing board of the Lakeside Fire Protection District (2010-2014 when my family relocated to Ocean Shores.) In 2017, the people of Ocean Shores voted me into office as a city council member. Proud to be a public servant and knowing that the most important trait of a council member is to know the difference between needs and wants and to listen to all my constituents, I hosted weekly meetings and town halls. I listened, and heard, everyone’s concerns and ideas, encouraged them to actively engage in the government process and then worked collaboratively to spend the people’s money wisely, set legislative policy to satisfy the health and safety needs of our ever changing demographic; all the while being mindful of how public policy impacts all people’s lives. I continued my civic education, achieving the Advanced Municipal Leadership certificate; the Greater Grays Harbor Leadership Certificate. I currently serve on the Governor’s State Council on Aging (SCOA) and I am a member of the Olympic Area Agency on Aging Advisory Committee (O3A) I am a volunteer member of the Grays Harbor Medical Reserve Corps and a volunteer AHAB Siren Observer. I am a former member of the Ocean Shores Planning Commission and the Grays Harbor Board of Equalization.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

We are a diverse family. I was born and raised in England. When I was 14, my parents moved to Panama, Central America where I attended an American high school. My younger sister is a member of the LGBTQ community and she and her spouse raised two beautiful and well educated children. My youngest sister is a native of Guatemala. My parents adopted her as a baby. When my family emigrated to the United States, my sisters and I became naturalized citizens. All three of us experienced discrimination of some sort, because we spoke “funny” had a different color skin, are women, or members of a culture that others may find hard to comprehend. We each found our paths in life to deal with and accept our differences and we have a unique perspective and compassion for all people who face similar challenges.

In the early 2000’s, our non profit in partnership with the school district were awarded a federal grant and we developed a program for our local continuation high school in San Diego County. The program, Coyote Youth, based on Respect and Character Education, afforded us the opportunity to advocate for young people with diverse backgrounds so they would be treated equally and have their views genuinely considered when decisions were being made about their lives. The curriculum was inclusive of all our young people to inspire them to rise above their challenges. One young man who did just that is now a professor at the local community college, teaching glass blowing!

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

From the early days when I sat on the Assessment Appeals Board in San Diego County it seems that has been my mission in life. Property tax appeals often start with non-civil discourse! I earned the reputation during that six years of being a person whose decisions made everyone feel that they were the winner at the end of the Appeals process!

For seven of the nine years I have lived in Ocean Shores, I hosted a weekly discussion group meeting, Community Voices. (During the pandemic we held zoom meetings) Every week, we encouraged community involvement in the decisions affecting city projects, infrastructure, budgets, taxes, public safety and community services. We met with neighbors, civic leaders and business owners and worked together for positive change. We debated issues and found common ground. Our goal was to promote ideas and come up with innovative solutions that would benefit our entire community and to share them with the city administration.

I lost my council seat in November of 2021. Though I acted in my fiduciary capacity as a good steward of the public’s money, alerting the state auditor to the city’s lack of financial oversight of the golf course, the lessee took the position of feeling personally threatened and retaliated by mobilizing hundreds of golfers to vote me out of office. In February, 2022 I was vindicated. The auditor’s recommendation was that the lease agreement did indeed include requirements for the lessee to submit financial reports to the city and that the city had no documentation of having received those reports. With that the city finally took action and I am proud that I did the right thing for the taxpayers of Ocean Shores even though it cost me my council seat and I suffered months of abuse during the campaign.

Saddened to have lost my seat, I took a hiatus from the weekly meetings although I continue to speak at council meetings and if you review the council recordings you can listen to my comments that often focus on reminding the council about equity, that they represent all of us and we need to work together for the greater good of those they serve.

In January 2022, I started North Beach Project Connect, (NBPC) (www.nbprojectconnect.com) a non profit division of the North Beach Senior Center. Our mission is to establish, promote and maintain partnerships with organizations that support our common goal to serve the needs of citizens in the North Beach. Though many of our seniors are in need, NBPC serves everyone in the North Beach advocating for people who face eviction, people who are hungry, and people who face daily discrimination.

The good news? On June 7, 2023, Community Voices will once again be live and offer a place for civil conversation. A place for all people to gather and share their concerns and ideas on how we can keep Ocean Shores a supportive and caring environment. Please join us every Wednesday at the OS Lions Club from 1-2:30pm.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

The health and safety of our community can only flourish in a caring and supportive environment. Working together we can ensure an environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to express their views and stand up for their rights. Where everyone is heard without fear of retaliation or retribution. The first step is to convince this mayor and administration to place the people where they belong. At the top of the organizational chart. Government for the people, by the people. Our elected officials serve us. Not the other way around.

People feel safe when they are respected and have access to a wide range of social, natural and educational resources such as our city offers. We must continue to focus on the common good. Together we will enjoy an inclusive and safe environment no matter where we are in life’s journey.

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

When I was first elected to serve the citizens of Ocean Shores in 2017, though I had attended dozens of council meetings and served for three years as a Planning Commissioner, comprehensive civic education and becoming competent in how municipal government works was my immediate priority. The Association of Washington Cities offers training in five core areas to provide city elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities. https://wacities.org/events-education/cml-program.

I completed the training with 101 credits along with the required courses necessary to receive my Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML)
(https://wacities.org/events-education/cml-program/certificate-of-municipal-leadership) and the Advanced CML (https://wacities.org/events-education/cml-program/advanced-certificate-of-municipal-leadership)

Those courses provided the framework for me to be the best council person I could be and as you can see, diversity, equity and inclusion are considered one of the key elements!

I will not stop pursuing and demanding equality for all citizens of Ocean Shores and, as such, I speak often to the council even though I have been subjected to various forms of retaliation. On August 8, 2022, during public communication to council, I pleaded with the council, once again, to consider the needs of all those they represent. Not just those who are the loudest, but those who barely whisper, for they are intimidated by fear of retribution if they speak out.

I paraphrased Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times; it was the spring of hope; it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us; we had nothing before us.” Ocean Shores is a tale of two cities and the problem can’t be resolved unless you recognize it.

I continued to speak of those who have and those who have not and focused on the glaring inequalities. How raising taxes and fees to fund projects doesn’t hurt those who can pay one more tax and one more fee. For the rest of us, it pushes us one step closer to bankruptcy, going hungry, losing our homes. We aren’t looking for pity. We are hoping for compassion, respect and equality. I ended my plea with:”Let us be a city of one tale. A city that is progressive, compassionate and equitable. Where everyone who lives here can reach our full potential. Let us be that city.”

Contact information:
susanforshores@gmail.com
619-977-7132
www.susanforshores.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093135157900


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 6

Candidate Richard Wills

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

I have a history of service to the community. I served four years on the Planning Commission and five + years as a trustee of the Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways, one of nine trustees volunteering time and hard work towards keeping our city’s fresh waterways navigable. I am currently serving on the City Council as an appointed member serving out the remaining term of a member who resigned.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

First and foremost, I believe strongly in our constitution and bill of rights as it was written, not as has been (actually) practiced since its inception. I particularly believe that everyone should be equal under the law. I served in the Army for 24 years defending our Constitution. My wife and I count several LGBTQ persons among our friends and associates. I am neither shocked nor surprised whenever I discover a new acquaintance to be a member of the LGBTQ community. A person’s sexual identity has virtually zero impact on how I relate to that person. For the record, and until I am treated negatively by someone, I live by the “moto treat others the same way I would like to be treated” regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity or skin tone.

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

I do my best to communicate non-violently. I have attended workshops and read books on the subject. I confess that I do have “buttons” and sometimes I allow my buttons to be pushed. I mindfully keep trying to do better.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

I do my best to legislate with the mandate that everyone deserves equal opportunity. I abhor “class”. I absolutely reject the idea that “some of us deserve to rule and the rest of you deserve to be ruled.” Kings got to be kings by oppressing and exploiting those weaker or less well off. I try to treat everyone with respect, but that in no way implies I think they are “better”. For example, our president, a nation’s royalty or the boss deserve respect for their position, but that doesn’t make them a higher class person.

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

Live your life. Honor who you are. God made us all. God did not make mistakes, that is a foolishness foisted on humanity by persons seeking power and control. I am appalled by state, federal and local officials who marginalize or dismiss anybody who is LGBTQA, a person of color, an immigrant, or (in many cases) female. These people are doing their best to weaken or reverse the 14th amendment which guarantees equal rights for all in the United States.

Contact information:
360-209-3359
rwills4shores@gmail.com
https://rwills4shores.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RWnOS


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 4

Candidate Alison Cline

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

I was unanimously appointed to city council In January 2022 when Jon Martin became mayor. I have a bachelor’s degree and two masters’ degrees in education. I have worked in education for twenty-seven years. My husband and I have been homeowners in Ocean Shores since 2007. We became permanent residents in 2015. Since moving to Ocean Shores I have been active volunteering in the community at events including Sand and Sawdust, Razor Clam Festival, Hog Wild, Celtic Festival, Grays Harbor Youth Athletics, and Super Hero - Musicfest. I served as President of the Ocean Shores Library Foundation. I am also involved in activities for our youth. I was the administrator for the Summer Fun Program for two years. I am the State Chairman for the Drug Awareness Program for the WA State Elks as well as the district chairman for scholarships and Americanism.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

I have family and friends who are part of the LGBTQ community.

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

As an educator, I work with students and their families with support and resources. It is important to me to bring people together to work together.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

People are going to have disagreements; however, we need to be able to sit down and discuss those differences and find solutions.

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

All people should have equal rights and I am a strong supporter of everyone having those rights. I am a supporter of the LGBTQ community and would love to sit down and talk with you about your vision for our city.

Contact information:
alisonforos@gmail.com
425-359-2133
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093051584769


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 3

Candidate Lisa Griebel

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

My professional background is based in over thirty years in public education, as a teacher, Behavior Interventionist, School Counselor, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal. My successful track record as a school building leader provides proven experience in working with people to solve problems in a positive way. I do not shy away from tough conversations, but can foster these in a respectful and positive way. My previous experience on the Ocean Shores City Council and other local community service opportunities gives me a unique insight into the challenges facing our city and the ways to work through these challenges.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

Over thirty years of experience in public education has steeped me in experience working with all youth and families, including LGBTQ. While it is unprofessional to share individual stories, I can say that in each school building I have been in our team has worked together to create a culture of respect where harassment, intimidation, and bullying is not tolerated. I have been grateful as our state and district policies and procedures have changed over thirty some years to support our LGBTQ youth. My current building in particular, because of its smaller size and relationship centered learning, seems to attract many of the local LGBTQ youth who find the culture of acceptance a place they can finally be themselves and get back to pursuing their dreams.

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

Welcome to my job on a daily basis! Sometimes working with middle school students is way easier than working with adults! In fact, the same strategies that work with pre teens and teens often work with adults. It is important to listen, but to be clear that the conversation needs to be conducted in a way that is respectful. It is OK to disagree, but let’s do it in a way that is not disagreeable. Boundary setting in tough conversations is important and interjecting when those lines have been crossed. I am not afraid to end a conversation when it has crossed into hateful and demeaning language.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

Again, this is what I do on a daily basis and I used those skills when I was serving previously on the city council. Set boundaries. Find commonalities. Model the behavior you expect from others. Remind people that only when we can treat one another with respect and feel valued can we work together for a common solution

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

I hope you find our city, our community, to be a safe place to live, learn, and love. If not, let me know what I can do to support you!

Contact information:
lisagriebel71@gmail.com
425-306-2859


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 4

Candidate Caroline Emmert

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

I see the position of council member as a servant, not a leader. Many in those positions forget the “public servant” part, and it seems like they use their position to ensure they get what they want, regardless of what the community wants. I believe every person has a right to be heard, no matter what their background. While I’ve not held public office, I was first the Secretary and then the President of our car club, managing club meetings, preparing documents and publishing our newsletter. For nearly 30 years I worked directly with west coast utilities in the electric energy industry. Through both personal and professional activities, I have amazing organizational and analytical abilities that will benefit the city. As a resident of Ocean Shores, I see a need to balance the taxes paid by citizens with what is spent to ensure we have appropriate services and are spending any excess responsibly. In my own life I manage a fairly complex home budget. It doesn’t sound like much, but like everyone else, I have limited income and must ensure that my “outgo” doesn’t overrun that income. I believe that will be an excellent skill when I am part of the council that will manage the city’s budget! We must plan and budget for a better future for everyone.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

I’ve never looked at my career- or socially-oriented activities as “working with” any particular part of society. Over my life’s experiences I have played, worked and socialized with people from all walks of life. For many years I performed in community theater. Most of the cast members were LGBTQ. My castmates were my friends and fellow-professionals, although we were not paid. We were just a group of people with one goal – present the finest play with the best performances we had in us. We worked hard and we played hard (no pun intended).

As a volunteer with Just One Thing Battle Ground, our goal was to end and prevent homelessness in our community. Homelessness can strike anyone, anywhere. An individual or family is often just one tragic event from losing it all and living in their car or a tent. Along with the co-founder I was instrumental in setting up a network of resources to meet the needs of and help homeless individuals to regain their sense of self-worth and begin to live their best life once again.

Here is me in a nutshell – I am not a public speaker, nor am I a politician. If someone hands me a microphone, I’d much rather belt out a song than preach a sermon or give a speech. I enjoy the heck out of people. They crack me up, I like to make them laugh, and I will do my best to bring a simple smile to someone’s face. In a restaurant a gentleman once asked me to please hand him a toothpick. I said it would cost him…a smile! He repaid me with a very nice smile, and I handed him a toothpick. Whatever needs to be taken seriously, I will take seriously. However, nothing says we can’t have a little fun while we do it, right?

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

People are often quick to say they don’t judge as a way to try to make others feel at ease. This is misleading. We all make judgments, every moment of our day. It’s easy and common to judge anything or anyone. Houses, colors, flowers, animals, people, actions, ideas. Everything we see or hear on a daily basis brings to mind an instant opinion, which, in reality, is a judgment. What makes the difference in conversations is how you respond to those judgments. Blurting out those judgments can cause anger and resentment. Taking a moment to analyze your own judgment and putting it into perspective is key. Working with people to accomplish a goal requires tact and patience. It takes working things out and not bringing anger and resentment to the table. It requires taking a step back and really looking at the situation. It takes pausing and actively hearing what someone else has to say. It takes being aware of what the other person is going through and understanding. Those are the tools I will use.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

The Declaration of Independence is the best authority on this: We are ALL created equal. Our Bill of Rights guarantees that everyone has the same opportunity – Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Everyone deserves respect. Everyone deserves to be heard. Equally. No one should ever be silenced simply because they have a different idea than someone else. There are a number of opportunities for community members to come together and discuss what is important to them. I would encourage everyone to attend City Council, waterways, library, building, and any other community-focused meetings and be part of the dialogue that is out there. Invite friends and family to also participate in community discussions. And again, take a step back, listen to understand and be aware of what others are going through.

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

We live in an amazing coastal community – everyone is welcome here. Share your ideas, concerns and questions. Unless you do that, nobody knows your needs.

Contact information:
360-901-7354
CarolinaCoupe@protonmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093261125053


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 2

Candidate Bob Peterson

  1. In one paragraph, can you share your professional qualifications for the position of City of Ocean Shores Council Member?

My name is Bob Peterson and I am a candidate for the City of Ocean Shores City Council in Position #2. I have a Masters Degree in Psychology and another In School Administration and am a practicing School Psychologist. I was first elected as a Council member at Position # 6 in 2015, and again in 2019. On those Councils I served as the Pro-Tem for over two years. In total I served 7 years on the council. Unfortunately, I submitted my resignation in August of 2022 due to health concerns in my immediate family. During the time I was on Council I partnered with two other members to create an updated version of the Council Guidelines. I also assisted in creating the Financial Guidelines that is a roadmap to a healthy Monetary Reserve for the City. The Reserve currently is 2.5 million dollars. Using these principles the City has paid off a significant amount of debt. Another accomplishment I am proud of is the creation of the “Summer Fun” program in the two years prior to Covid-19. It served the youth of our community using STEM as a basis along with cultural events and socialization opportunities. During the time I was on Council we moved the High Dunes Trail forward, Oyhut Ditch Project forward, created the Transportation Benefit District (which helps pay for street maintenance), and we brought the Library back into the City Budget. Other positions held within the City have been Library Board President, liaison to the Port of Grays Harbor, Finance Committee, Radio Board and signed warrants for the City.

  1. Can you describe your previous experience, if any, working with LGBTQ people/ LGBTQ youth/ LGBTQ families/LGBTQ communities?

My professional career as a School Psychologist has brought me in contact with LGBTQ people. One of my primary duties is to help provide a safe place for kids where they can grow and learn in environments that are accepting and non-threatening.

  1. How would you bring civility to non-civil community discourse?

I learned a long time ago that there is always an element of less than civil discourse, particularly in governmental activity. I like to work from the standpoint of giving respect to get respect. That is always my starting point along with the important skill of listening. These two points are effective ways to achieve success in both civil discourse and arriving at good decisions that meet the needs. of the city.

  1. How would you bridge divides to bring people together for important common causes under the larger umbrella of good governance?

(response included in question 3 above)

  1. What would you say directly to our LGBTQA community?

In conclusion I would like to say that I recognize individual differences and try to understand and respect their platforms. I support the LGBTQ population

Contact information:
206-719-7380
P.O. Box 1953 Ocean Shores, WA. 98569
rpeterson096@gmail.com


City of Ocean Shores City Councilmember
Position 4

Candidate Jennifer Herboldsheimer

Candidate did not respond.


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