 An informed electorate helps build strong communities and a strong business climate. On Monday, September 14, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber welcomed members of the business and community to the University of Puget Sound for an evening of conversation, questions, and civic engagement at our annual Candidates Forum. The forum brought together candidates running for Pierce County Council, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney, and the Washington State House of Representatives in the 25th and 29th Legislative Districts, giving attendees an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking elected office and learn more about the issues shaping our community.  A Continued Partnership with Puget Sound For the second consecutive year, the University of Puget Sound opened its campus to the Chamber for this important community conversation. We are sincerely grateful to the University staff and crew for welcoming us back to their beautiful campus and for our continued Civic Engagement Partnership. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to cultivating an informed and engaged community and creating opportunities for meaningful civic dialogue. We also took a moment to recognize President Isiaah Crawford and thank him for nearly a decade of service to the University and the broader South Sound community. Crawford became Puget Sound's president in 2016 and announced earlier this year that he will retire on July 1, 2027. During his tenure, Crawford has led the university through significant institutional change, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, curriculum and academic program development, and efforts to strengthen Puget Sound's connections with the Tacoma and South Sound communities. We are grateful for the partnership and leadership he has shared with our community and wish him all the best as he prepares for his next chapter. A Night of Questions and Conversation Moderated by Robin Jacobson, Professor of Politics and Government at the University of Puget Sound, the forum featured three panels focused on local and state races:
Attendees were invited to submit questions throughout the evening, creating an opportunity for the audience to help shape the conversation. Questions were collected before and after each panel and were intended to be nonpartisan and broadly applicable. The format included two 25-minute panels and one 20-minute panel, giving candidates an opportunity to discuss their perspectives and priorities while allowing attendees to hear from multiple candidates in a shared setting. Staying Engaged in the Issues That Affect Our Community Civic engagement doesn't end when a forum concludes. For businesses, community members, and residents across the South Sound, staying informed about the people and policies shaping our region is an important part of participating in our community. The Chamber is proud to provide opportunities like the Candidates Forum that bring people together for thoughtful conversation and encourage continued civic participation. Thank you to everyone who joined us, submitted questions, participated in the conversation, and helped make this year's Candidates Forum possible. And a special thank you to the University of Puget Sound for continuing to be a valued partner in this important work, and the candidates for making time in their schedule to attend. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
October 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
