Candidate Profile: Patti Belle For Lakewood City Council

BONNEY LAKE, WA — For the November General Election, Pierce County's 555,000 registered voters will be asked to weigh in on dozens of high-profile elections, including mayoral races in Tacoma, Eatonville, Buckley, and Bonney Lake. Nearly a dozen cities from Puyallup to Lakewood are holding city council elections, and six school districts will also have candidates on the ballot.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Patti Belle is running for re-election to Lakewood City Council Position 5

Age (as of Election Day)

49

Position Sought

Lakewood City Council Position 5

Party Affiliation

Non-Partisan

Family

Ron, husband and Luci, daughter

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Pacific Lutheran University, BFA. UW Tacoma, Project Management Certificate.

Occupation

Communications Manager, City of Kent. With the City since 2008.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently serving as Councilmember Position 5

Campaign website

pattibelle.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been a member of the Lakewood Arts Commission and wanted to get more involved so that I could have a seat at the table to work on issues affecting Lakewood. When the appointed position became vacant, I knew it was the right time for me to apply. I saw the need for better representation at City Hall and I would like to be an advocate and voice for our diverse communities.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Recovery from the pandemic. I'll continue working with my colleagues to build Lakewood back stronger than we were before the pandemic and capitalize on our economic growth and construction permitting activity. I'm committed to making investments in our infrastructure and technology, policies that support good-paying jobs, and using our ARPA funds effectively to reinforce our businesses, non-profits, industries and communities.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am currently on the City Council and have already developed lasting relationships and mentors. I have over a decade of municipal government knowledge and hands-on experience crafting policy and regional awareness that exceeds the other candidates.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think the City of Lakewood and staff pivoted wonderfully. The innovative programs were well received by the residents. Housing and human services programs, which are so important to help vulnerable populations, were prioritized and promoted. The City also leverages local partnerships with non-profits and government entities through the County and neighboring cities. This enables Lakewood to utilize more resources for our residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Another big one for me is continuing to increase our transparency as a municipal government. Lakewood residents deserve access and accountability from their city government. I’m committed to increasing the council's communication with residents and ensure that we take every opportunity to hear from our residents and their vision for Lakewood.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

With over a decade of municipal government experience in a staff capacity, I have managed and assisted with messaging and public outreach for numerous policy decisions, programs and services and I know the best practices that come with being a local legislator and communicator. I know that I can continue leveraging these skills and the knowledge I have to be a representative that Lakewood families can be proud of.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

From my parents…”Remember who you are.”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m committed to making decisions and advocating for legislation and policy that will directly benefit Lakewood residents and families. Every decision I make is and will continue to be in the best interest of our residents. I will always be on the lookout for opportunities to support Lakewood residents, our military families, our businesses and non-profit organizations and industries.