Good day neighbors,

I have three very different topics to cover, and I am only going to give you a little info on each but wanted to make sure to at least give you some highlights on these items. 

Dry Docking of our Ferries

Over the next year, our Ferry team will be working with one of the only providers in the state to support dry docking our ferries. We are required to inspect all aspects of these vessels every five years. They are incredibly expensive to maintain, and this is a high priority so we can safely transport passengers and catch any problems prior to failure.
With coordination from the Ferry Director Trever Threde and our Planning and Public Works Department, they have put together a plan. Right now, if one of our ferries has a mechanical issue or concern, we bring the other vessel online. If one is going through dry-docking, then this is not an option. The hope is to have a well thought out contingency plan that we never have to use.

We are looking for some volunteers that live on the island full-time, that might be willing to work with Pierce Transit to sign up for vanpool and check out a van to park at your home for the duration of the dry-docking. If you are interested, please reach out to my office and we can connect you with the appropriate people. To read more about how this plan is laid out, please follow this link, and click on the Christine Anderson Dry-Docking tab.

Week Without Driving Recap

A couple of weeks ago I shared that I would be participating in a Week Without Driving and I have to say it was really enlightening. Here are a few observations:

• Having a vehicle of your own creates a much more flexible work and life schedule.
• Adds a new level of stress to catch a bus, so if you have unexpected events, even spilling coffee on a shirt, can cascade the whole day.
• There are some places in the county that you cannot get to via Pierce Transit.
• In my community, and many others, the sidewalks and paths are NOT accessible for those that do not have the ability to walk.
• I got my steps in every day (10,000 a day).
• Pierce Transit bus drivers I spoke with were patient and polite, helped a newbie out.
• You can get things done while riding a bus (work and for fun).

I really enjoyed participating in this activity and I am going to continue to ride the bus to work when it makes sense. There are aspects of my current duties that necessitate quick travel between sites, that a bus would not allow for. However, if I am headed to the office and there all day, the bus can make that happen. Saves me the stress, gas, and it is better for the environment. Thank you to the Disability Mobility Initiative in partnership with the Disability Rights of Washington organization.

Domestic Violence Work

This is a subject that means a lot to me, and I have been working with other local leaders and advocates since I was sworn into office. I want to update you on a piece of legislation that is coming up, so you understand what is happening.

The Council will be voting on repealing (removing) the Pierce County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCCADV) from the code. This ordinance does not remove the language because we suddenly do not need people to be meeting and talking about Domestic Violence, or providing time and space for providers to share resources. It simply removes code language that is out of date.

I will make sure that providers in our community can continue to work together. In addition, I have asked the Pierce County Performance Audit Committee to create a work plan to really look at how we provide services in our county and other types of violence including gender-based violence, sexual assault and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. If you have questions about any of these, please feel free to reach out.

Community Connections

• Pierce County Buddy Walk: Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can participate in the annual fund raiser to support the National Down Syndrome Society. This is being hosted in Parkland at Franklin Pierce Stadium. Hope to see you there.
• The 47th Annual Apple Squeeze: Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. join the community on Lafayette Street in historic Steilacoom.
• Truck & Tractor Day: Saturday, Oct. 8 from 12 to 3 p.m. you can bring the whole family to Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood to touch, look at and explore dozens of giant trucks and tractors.

Thank you for taking the time to read through my newsletter. I hope you are enjoying the change in weather as the trees go through their Fall processes. This is one of my favorite times of year when it is still dry most days and there is a rainbow of colors on the trees.

Take care,
Jani