Pierce County Council District No. 5

My father immigrated to this country in search of the American dream. After years working service jobs, he found stability through a union career that helped provide opportunity for our family. That experience shaped my core values – hard work, community, and connection – and inspired my commitment to fighting for working families. It’s a commitment I carry into public service every day, because I believe government should work for everyone. For 11 years on the Fife City Council and now on the Pierce County Council, I’ve focused on practical solutions that make a real difference. In my first year as your Councilmember, I helped secure $12.2 million creating or preserving 646 affordable homes, passed the Justice Fund to advance safer communities and a fairer justice system, expanded childcare access, strengthened behavioral health investments, and secured emergency food assistance for local families after federal funding cuts. I’ve worked to elevate food security as a county priority and expand support for seniors, working families, and vulnerable residents. Whether you live in Tacoma, Fife, or unincorporated Pierce County, I’ll keep fighting for you. I’ll keep listening, building coalitions, and bringing your voices to the table – because real progress happens when leaders show up, work collaboratively, and stay focused on solutions. I’ve delivered for District 5, and I’m just getting started. I’d be honored to earn your vote. Endorsed by Firefighters, Planned Parenthood, labor unions, State Treasurer Pellicciotti, Senators Conway and Trudeau, County Executive Mello, and many more.

As a Native American and granddaughter of a former Tribal Chief, representation is deeply personal to me. This isn’t just a district on a map–this is our ancestral land. My people have called this home for centuries, yet our voices have often been absent from rooms where decisions about our communities are made. If elected, I would be the first Indigenous woman to represent our land in this office. I’m honored to be endorsed by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Before deciding based on a party label, I ask you to hear my message. The challenges facing Pierce County aren’t Republican or Democratic–they affect all of us. I’m not a career politician. I’m a hands-on community leader, small business owner, and real estate agent. I’ve served as PTA President, football booster President, volunteered with youth leagues, operated the Thunderbird Trading Post, and represented the Tribe and business owners in negotiations with Washington State. On the County Council, I’ll focus on infrastructure, public safety, and protecting small businesses. For Infrastructure, I’ll prioritize neglected roads and bridges, reduce traffic, and improve quality of life. On Public Safety, I’ll expand pathways to long-term recovery and help end the revolving door. For Small Businesses, I’ll remove unnecessary red tape so local entrepreneurs have the same opportunity to succeed as larger, well-resourced companies. I’ll ensure our tax dollars are spent transparently. Our district should be both recognized and represented. I’m Bettina Gese, and I humbly ask for your vote.