Align our nondiscrimination language and practice.
The Pierce County Charter section setting standards for county hiring and contracting hasn’t been updated since 1980. This means it’s missing language protecting essential and growing workforces, such as veteran spouses or families, parents requiring family leave for infant and elder care, and many other protected classes.
Alignment makes legal and financial sense.
While many county offices follow current best practices, updating the charter ensures that our most important governing document complies with the Washington State and US Constitutions, provides clear direction to county offices employing 3,000+ workers, and prevents expensive lawsuits from current and future employees.
Alignment is the right thing to do.
These necessary changes will help us grow our workforce, align contractors and other employers with best practices, and show that Pierce County hires everyone based on talent and values.
Rebuttal of argument against
Our nondiscrimination language is indeed outdated. A lot has changed over 46 years, particularly how the law recognizes disability, family composition, and veteran status. The existing language is already unclear. Voting no does not preserve neutrality, and only preserves vagueness and avoidable risk. Every group added is defined through constitutions or court decisions. Including them tells Pierce County’s varied communities that we respect their dignity at work and their constitutional rights. It just makes sense.
Statement Against · Common Sense for Pierce County
statement likely AI
Committee: Mason Fletcher, Hollie Rogge, Jeff Joseph
Current Charter Works
Vote No on Charter Amendment No. 57. Pierce County’s existing Charter already prohibits discrimination and has served our community well for decades. No evidence shows current protections are inadequate or that additional Charter language is needed.
Vague New Categories
The amendment adds terms such as genetic testing results, status as a family caregiver, and lactation. Voters are left to guess how these categories will be interpreted and applied in future disputes, creating uncertainty and inviting litigation.
Unnecessary Charter Changes
This proposal addresses no demonstrated problem. Existing federal, state, and local laws already provide extensive protections against discrimination. The Charter should not be amended absent a clear need and clear benefit to county residents.
Protect Charter Neutrality
A county charter should establish enduring principles, not continually expand into evolving policy debates. Preserving clear, neutral, and broadly applicable governing language best serves all Pierce County residents. Vote No on Charter Amendment No. 57.
Rebuttal of argument for
Pierce County’s existing charter prohibits discrimination, has worked for decades and complies with applicable law. The amendment removes veterans’ preference, which hurts not helps their families. Adding vague new terms which are wholly unrelated to hiring procedures will invite litigation, not prevent it. There is no evidence that the current language causes problems or deters talent. Our foundational charter should remain clear, neutral, and not impose values that represent the few, not all. Vote no.