I am writing in support of Ms. Jamila Taylor for Federal Way City Council. After attending the Federal Way Mirror forum, along with several other events featuring the candidates, and meeting Ms. Taylor personally, I believe she brings a number of extremely valuable qualities to Federal Way management.

First, as a lead attorney at an agency that works on behalf of crime victims, Ms. Taylor is uniquely qualified to see all sides when it comes to the city’s police, courts, diversion programs, and other law, justice and public safety functions. Second, she has executive management experience that will serve well when guiding decisions regarding the city budget and city personnel.

And third, her resume shows considerable work in the human services sector, which will assume even greater importance going forward as Federal Way tackles such issues as homelessness and drug addiction among its citizens. In the absence of tax revenues resulting from the Weyerhauser departure from Federal Way, city officials must be alert to all possible sources of city revenue, and I believe Ms. Taylor is well suited to the research and outreach necessary to assist in stabilizing the city’s income sources.

None of us are ever overjoyed at any prospect of property tax hikes, and we need thoughtful, resourceful members on the City Council who will keep tax burdens equitable for all, and minimize any increases that could jeopardize our residents’ ability to maintain their homes or apartments.

Lorie Lucky

Des Moines