Age: 53
Schooling: Graduate, Kent-Meridian High School; Advancing Leadership; numerous management, leadership and business-related classes.
How long in Federal Way: 28-and-a-half years total in Federal Way; 34-and-a-half in the Federal Way area community (six years in Northeast Tacoma). Have lived at current residence for 10 years.
Family members: Husband of 34 years, Byron; daughter Madeline, who is 14 and a freshman at Mt. Rainier Lutheran High School.
Hobbies: Reading, travel, volunteer activities, spending time with my family and friends, and cheering on my daughter at her various sports, music, and drama events.
Relevant commissions/offices held:
• Federal Way Rotary
• Community Service Committee member
• Gala auction committee
• Currently serving as Secretary on the Executive Board
• Light of Christ Lutheran Church
• 2006 – Present – Director, Human Care Ministry
• 2011 – Present – Board member, Light of Christ Community Garden
• 2004 – 2008 – Chair, Light of Christ Preschool Board
• 1998 – 2006 – Governing Board member, Secretary
• Concordia Lutheran School & Mount Rainier Lutheran High School
• 2015 – Board member – Mount Rainier Lutheran High School
• 2008 – 2010 – Vice-President, Parent/Teacher League – Concordia
• 2010 – 2015 – President, Parent/Teacher League – Concordia
Other volunteerism: FUSION, ReachOut, MSC, Coldwell Banker Danforth in the Community, King County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, McIlvaigh Middle School tutor, Pierce County United Way allocation committee.
Top 3 items I want constituents of Federal Way to know about me:
1. I am a fiscal conservative. I believe city government has a responsibility to be judicious in collecting and spending taxpayers’ money. I am committed to represent our citizens in holding the line on spending—we need to make sure we get a tangible return on the investments we make in our community.
2. I really care about people and am passionate about service. I am thankful for the many ways offered in our community to make a meaningful impact. We are blessed with dedicated individuals and organizations working together to solve serious problems such as homelessness, hunger, and human trafficking. It is a privilege to be a part of Federal Way’s strong volunteer base.
3. I have a unique combination of business and volunteer experience. My business background gives me a strong grasp on financial and business matters; my volunteer service has given me an in-depth exposure to the problems and potential solutions that our community faces. I strongly believe that we can take care of the things we need to as a city as well as improve our quality of life and still make sure we aren’t leaving people behind. I look forward to the opportunity to bring that perspective to the city council.
Contact: Byron Hiller at 206-718-2715 or Julie Hiller at 253-297-7709; www.juliehiller.com
Why I am running for office: As a long-term Federal Way citizen, I care deeply about this community and have been very involved as a volunteer for years. I am ready to take my commitment to the next level by serving on City Council. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our city and want to ensure that we make the most of those opportunities. I also want to see that all citizens are well represented, especially the underserved.
What are the top issues facing Federal Way: Public safety is always a top priority and we need to ensure we continue to support our police force through adequate funding, policy and support.
Ensuring we take care of the most vulnerable in our community — homeless, hungry, underemployed and exploited individuals.
Fiscal responsibility relative to public projects such as the Performing Arts and Events Center. Our city should not go into major debt to fund a project, and we also should not divert funds from programs that serve human needs or other essential services.
Defining the future of our city — How can we be the best Federal Way we can be, including all citizens, and what does that look like?
