Veteran Council Member Rick Talbert Announces Bid For County Council Seat #5

Pierce County – Citing the need for “increased public safety and governmental efficiencies,” former Tacoma City Council Member Rick Talbert, Democrat, announced today he will seek the open seat representing residents in Pierce County Council District Five in this fall’s election. The District encompasses portions of South Tacoma, Parkland, Fredrickson and Spanaway.

Talbert, 44, recently completed his second four year term on the Tacoma City Council. He is running for the position as a Democrat for the seat being vacated by Pierce County Council Member Barbara Gelman.

“County government needs to tighten its belt during these difficult economic times, but not at the expense of public safety,” Talbert stated. “We need to do a better job with less while providing law enforcement with the tools they need to make our communities safer. Our citizens need to feel more secure in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and we must ensure the safety of our kids.”

Talbert stressed the need for state, federal, and local officials to work together to increase penalties for offenders and hold criminals accountable for their actions. “My experience on the city council and my role performing audits on county government has taught me valuable lessons about making government more efficient through the better use of existing tax dollars. We don’t need more government, we need better government,” Talbert said.

“I want to hold the line on tax increases while promoting sustainable economic recovery through the creation of family wage jobs. We need land use policies that preserve our open areas and we must provide small businesses with the incentives they need to succeed.” Talbert stated.

Rick Talbert is endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans including Pierce County Council Members Barbara Gelman, Shawn Bunney, Terry Lee and Tim Farrell. In addition, Rick Talbert has been endorsed by Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland and Tacoma City Council Members Victoria Woodards and Ryan Mello.

For additional information, please contact Rick Talbert at 253.314.3514 or info@ricktalbert.com.