Municipal/Other Questionnaire
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: Megan Sheridan
Position Sought: Mayor of Milton
Are you an incumbent for this position? Non-incumbent
Home Legislative District: 31st finally! We were very confused in Milton for awhile
Are you a Democrat? YES
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: WinPower Strategies-John Wyble. I am still your main point of contact
Website: This is not ready for public consumption yet. It will be by end of next week! https://winpowerstrategies.wixstudio.com/meganformayor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573827547142
Twitter: nope..dont do X
Part I – Candidate Background
1. Please briefly describe your qualifications, education, employment, community and civic activity, union affiliation, prior political activity, and other relevant experience. Beyond your qualifications, what makes you the best candidate for this position or office? Please describe any specific background or unique perspective you offer and how those will help you accomplish your goals for the position sought. If possible, give practical examples.
My career spans public service, small business ownership, and community advocacy. As the founder of Bounce It Up, I had firsthand experience navigating the joys and challenges of running a small business, giving deep insight into the economic realities facing local entrepreneurs. As a Managing Broker at RE/MAX Sound Properties, I have over a decade of experience helping families achieve homeownership, making me well-versed in residential properties, investments, and new construction.
My dedication to families and youth is unwavering. I have been a tireless advocate for foster families and underserved youth in sports, organizing resources, raising funds, and personally ensuring that children have access to opportunities that inspire hope and growth. My public service record includes serving on the Maple Valley Planning Commission and City Council, where I tackled issues such as economic development, transportation, and community engagement.
I bring a unique perspective as a leader who has personally navigated the systems that impact residents and businesses. My ability to connect with people, problem-solving skills, and commitment to building a stronger Milton sets me apart as the best candidate for Mayor.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
Four years ago, I moved to Milton while supporting my son and his peers through high school. I met with and initially felt comfortable with the leadership in place, but over time, I became concerned about ethical violations and a lack of forward-thinking governance in some of our leaders. Our home is our biggest investment, and I want to ensure Milton’s leadership protects homeowners, supports businesses, and fosters a welcoming community for everyone.
I was raised in a family of judges, elected officials, government staff and lobbyists who taught me from a young age to address problems head-on, and I see a leadership gap problem that needs to be filled. I am stepping up to ensure that Milton is governed with integrity, foresight, and compassion that allows everyone in our town to feel supported, welcomed and encouraged to thrive.
3. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?
Partnering with LD31 to stay grounded and focused.
Engaging a solid Democratic consulting firm.
Setting a fundraising goal of $25,000 to support outreach through door-knocking, phone banking, texting, mailers, events, and social media. I should have about $10k left to help with other local races if needed.
Building relationships with key stakeholders, including state representatives, school districts, business owners, and the Chamber of Commerce.
4. What are your campaign’s most important themes, issues, or priorities (three to five)? Share issues or priorities specific to the office that you’re running for.
1. Representation: Ensuring Milton Has a Seat at the Table
Engage in regional and state advocacy to bring resources back to Milton.
Ensure active participation in commissions and decision-making bodies.
Build stronger relationships with state legislators.
2. Protecting Milton’s Land & Businesses
Oppose the Regional Transit Authority’s efforts to take right-of-way land that would force business closures.
Form a coalition with businesses and the Puyallup Tribe to fight displacement.
Plan budgets with potential revenue losses in mind.
3. Economic Development & Business Support
Develop a strategic plan to attract and retain businesses.
Partner with home-based businesses, cottage industries, and markets to foster local entrepreneurship.
Revitalize underutilized areas, such as the former Hollywood Video lot, to create business and community opportunities.
4. Public Safety & Infrastructure
Address road safety concerns, particularly along Meridian, in collaboration with Edgewood.
Revisit the helmet law to improve youth safety and pursue grants for free helmets.
Address the ongoing fireworks ban discussion with meaningful public engagement rather than costly ballot initiatives.
5. Financial Stability & City Services
Seek alternative revenue streams beyond tax increases or service cuts.
Ensure financial responsibility when considering the BPA power plant transfer.
Advocate for municipal broadband if financially feasible.
Part II – Yes/No Questions, please qualify your answer if necessary
1. Do you support steps to build a fairer economy through tax reform and progressive taxes as wealth increases? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #1 However, we also need to pressure this to be addressed at a national level and not just in our state
2. Do you support robust investment in publicly owned housing/subsidized housing for elderly and low-income individuals/families, and zoning changes to support such housing? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #2 I do like the Middle Housing concept that the State put forward and is now being executed in the largest counties. I am hopeful this will help encourage the needed development. However, I am concerned on the current Canadian battle and the impact it could have in lumber prices and housing starts.
3. Developer impact fees are allowed under the Growth Management Act. Should they be increased to help pay for needed improvements to our roads, parks, and schools? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #3 I am leaning yes on this, however, I have not looked at what is being done now. My experience in Maple Valley and the Ten Trails Development in Black Diamond was horrible. I am also concerned with the current financial status of Cle Elum and what appears to be a battle with a developer. Its a slippery slope that appears to have too much leeway and not enough understanding at the Municipal level. Or maybe it is elected officials not allowing their trained staff to do what is right.
4. Do you support building a municipally owned and operated broadband system in your city or jurisdiction? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #4 This is not a conversation that I have had with anyone and had no idea this was even on the radar.
Since the City of Milton struggles financially and keeping enough staff for the current responsibilities we have, if this could be a financially impactful solution I would love to learn more.
5. Do you support local investments to address climate change where applicable? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #5
6. Do you support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #6 YES!!!!!! Get out of people's bedrooms and doctors offices!
7. Do you support laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #7 Specifically types of guns and hopefully an increase in safety, with a focus on storage, proper use and more.
8. Do you support the right of workers to unionize and bargain, including public employees? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #8 One of the things that I will take on as Mayor are multiple Unions with Union leadership that seems more focused on relationships with the City Administration than protecting their employees. I am hoping to change that thought process. I want employees to be the #1 focus.
Part III – Free Response (Please answer at least four fully, and consider the additional three optional)
1. Why are you requesting Democratic endorsement? What aspects of the Democratic platform most resonate with you?
When other homes had pictures of white jesus, my house had Gloria Steinem growing up. It was installed in me that I grow up knowing that I can do and be anything that I want, and to make sure that I advocate the same for everyone around me.
I strongly support progressive taxation, housing equity, climate investments, reproductive rights, and common-sense firearm regulations. I will prioritize policies that make our community welcoming and reflective of all who live, work and shop in Milton.
Knowing that my values, morals and goals are reflected in the endorsements I receive is important to me.
2. What public policy reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LBQIA+ individuals in our communities?
Making sure that all policies that we have in place at the City do not create any barriers.
Breaking down the barriers that have intentionally been put in place to prevent BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and differently abled individuals from achieving the "American Dream" (housing, banking, education, financing and more)
Change the TAX system. One of the biggest being how our schools are funded.
Making sure that climate and environmental issues are addressed-preventing any more cancer alleys
I feel like I could go on and on regarding reforms, but at the end of the day, I would rather be uplifting the voices of those communities that have consistently been harmed. To make sure that I am allowing these voices to be heard first, unless my voice is being requested.
3. What steps do you think need to be taken to improve voter turnout and increase voter trust in our election process?
Meeting our residents where they are. There is so much apathy from voters because they do not trust the system. The leadership in Milton does not actively engage with residents, business owners or visitors. If elected officials do not show that our voters are needed, respected and encouraged to participate then voter increase and trust in the system as a whole will not change.
As Democrats, Elected Leaders and Administrations we need to make it a priority to explain the systems of government and how they will work better for our citizens if they are engaged. Until trust can be developed, we will continue to battle this.
I am hopeful that I will be able to focus on the sales concept of KNOW/LIKE/TRUST that is needed to keep client relationships and turn that concept towards our Citizens.
4. What important local issues have you worked on (or taken an interest in) that you feel aren’t getting enough attention from elected leaders and the local media?
Based on the current chaos at the national level I am not sure that local issues will be on anyone's radar in the foreseeable future.
I do wish that we could come up with a way to "dumb down" our tax system so non billionaires in our state could understand that if we fought for a change in this capacity then we could do a much better job of funding different programs.
Magic wand wish would be to change how our schools are funded. We are still dealing with white flight, steering, red-lining and other horrific programs from decades ago that have caused long term education effects on our marginalized communities.
5. Please list at least three specific, concrete actions you would support to ease the homelessness crisis.
1}Partnerships with schools, unions and businesses to create a pathway to living wage jobs without education debt
2)Every homeless family with children moved into safe housing. Mandatory enrollment in education, job training, life skills, mental and physical health support, access to food and more. I like the concept of Vine Maple Place in Maple Valley.
3)Mental health counselors in schools that can support the entire family. We need to break the cycle of homelessness that may stem from lack of support for those with educational challenges
6. What safety, law, or justice issues are currently facing your jurisdiction, and how will you address them?
I recently met with the Milton Police Chief. While we have the luxury of not being a large city and dealing with larger crime issues, we still have a shortage of officers that can build relationships within our community.
It was refreshing to hear the Chief come at policing from the standpoint of building relationships and the concept of Know/Like/Trust when it comes to engaging the community.
We did discuss that there is a need to develop deeper partnerships in the community and region that could help with costs, engagement, safety and support for all in Milton.
7. What are the transportation/transit challenges which face your jurisdiction and how would you address them? What role does green energy play in your proposed solutions?
Sound Transit attempting to take property from us. This will eliminate a business base and impact our budget. We need to come up with options on how to create the path forward without harming the local economy. The City has not been actively engaged in the conversations so that is my first step…creating relationships with the R's that lead our district and make sure they are advocating for us.
By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.
Printed Name: Megan Sheridan
Date (mm/dd/yy): 03/28/2025
