Municipal/Other Questionnaire
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: Randy Wilson
Position Sought: Port of Tacoma Commissioner Position 1
Are you an incumbent for this position? Non-incumbent
Home Legislative District: Legislative District 31st
Are you a Democrat? Yes
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: Raven Tyler
Website: http://www.electwilson.com
Facebook: electRandyWilson
Twitter:
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.
Education:
Central Washington University, CTE Director Certification
Central Washington University, Marketing Vocation Teaching Certification
Pacific Lutheran University, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Minors: Computer Science, Data Structures, and Information Systems Science
Babson College: Economics For Leaders Institute
The Japan Foundation Language Institute
Ohio State University, Japan fellowship recipient for a two-month intensive study of Japanese pedagogy, teaching techniques, and curriculum development
Major civic interests/Community Service/Awards
Pierce County Central Labor Council (Soundview Representative) (PCCLC)
Washington DECA Board of Directors (Chair of the Fundraising Committee)
Sumner Rotary (Co-Chair of Sumner Rotary Dictionary project)
Wrangler for the Puyallup Rodeo
Pilgrim Lutheran Church Board, Past President and board member
Washington Educators of Business and Marketing Educators (WEBAM)
Washington Association of Marketing Educators (WAME) Board member and Treasurer
DECA Advisor of the Year 2024
Pierce County outstanding CTE educator 2010
Awarded the U.S. Presidential Scholars as the most Influential Teacher by the U.S. Secretary of Education in 2024
Leadership/Management & Administration:
WADECA Executive Board 2021-2027 Chair of Fundraising Committee
WEBAM Board (Washington Educators of Business And Marketing) 2021-2024
Established the inaugural WRHS DECA Daffodil Float so WRHS could participate in the Daffodil Royal Court and be eligible for Scholarships.
Established a relationship with Enumclaw Rotary so White River students could participate in the Rotary Student of the Month program and be eligible to apply for Rotary Scholarships.
Successfully hired, trained, supervised, evaluated, set priorities for, and communicated with a multi-ethnic office staff of ten. Increased staff morale, motivation, and stability; improved corporate image; and reduced turnover. Organized and planned several successful international golf tournaments. Developed daily operational schedules and planning for large tour groups.
Facilitated communication between Japanese management/staff and native English-speaking instructors and clients.
Liaison between Japanese developers, attorneys, project managers, architects, bankers, and government officials.
Primary contact and liaison for Japanese construction and golf tournament companies with their operations in Seattle.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
As a lifelong Washingtonian, I want to ensure the Port of Tacoma remains economically strong, continues to grow, and provides family-wage jobs and opportunities for my former students, their families, and all Pierce County residents. I also want to help develop and strengthen our workforce, and I fully support the opening of the Maritime 253 Skills Center in 2026, which will prepare our youth for port-related careers.
As we grow the Port of Tacoma, we must do so strategically and responsibly. We must ensure it remains environmentally sustainable and address areas of concern so the environmental impacts of the past do not burden future generations.
I am committed to building, maintaining, and fostering positive business relationships and growing trust and confidence among stakeholders across Pierce County.
3. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?
My campaign will be rooted in community, diversity, and compassion. I will work hard to connect with every voter possible through doorbelling, community events, and paid voter contact. I am also committed to engaging in the endorsement process of multiple organizations that align with my campaign’s values. I am excited to have a campaign team that includes a consultant behind me. To make this campaign successful, I am also committed to raising money through small-dollar donations and organizational support.
Last year I participated in the NEA/WEA "See Educators Run" which was a three-day workshop designed to teach teachers how to run for public office. Last February I also participated in the WLC (Washington Labor Council) Path To Power which was another three-day course designed to train fellow union members how run a campaign.
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.
The Port is a key economic engine for the region, directly and indirectly supporting more than 42,000 jobs and contributing nearly $3 billion in economic activity annually. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure make moving goods throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond are essential.
As we grow the Port of Tacoma, we must do so strategically and responsibly; we must ensure we maintain a strong workforce, environmentally sustainable operations, and communication between all stakeholders. For this reason, I believe that maintaining a strong workforce, focusing on environmental protections, and increasing the communication, trust, and transparency between the port and Tacoma residents are the most important themes of my campaign.
Maintain a strong workforce: I will fully support the development of our local workforce by promoting programs like the Tacoma School District’s Maritime 253 Skills Center and partnering with local institutions that train and empower skilled labor. I’m committed to expanding job training programs that connect Pierce County residents with family-wage careers in port-related industries. I will continue encouraging local recruitment to ensure these opportunities benefit our community first.
Environmental Protections: The port must continue to lead the way in transitioning port operations to renewable, green energy and reducing emissions. The focus will remain on minimizing our carbon footprint while identifying innovative and cost-effective solutions to achieve these goals.
Communication, trust, and transparency: I’m committed to sustaining and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with all current and future stakeholders of the Port of Tacoma, including the Puyallup Tribe, longshore workers, local government agencies, and the community members I represent. Most importantly, I value open communication and collaboration with my fellow Port Commissioners. I believe in listening, gathering information from diverse voices, and working together to make informed, balanced decisions that serve the best interests of the Port and the people who depend on it.
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 A fair economy requires a balanced approach to taxation and ensures responsible investment in our communities. Progressive taxes help fund essential services, from transportation to workforce development, without placing the burden on working families. As Port Commissioner, I will advocate for policies that support long term economics prosperity while ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
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 Public investment in affordable housing is vital for building a strong and inclusive community. The elderly deserve security and working families need housing options to build their future. I believe by encouraging responsible development, we can create solutions that will benefit future generations and ensure prosperity is shared by all Pierce County residents.
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 It is only fair the developers contribute toward the public amenities that make Pierce County a great place to live and work. Growth should not come just at the expense of taxpayers. Raising impact fees help maintain quality schools, infrastructure and so much more. It prevents additional stress on local government budgets and ensures economic growth for all members of our community.
4. Do you support building a municipally owned and operated broadband system in your city or jurisdiction? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #4 I believe municipal broadband can help bridge the digital divide, ensuring all residents have affordable high speed internet access. Access to broadband is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for education, job opportunities and engagement within our communities and beyond.
5. Do you support local investments to address climate change where applicable? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #5 I support local investments to tackle climate change. The Port of Tacoma already has a head start on this with a strong strategic plan that I will fully support.
6. Do you support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #6 As a proud father of three daughters, I know women's unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare is vital. Ensuring comprehensive healthcare options empowers everyone, strengthens families and supports economic stability.
7. Do you support laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #7 I support laws regulating firearms to ensure responsible ownership and public safety. Thoughtful regulations help balance individuals' rights with community wellbeing.
8. Do you support the right of workers to unionize and bargain, including public employees? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #8 As a proud public employee and very proud union member for 30 years, I strongly believe in protecting workers’ rights. Including the opportunity to organize, unionize and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits and working conditions.
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?
Although I’m running for a nonpartisan position, I am a lifelong Democrat and am in alignment with many of the Democratic Party values. The party’s stance on reproductive rights, climate change, diversity, and equity are all stances I believe in, support, and want to strengthen. I am dedicated to infusing the Port of Tacoma with policies that put the environment first, empower workers and unions, and integrate all members of Tacoma’s diverse community. I believe that the Democratic platform resonates with these ideas and for this reason I am seeking the 31st Legislative District Democrats’ endorsement.
2. What public policy reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LBQIA+ individuals in our communities?
The Port Commissioner is a non-legislative position so I won’t be able to directly pass legislation to make new policy, but I will be an avid supporter and advocate for BIPOC and LBTQIA+ people. All of Pierce County should be a place where all people feel safe, comfortable and are treated equally. I will support resolutions to improve equity and inclusion and will ensure that the Port’s policies align with the community’s needs.
3. What steps do you think need to be taken to improve voter turnout and increase voter trust in our election process?
We need to make voting as accessible and as easy as possible for Washington residents. Continuing to strengthen our mail-in system and providing secure and convenient drop off locations for ballots is important to keep people voting. Furthermore, streamlining the voting process, making it easy to access information about candidates and their policies, and making ballots easy to interact with can encourage voters to practice their right to vote. To increase trust, I think that we need to maintain transparency and have public access to election processes and data so that people can understand and follow the process of an election.
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?
As an active member of the PCCLC and a dedicated union member for over 30 years, I have consistently advocated for fair treatment of worker rights. One issue that isn’t receiving enough attention from elected leaders and the local media is the treatment of immigrants being detained without just cause. I have personally attended demonstrations demanding due process, dignity and justice for those affected.
5. Please list at least three specific, concrete actions you would support to ease the homelessness crisis.
The homelessness crisis in Pierce County and Washington has been ongoing, and we need to find solutions that make housing more affordable and available. I fully support legislation that addresses the root causes of homelessness, including providing access to affordable housing, renter protections, behavioral health support, and living-wage jobs and workforce development.
6. What safety, law, or justice issues are currently facing your jurisdiction, and how will you address them?
Although the Port of Tacoma Commissioners is a non-legislative position, I feel public safety and law enforcement needs to be a top priority. Ensuring that public safety personnel are adequately funded and well trained is essential for keeping everyone safe. There is no easy fix but advocating for workforce development programs that support hiring and training in law enforcement will help with the shortage of well trained and qualified personnel. More collaboration with other agencies should also be investigated to allow cross communication and collaboration.
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?
Protecting the environment is an important policy goal of mine, and transportation is a place where we can make positive change. The port is where Tacoma can lead the way in transitioning to renewable, green energy and reducing emissions. I will focus on minimizing our carbon footprint while identifying innovative, cost-effective solutions to achieve these goals. Transitioning the energy sources that power the ships, trains, trucks, and planes that move products through our port is a great way to integrate green energy in Tacoma and the port.
By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.
Printed Name: Randy Wilson
Date (mm/dd/yy): 05/28/2025
