Meet Ellen

Born and raised in Lakewood, I’m the granddaughter of Filipino laborers who immigrated to the United States to work in the Hawaiian sugar cane fields before the First World War. My father was a US Army veteran and civilian-military specialist while my mother taught adult ESL in the Tacoma Latino community. With sparse childcare options, I grew up partially raised in her classroom helping her teach adult reading and literacy.

Growing up in a multicultural family, I experienced firsthand some of the hurdles working families face, like finding affordable childcare or juggling multiple jobs. Those experiences inspired me to value education, workforce training, service, and giving back to the community, a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life.

Lakewood is at a turning point calling for energetic and fresh leadership that listens to the community and has experiences in common with generations, young and old, who are seeking affordability, a culture that reflects the community, and a safe sense of place. 

I am running for Lakewood City Council, Position 1, because I feel that my upbringing in Lakewood, coupled with my years of commitment to public service is the fresh leadership needed to guide Lakewood into its next chapter. 

I have dedicated my career to public service and public works. I listen to understand and strive to represent the community’s needs while serving on the Lakewood Planning Commission.  Taking the next step, I would be honored to serve as your next representative on the Lakewood City Council.

Moving Lakewood Forward

  • My service on the Lakewood Planning Commission has asked me to contemplate various approaches focused on preparing for Lakewood’s growing future. We need to ensure that as our community grows, we keep in mind our environment, and the strength of our neighborhoods coupled with vibrant placemaking. We also need to ensure that housing options are affordable and accessible for Lakewood’s working families.

  • Community safety is at the top of everyone’s minds. I believe that through creating safe environments for recreation, learning, gathering, or celebrating arts & culture we can ensure stronger community bonds and safer neighborhoods. This also means building up neighborhood resiliency where people can walk and get around safely by bike, bus, or car, and that we invest in vital local services, education, and workforce development to address the root causes of crime.

  • I am highly supportive of outreach efforts that bring community-based organizations, cultural associations, neighborhood groups, coalitions, faith-based groups, and others from underrepresented communities to the table to address our city’s greatest challenges. When elected to the city council, I am committed to transparency, accountability, and people-centered solutions.

Ellen’s Endorsements

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello

Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Marty Campbell

Lakewood Deputy Mayor Mary Moss

Pierce County Council Chair Jani Hitchen

Contact us.

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