My name is Jerry Toompas and I’m proud to be running for port commissioner as the only rural candidate running or serving.
I’ve heard the frustration across our county.
Rural residents pay their full share of taxes to the port, yet their priorities are often ignored. Our property taxes help fund crucial services meant to drive economic development, but rural communities are rarely considered, despite facing higher levels of poverty and greater needs.
I live in Yelm and work as a special education teacher. Like many in Thurston County, I know what it means to budget carefully and make do with less. The port is a major economic force, and it should reflect that same responsibility by focusing on smart investments that benefit every taxpayer, not just those near the waterfront.
Historically, voter turnout in our rural communities is far lower than in Olympia and Tumwater. When fewer rural voices participate, our priorities are ignored and critical decisions continue to be made without us at the table.
