I believe that effective leadership requires embracing the complexity of our world. There are many truths, and we can’t afford to ignore those that are inconvenient or don’t align perfectly with our base. Whether it’s addressing harm reduction and addiction prevention, advocating for Housing First while supporting addiction recovery, or tackling root causes alongside emergency responses, I strive to acknowledge and address multiple perspectives. When I take a position, I commit to not dismissing the other truths that might be left out but instead work to integrate them into a comprehensive solution.

I approach every challenge by breaking it down into its fundamental components, rather than beginning with preconceived conclusions. My goal is to find practical solutions that genuinely address the problems at hand. Ideology can guide us, but it should never limit us. I prioritize solutions that work for our communities, driven by a deep understanding of the issues rather than rigid adherence to any one perspective.

True courage isn’t just about standing up to those who oppose us; it’s also about challenging our friends and allies when necessary. I’m committed to making the tough decisions, even when it means going against those who usually agree with me or who have supported me. My duty is to the people of King County, and I will always prioritize their well-being over political convenience. Courage means doing what’s right, even when it’s hard, and I’m ready to lead with that conviction.

I believe in the power of data and evidence to guide our decisions. Every program we start or service we provide must demonstrate strong performance metrics and be justified every year based on the outcomes it produces, not the special interests it pleases. My approach to leadership will be rooted in relentless empiricism—constantly assessing what works, what doesn’t, and making adjustments to ensure that we are delivering the best possible results for King County.

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Success isn’t about how many programs we start or how much money we spend; it’s about the tangible outcomes we achieve. I will measure my success by the real-world impact on the lives of King County residents. Whether it’s reducing homelessness, improving public safety, or increasing access to healthcare, the true measure of our efforts will be in the positive changes our policies bring to our communities.

Meaningful progress happens when we build strong, trusting relationships. I believe that the pace of change is directly linked to the quality of our connections with each other. Whether working with community leaders, colleagues, or constituents, I’m committed to fostering relationships that create a foundation for lasting progress. Change isn’t just about policies; it’s about people, and I’m dedicated to moving forward together.

I believe that those who are most affected by the issues we seek to address should be at the center of our policy-making process. The people closest to the pain have the most valuable insights into what needs to be done. By elevating their voices and ensuring they are actively involved in shaping the solutions, we create policies that are not only more just but also more effective.

I believe that government should serve the people by meeting them where they are. This means designing every program, service, and initiative with the end user in mind. Too often, government efforts are bogged down by jargon and processes that make sense only to insiders. We need to communicate in clear, accessible language that our constituents can easily understand. When we design a service, it should be tailored to ensure that those who need it most can actually access and benefit from it. My commitment is to make government work for everyone, by focusing on the real-life experiences of the people we serve, not just on bureaucratic efficiency.

I believe that everyone should be able to participate fully in our government, regardless of their background, abilities, or language. This means making sure that all our communications, services, and opportunities are accessible in both language and function. By breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone can engage with our work, we create a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community for all.

I believe in finding pathways to solutions rather than just saying no. When faced with challenges, my approach is to ask, “What will it take to get to yes?” It’s about collaboration, compromise, and creativity. I’m committed to working with all stakeholders to identify the conditions under which we can move forward together. By focusing on how we can achieve our goals rather than just listing reasons we can’t, I will drive positive change for King County.

Building bridges means fostering connections among people who might not otherwise interact, helping them find common ground even when they disagree. I believe that when we create opportunities for dialogue and understanding, we pave the way for productive collaboration. Whether it’s between different communities, political factions, or interest groups, my goal is to bridge divides and bring people together to work toward shared solutions for King County.

Equity is more than a buzzword or a box to check—it's about solving real problems that people face every day. I believe that equity work doesn't happen in conference rooms or through press releases; it happens on the ground, in our neighborhoods, and in direct partnership with the people we serve. It's about making sure everyone has safe places to live, access to good jobs, quality healthcare, and the opportunity to thrive. My focus is on tangible, on-the-ground solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives, not just symbolic gestures or words. True equity is achieved by addressing the needs of our community where they exist, ensuring that everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed.