Environment and Safety: Protecting Our People and Our Community
We all value Issaquah’s natural beauty - and I will fight to protect our trees and green spaces while guiding responsible growth that fits our city. But just as important, every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, neighborhood, and community.
That’s why I am committed to strong public safety partnerships. I am honored to be endorsed by the Eastside Firefighters, trusted by those who put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. Their support reflects my commitment to standing with first responders and ensuring they have the resources they need. I have also begun a constructive dialogue with Police Chief Paula Schwan about traffic safety, public safety, and building stronger community trust.
Recent events like the Lake Tradition wildfire have reminded us how quickly emergencies can threaten our homes, families, and environment. The City of Issaquah is now working on an updated Evacuation Plan to ensure residents know what to do and how to stay safe in the event of fire, flood, or other disasters. During my door knocking campaign, I heard directly from many residents in the Issaquah Highlands and Talus areas, who are concerned about having very limited road access for evacuation in an emergency. As your Councilmember, I will make it a priority to improve evacuation planning, identify alternative routes, and ensure every neighborhood has a safe way out in a crisis.
Public safety is more than law enforcement alone. I have attended meetings with our Human Services team to better understand how we are addressing homelessness and the root causes of instability. Programs like the Homeless Outreach Program connect individuals to shelter, rental assistance, and health insurance - demonstrating that safety also comes from compassion, stability, and access to support.
Issaquah is also home to strong community-based safety programs:
Block Watch, which empowers neighbors to look out for one another.
Paws on Patrol, where dog walkers serve as extra eyes and ears for the police.
CERT Training, which equips residents to respond during disasters.
Vision Zero, our initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through proactive design and safer streets.
Safety also means caring for our environment. The Kokanee salmon, unique to Lake Sammamish and its streams, are a symbol of Issaquah’s natural heritage and an indicator of water quality and ecosystem health. Protecting our streams, reducing pollution, and preserving habitat safeguards not only these iconic salmon, but also our clean water, wildlife, and community well-being. Environmental health is directly connected to public health and safety, and I will keep this at the center of decision-making.
As your Councilmember, I will fight for:
Protecting trees and green spaces while allowing thoughtful growth.
Strengthening partnerships with police, fire, and mental health responders.
Keeping Issaquah a safe, welcoming community for all.
Emergency access and evacuation routes for Highlands and Talus.
Safe, reliable streets, sidewalks, and bike paths.
By fostering strong relationships between law enforcement, fire services, Human Services, and residents, we can build safe and welcoming neighborhoods. My priority will be creating a community where safety, respect, and support for all individuals come first.
Together, we can ensure Issaquah remains not only a beautiful place to live, but also a safe, inclusive, and resilient city for generations to come.