Jerry Toompas is running for Port of Olympia Commissioner, District 2, in a countywide election this November. The decisions made by the Port over the next four years will shape our economy, environment, and community investments for years to come.

Why Jerry Toompas Deserves your Vote

  • Jerry Toompas brings a grounded, independent voice to the Port of Olympia. As a teacher and community advocate, he’s not part of the insider network that too often shapes local decisions.

    Lobbyists and industry reps have a role in providing information, but at the Port, their influence has grown too strong. He’ll take the meetings, ask the hard questions, and make up his own mind, always putting the public interest first.

  • The Port of Olympia is public land, owned by the people, not private interests.

    Jerry Toompas believes leadership should come from the community it serves. As a teacher, parent, and longtime volunteer, he knows what it means to show up for others, not for profit or power, but for the public good.

    Jerry will fight to make sure everyday people have a voice at the table, because the Port should work for all of us, not just the well-connected few.

  • Every taxpayer in Thurston County helps fund the Port of Olympia, but most of the decisions are made by people who live near it. All current commissioners are based in or around the urban core.

    Jerry Toompas lives in rural Thurston County, where many communities are paying into a system that gives them little in return. He knows what it means to be overlooked while decisions and investments stay concentrated near the port.

    It is time for a commissioner who represents all of Thurston County, especially the areas that need the most economic investment, places where jobs are scarce and poverty is high.

  • Look at the websites of most local candidates and you’ll see vague promises with few specifics. Jerry Toompas is different. His full platform is available for anyone to read, clear, detailed, and upfront about where he stands, even when it is not the popular position.

    Jerry believes voters deserve more than slogans. He is running to be a strong advocate, not just a polished candidate. Transparency builds trust, and that starts with being honest about your plans.

  • Jerry Toompas is the only candidate refusing all money from corporations, PACs, unions, and political organizations. His campaign is powered entirely by individuals, not special interests.

    Campaign contributions from timber companies, developers, and contractors, sectors that often seek influence in local government decisions, limit the voice of the public.

    Jerry Toompas believes there's only one reason special interests give money: to influence decisions. He’s committed to keeping public service accountable to the public, not to donors with an agenda.

The only candidate refusing special interest money.

Jerry Toompas is the only candidate refusing all money from organizations, PACs, unions, and corporations. His campaign is powered by real people, not special interests.

Accepting NO campaign contributions from any organization.

Responsible Economic
Growth

  • Responsible development means protecting the natural beauty and accessibility of our shoreline and Port lands. Every project should preserve open space for public use, including trails, parks, and gathering places where families and residents can relax, play, and connect. Land use decisions must balance economic growth with long-term environmental health and community well-being. The Port should never become closed off to the people who pay for it. Our land must remain public, accessible, and inviting.

  • The Port must lead by example in supporting industries that provide real economic opportunity. That means attracting employers who offer living wages, benefits, and respect for organized labor. Any major contract or project should include commitments to union labor, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development that lifts up local workers. Unions are critical to ensuring job quality, safety, and equity in our economy, and they should be central to the Port’s economic strategy.

  • Development should never happen without clear, enforceable commitments to public benefit. That includes affordable commercial space for local businesses, community programming, and infrastructure improvements that serve everyone, not just developers. Projects must include amenities like public restrooms, family spaces, childcare access, and improved transportation connections. When public land is used for private gain, the community must get something real in return - measurable, visible, and lasting.

  • Port property belongs to the people of Thurston County and should remain in public hands. Long-term leases that effectively hand over ownership to private developers for 75 years or more are unacceptable. These arrangements remove public control and benefit private interests at the community’s expense. Instead, we must keep the land under Port control and ensure that any lease provides a fair, market-rate return that goes back into public use, services, and improvements.

  • Our economic future must be sustainable. The Port should invest in industries that reduce pollution, promote clean energy, and build long-term resilience to climate change. That means supporting businesses that recycle, conserve resources, and operate with a low environmental impact. We can grow jobs and grow responsibly at the same time, becoming a model for green economic development that puts people and the planet first.

  • Residents deserve to know how and why decisions are made. Every step of the development process, from initial proposal to final vote, should be public, accessible, and easy to understand. Documents must be posted online, meetings must be streamed and open to participation, and decisions must be guided by community input. We cannot allow a small group of insiders to shape the Port’s future behind closed doors.

Environmental Protection

  • As Port Commissioner, I will fight to protect our natural resources and make sure the Port is a partner in environmental stewardship. We need to hold polluters accountable, preserve marine life, and keep our air and water clean. Our community deserves a Port that acts with care and long-term responsibility.

  • Too many contaminated sites have been ignored for decades while nearby neighborhoods are left with the consequences. I will make cleanup a top priority and ensure those responsible are held accountable. We can restore our shorelines, protect ecosystems, and make these areas safe and accessible to the public again.

  • The climate crisis is already affecting our region. I will push the Port to invest in renewable energy, reduce emissions, and build climate-smart infrastructure. Our future depends on bold leadership and a commitment to sustainability. We need to plan ahead, not just react later.

  • I will support projects that create long-term economic growth without harming our environment. That means investing in clean industries, supporting local green businesses, and ensuring that new jobs at the Port are living-wage, union jobs tied to sustainable practices.

  • Our marine ecosystems and shorelines are vital to the health of our region. I will work to protect critical habitats, prevent erosion, and support restoration efforts that protect native species and water quality.

  • Communities most affected by pollution and neglect must be prioritized in cleanup and investment. I will advocate for policies that center equity and ensure that no neighborhood bears an unfair environmental burden.

Economic development can benefit all of us.

Economic development should strengthen our communities, support working families, and protect what makes Thurston County special. With public ownership, union jobs, and open spaces for all, the Port can lead growth that truly serves the public good.

Donate to the campaign

I’m running a grassroots campaign powered by community support. I may be outspent, but I won’t be outworked. My opponent has the ability to invest personal resources into their campaign, but I believe our strength comes from the people we bring together and the values we share. With your support, we can reach voters and build something meaningful for Thurston County.