NANCY PICINICH
Age: 55
Occupation: Second-grade teacher, Peninsula Schools
Education: Master’s degree Civic experience: Peninsula Lutheran Church choir and Sunday Bible school teacher; Gig Harbor-Peninsula Get Acquainted Picnic; sponsor and teacher for Japanese students; past secretary and representative of the Peninsula Education Association; Washington Education Association; school site council
Q: Why are you running?
A: As a concerned citizen of 35 years, I’ve enjoyed the quality of life of this community, and I’ll work to preserve it for our future. Marilyn Owel (the outgoing incumbent) has done a commendable job, adding needed diversity and a broader spectrum and awareness of issues. I feel I can make decisions prudently concerning our community’s future.
Q: Name your top three priorities.
A: Maintain local control. Provide more goods and services, so we’re not having money streaming out of our city; maintain our quality of life. Continue to build, improve and maintain our parks, schools, infrastructure, etc.; maintain and improve our quality of education. … I will continue to be a part of something constructive and positive.
Q: What do you see as the biggest problems/issues facing the city and how would you solve or fix them?
A: The bridge toll will be a heavy economic hit to our community. We need a hospital and cooperation with our medical community to provide jobs and services. The Gig Harbor TCC needs to offer viable courses for two-year programs. … Our business community needs to aggressively recruit firms.
PAUL R. CONAN
Age: 29
Occupation: Hedge fund manager, agent originator
Education: Bachelor of science in business administration, Pepperdine University, 1998
Civic activities: City of Gig Harbor Planning Commission; City of Gig Harbor Building Size Task Force; Elder, Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church; Strategic Advisory Board for Salvation Army, Tacoma; Endowment Committee at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church; Habitat for Humanity; Get Real 2001 youth event adviser; Kids’ Gig Construction captain
Q: Why are you running?
A: These next four years are extremely important to the future of Gig Harbor. The bridge will be opening soon and we must prepare for the future. I can bring strong, proven leadership to the council to help us preserve the beauty of Gig Harbor while continuing to allow appropriate growth.
Q: Name your top three priorities.
A: Managed, balanced growth is pivotal to allowing the city to keep its small-town feeling while providing services for its residents; the revenue stream created by new commercial development needs to be allocated to major capital improvements; I will seek to continue to involve the public more in city government.
Q: What do you see as the biggest problems/issues facing the city and how would you solve or fix them?
A: Growth is a key issue facing Gig Harbor. We must strive to keep the Gig Harbor we know and love while providing for the growing needs of our citizens. This can be accomplished through sensible leadership and community involvement. We must not let our small town be overwhelmed by development.
