Throughout my career, I have always believed in the power of good government and the importance of giving back to the community. With a professional background spanning 27 years as a reporter and editor for five daily newspapers, nearly six years in public relations for the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, and a decade as a public information officer for the Washington Department of Health, I bring a wealth of experience in communication, collaboration, and public engagement to my work in public service. Retiring in November 2017 allowed me to dedicate myself fully to these community roles, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future for the place I am proud to call home.

It's been the honor of my life to serve you for the last eight years, and I once again ask for your vote and support as I seek re-election to the Lacey City Council.

Together, we can continue to build a community that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of science, sustainability, and public service, I’m committed to making government operations more environmentally responsible—because what we buy, how we build, and how we lead matters.

I'm also deeply involved in our community, volunteering with organizations like Family Education and Support Services, the Family Support Center, and ASHHO. Supporting local causes and helping neighbors thrive is at the heart of everything I do.

In my free time, I love to travel with my mom, exploring new cultures and gathering ideas to bring back to Tumwater. You'll also find me walking my rescue pug, Beatrice, and catching up with neighbors. Serving this city is my passion, and I'm ready to lead as your Mayor to help Tumwater shine even brighter!

Melissa has proudly served on the Tumwater School Board since 2016 and currently leads as Board President. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on expanding student voice, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring access to high quality programs for every student. She has been a driving force behind building meaningful relationships between the school district, the Nisqually Tribe, and the Tumwater City Council—helping to foster stronger, more inclusive partnerships that benefit all students.

A champion for student and community engagement, Melissa increased student representation on the board from two to six members, ensuring students have a direct voice in shaping their education. She has also worked to expand opportunities for families and community members to participate in school decision-making, making the district more transparent and responsive to those it serves.

I’m Maren Turner—policy leader, community advocate, and proud resident of Lacey. I’ve dedicated my career to fighting for equity, strengthening services for seniors and vulnerable populations, and uniting people to tackle complex challenges. Now, I am running for Lacey City Council because I believe in the power of local government to create lasting, meaningful changes in people’s lives.

As the Office Chief for Washington’s Aging and Long-Term Services Administration, I lead a team of 35 professionals managing essential Medicaid programs that serve our elders and individuals with disabilities. I have the skills to navigate complex systems, secure funding, and deliver results—abilities I will bring to the Council.

I am a first generation Olympian who moved to Olympia in 2005. Since then, my husband and I have been able to truly settle here, building community and connections, and are now raising our own family in the northeast neighborhood.

In my day job I am the Vice President for Advancement at SPSCC. This role has allowed me to be highly engaged with regional partners in our city and county governments,  area non-profit organizations, economic and business development organizations, employers of all sizes, regional Tribal partners, and many wonderful individuals throughout Olympia. 

I was appointed to the Olympia City Council, position 5, in January 2025.  I am running to retain the position so I can continue to serve this City that means so much to me.

Meghan Sullivan’s Tumwater roots run deep. A proud graduate of Tumwater High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Western Washington University and went on to complete a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit leadership and public policy at The Evergreen State College. Since 2011, Meghan and her family have called Tumwater home—and she quickly stepped up to serve, joining the Carlyon North Neighborhood Association board just months after moving in.

Since 2013, Meghan has been a leader at TOGETHER!, serving in both Executive Director and Deputy Director roles. Under her guidance, the nonprofit has expanded its reach across Thurston County and beyond—tackling critical community challenges and empowering residents. In 2016, former Mayor Pete Kmet invited her to join the Tumwater Planning Commission; Meghan’s thoughtful approach and collaborative spirit earned her four years as Vice Chair and one year as Chair. Today, she continues that commitment as a board member of the Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties.

I am running for Tumwater City Council, Position 6 to ensure that everyone in our community has a voice in the decision making process. Our city deserves a proven leader who is prepared to address tough issues, through regional collaboration, to get successful results.

We need to ensure that our children have a safe and inclusive community to grow up in. It is vital that we increase transportation accessibility, protect our environment, support local small businesses and residents as they recover from the COVID-19 economy, and create more affordable housing.

I will use my experience as a community liaison, data analyst, and subject matter expert to create community-centered policies that work for EVERYONE and get to the root causes of our most pressing issues.

I hope that you will trust me with your vote on November 3rd, so that I can make this vision representative of your values and your voice!

I moved to Yelm in 2017 to run the local health center while finishing my master’s at the University of Washington. I didn’t expect to stay but Yelm quickly became home. Today, I live here with my husband and our two dogs, and I’m proud to serve on the Thurston County Veterans Advisory Board and with the Yelm Lions Club.

As a veteran and lifelong public servant, I’ve led programs to prevent illness and injury, managed community health centers, and built partnerships to improve care for underserved populations. With a deep commitment to collaboration and results, I’m ready to bring that same focus and leadership to Yelm City Council.

I have lived in Thurston County for 35 years. My family and I moved to the Tumwater School District eleven years ago, and both my granddaughters are now students in the district. I spent 27 years as a youth librarian working closely with teachers, administration, and families in our local public schools.

Tumwater School Board directors have responsibilities that include: budget, policy development, curriculum approval, planning, and communications. The Tumwater School District faces enormous challenges, as do many public schools across the country. Not the least of these challenges are potential budget shortfalls. I was elected to represent my community for three terms on the Yelm City Council and served nine years on the Budget Committee. That experience gives me the technical know-how to understand these issues and effect practical solutions to achieve positive outcomes for our community​.

It is an honor of a lifetime to be the Mayor of the city I was born and raised, and I’ll continue to pour my heart and soul into doing everything I can to continue to make our city the best it can possibly be!

As a recently appointed school board director I am passionate about ensuring success for all students and my work is not yet done. I am running for election to continue this work and my support of public education.

I hope to support the district in ongoing improvement in student performance as we continue to recover from the pandemic. I hope that we continue to foster an environment where all students and staff feel welcome, safe, supported, and engaged in their education.

Lacey’s parks are where our community comes together—where kids learn to play, neighbors gather, seniors stay active, and families make memories. Proposition 1 ensures we can continue to grow and care for the parks, trails, and programs that make Lacey a place people love to call home.

This measure creates a Metropolitan Park District, providing dedicated, stable funding for Lacey’s parks system. For less than $20 a month for the average homeowner, this investment protects and enhances our quality of life—now and for future generations. The plan is clear: build new parks, add new park features, repair aging playgrounds, build long-awaited projects throughout Lacey such as spray parks, indoor playgrounds, and additional trails and access to natural spaces.