Bob Iyall – Port Commissioner position 2
Bob Iyall is being re-endorsed for Port of Olympia due to his background, experience and relationships that have made him a leader among the commissioners. Bob cites climate resilience and water quality as top concerns with sea level rise, extreme weather, and aging infrastructure presenting growing threats to the Port of Olympia and across Thurston County. As an incumbent he has supported the Port’s Climate Resilience planning and encouraged stronger collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies to prepare for environmental impacts and pledges to expand the Port’s use of renewable energy, and invest in restoration projects that protect ecosystems while enhancing public access to clean, safe waterfronts. Bob is a lifelong resident of Thurston County, graduated from Tumwater High School and earned an MBA from WSU. He was CEO of a Tribal Government Corporation, Medicine Creek Enterprise Corp., an elder of the Nisqually Tribe and a 45-year union member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union.
Anthony Hemstad – Port Commissioner position 3
Anthony Hemstad is running for port commissioner with the goal of making the Port of Olympia a leader in the movement towards electrification and using renewable energy. He argues that the Port greatly expand the use of solar panels on Port rooftops, including those for future development. In addition, he wants cargo ships to use electric shore-power while at Port, the Port to lead in getting charging capabilities in for eVTOL aircraft and electric vessels as these won’t “take off” without having docks/airports where they can charge.
Anthony volunteers as Economic Development Committee Chairman for the Port of Olympia’s Citizen Advisory Commission. Professionally, he currently runs his own successful economic development and public policy consultancy, working with local governments and private enterprises. He has deep experience in international business and has successfully helped bring major investments into Washington state.
We believe Anthony will bring his valuable experience to ensure that the Port of Olympia meets the environmental goals of the Sierra Club.
Joel Hanson – Port Commissioner position 4
Joel is a life-long Thurston County resident who has been involved with a number of public efforts. He currently serves on the Thurston County Planning Committee and the Port Citizens advisory committee. He formerly ran for port commissioner and was endorsed by Sierra Club. He has been a friend to the Sierra Club and if elected he will support environmental priorities. His objectives stress that the Port provides good jobs and environmental protection.
City of Olympia
Clark Gilman – City Council Position 4
Clark Gilman was first appointed to the Olympia City Council in 2016, was elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. He was endorsed by the Sierra Club in both 2017 and 2021 and has been re-endorsed for 2025. During his tenure on the Commission, Clark has been a strong supporter of progressive programs, stating his core values as trust, cooperation, honesty, respect for all and for the health of our planet. Throughout his tenure the South Sound Group has had a strong relationship with Clark, and he is deserving of another term and our re-endorsement.
Robert Vanderpool – City Council Position 6
Robert is currently on the Olympia City Council, being appointed in 2024 to complete the term of a commissioner who had resigned. Since being appointed he has worked on a number of environmental priorities including serving on both the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative and the Sea Level Rise Governance Committee. He has also been a strong advocate for addressing the low-income housing needs in Olympia. Robert is an Evergreen Graduate and a State Employee. He has earned Sierra Club endorsement.
Paul Berendt – City Council Position 7
Paul Berendt has a strong background in Washington Democratic politics. His career includes notable public works and emergency services advocacy in the Washington State Legislature. He played a significant role in the passage of HB 2346, promoting a sustainable local renewable energy industry. One of the provisions of this bill provided incentives for installation of solar panels on homes and community facilities.
If elected, Paul's priorities include the implementation of the climate mitigation plan, protection of water quality, energy education, and an electric vehicle policy for the city. As the city updates its growth management plan Paul has considerable experience with land use, zoning, building codes, and design standards.
From January 1995 to January 2006, Paul served as the chair of the Washington State Democratic Party. Paul Berendt is a proven supporter of environmental priorities throughout his professional career and while serving as Washington Democratic party chair. He will be strong voice on the Olympia City Council.
City of Lacey
Ryan Siu – City Council Position 6
Ryan Siu is running for Lacey City Council open seat 6. He has previously spent time in the Peace Corp, as a small business owner, and as a teacher. His priorities if elected include Environmental Sustainability, Homeless and housing affordability, transportation, and infrastructure. We believe Ryan will bring a good deal of enthusiasm for Sierra Club priorities to the Lacey City Council and is deserving of our endorsement.
Carolyn Cox – City Council Position 7
Carolyn Cox has been on the Lacey City Council for eight years and has proven to be a leader in initiatives to address homelessness, climate change, and equity. She established the city’s commission on equity and is Lacy’s representative on the Lacy, Olympia, Tumwater Thurston Clean Water Alliance (LOTT) board of Directors. Carolyn has been an environmental leader both on the Lacey City Council and in Thurston County. She has been a leader in Lacy’s endorsement of the Thurston Climate Action Plan and the update of Lacey’s comprehensive plan that includes a strong chapter on climate mitigation priorities. Carolyn has earned our re-endorsement.
City of Tumwater
Leatta Dahloff – Mayor
Leatta Dahloff has been endorsed by Sierra Club for her previous position on the City Council. She currently serves as the Interim Mayor having been appointed by the Council when the elected mayor resigned. She has served on the City Council since 2018 and the Planning Committee since 2014. Leatta has consistently been an advocate for Sierra Club priorities having worked at the WA Department of Ecology for 19 years as a toxics reduction specialist. Her priority as mayor is that Tumwater be known for innovation and environmental stewardship. This will be particularly important as Tumwater enters plans for the now decaying former Olympia Brewery site. The South Sound Sierra Club Group has maintained an excellent relationship with Leatta over the years, and she deserves endorsement for Mayor.
Meghan Sullivan – City Council Position 5
Meghan Sullivan has been active in Tumwater City affairs for many years, currently serving as chair of the planning commission. She has a background in community health and public administration and currently serves as executive director of Together!, a non-profit that supports health promotion and youth development throughout the south sound.
Her goals, if elected to the city council include equity and climate justice, housing accessibility and affordability, and the promotion of science-based decisions. As chair of the city planning commission Meghan has promoted green building, access to green spaces as a public good, and to increase the tree canopy.
We are confident that Meghan will continue to work with our South Sound Group and will be a strong proponent of environmental priorities.
Read more: www.meghanfortumwater.com
Eileen Swarthout – City Council Position 4
Sierra Club is pleased to endorse Eileen again for her support of environmental priorities on the Tumwater City Council and across the South Sound area.
Peter Agabi – City Council Position 6
Peter’s priorities include addressing the affordable housing crisis, reducing the number of homeless residents, protecting our environment, and increasing transportation options.
He also stressed during our interview the need to address climate change and sees Tumwater playing an important role in the implementation of the Thurston climate mitigation plan. Peter supports a prohibition of using fossil fuels in new construction along with a need for stronger incentives to convert to clean energy sources.
He feels that a regional coalition among Tumwater, Olympia, and Lacey can realize the development of a safe infrastructure for citizens to walk, bike, or access reliable transit service.
