Jasmine Dickhoff

Occupation: Waitress

Relevant experience: Elected mayor 2015, Grays Harbor Transit Board, Grays Harbor Council of Governments Board, City Council Member 2007-15, council president two years, Regulatory Committee five years, Public Utility Committee six years, Public Safety Committee two years. Certified in Municipal Leadership from AWC Young Elected Officials Network. Participant in White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs outreach and exchange program.

1. What solutions can you see that are feasible for the city to address homelessness in Hoquiam?

What the city of Hoquiam has focused on has been addressing the lack of affordable housing and/or shelter space, as well as employment. A few months ago the city was approached by an existing company that owned property with utility infrastructure which had never been turned on. They were wanting to build additional trailer homes space and asked that the city waive a utility hook up fee. The City Council had decided that it did not qualify as low income housing and the issue died. The administration brought the issue back to the council with the company and asked them to consider the history of the infrastructure that has already been built underneath the property with the recommendation that they be considered grandfathered in. The council agreed. Because of that we are very proud to say that there will be 50 new units available to families by the end of summer. This is significant as the last major development for housing was in the 1990s. This trailer park is privately owned, though we have spoken to CCAP about contacting the owners of this development. That is significant in opening up available, affordable space in Hoquiam and we trust will bring some such needed security for people.

Much of the last four years we have focused on working with the Port of Grays Harbor, the Department of Ecology and various groups and citizens around industry grown in Hoquiam, most significantly attracting BHP which would be a potash export facility. At this point we have a few more steps to go and anticipate that BHP will make a decision by year’s end. This will mean an increased tax base for the city but even more important for families it means jobs. We are also very proud to say that there have been a significant amount of new businesses opening and hiring employees. These things will all directly or indirectly have a positive impact on the local issue of homelessness.

2. BHP’s proposed potash facility, if the company chooses to construct at the Port of Grays Harbor, could bring a significant amount of one-time cash into the city through permit fees and construction tax revenue. What would you consider to be the best use of that money?

Repairs to streets and sidewalks, replacing aging city equipment, money or matching funds for any potential grants and replenishing our budget reserves.

3. A study is nearing completion on potential consolidation of fire services between Aberdeen and Hoquiam. What are your views on service consolidation, for fire and in other areas, such as the potential of contracting with Aberdeen for wastewater services?

My general views on any service (not city) consolidation is that so long as it is supported by citizens we must always consider working together in areas where we can maximize the use of people’s taxes and provide the best services as possible to the cities that we love so much. For fire, we want to ensure if you have to call 911 that there will be a team of professionals there as quickly as possible to help you in your time of need. For water we want to continue to provide award winning services. We may have an opportunity to work with the city of Aberdeen to jointly replace our aging wastewater treatment plant facilities. Initial studies show we may save as much as $10 million for each city by doing so. So we have agreed to pay for the study to look into that. We are, indeed, stronger together. We’ve partnered on department heads while conducting such studies and hiring critical staff. We’ve forged a partnership to ensure the success of the Timberworks project to get funding for a levee to alleviate the cost of flood insurance in this area. I believe we have shown you can have a rivalry and come together on issues that are of concern on both sides of Myrtle Street.