Tawni Andrews

Occupation: Cook, Washington State Patrol Academy

Relevant experience: Six years on the Aberdeen City Council – Ward 1 Position 2. Three years as City Council President consecutively. Twenty-plus years in accounting/administrative work experience, AAS in Culinary Arts from South Puget Sound Community College June 2019.

1. Homelessness in Aberdeen has been a divisive issue lately, especially over what the city should do with the homeless population on the Chehalis riverfront. How would you envision addressing the city’s homelessness issue if elected? What would be your priorities?

In the past six years I have served on council, we have continued to have ongoing issues. Cities now have outside federal courts dictating how we can and cannot handle issues within our own boundaries and those restrictions can be extremely frustrating. But we must manage what is in front of us. Creating the site behind City Hall is nowhere near the ideal response, but we must respond, and we must be proactive. As each new thing arises in this new venture we must respond quickly, decisively and consistently. Other priorities I have are increased communication, town hall meetings (at least quarterly) and mayor office hours. We need to engage our community and get them excited about Aberdeen’s future.

2. Unlike larger Washington cities, Aberdeen seems to be aging and losing its younger population after high school. What are your ideas to attract businesses or get more energy going to develop the city and help it grow economically?

As citizens we need to find ways to encourage our local population to not only shop locally but get involved in our communities. Investing in our community through volunteering and community involvement will create a great sense of pride. As far as attracting business, the levy project will help alleviate high flood insurance rates and encourage people to invest. But we have to find more creative ways to encourage businesses and startups, such as shared spaces. Maybe if one business can’t afford to rent a space, perhaps three or four could pool resources to use an existing space.

3. The Gateway Center has been in the works for many years and might reach the point where it’s ready for construction soon. What are your plans for the project or do you have any ideas of how it would best be used?

I have been a fan of this center, but I feel that it’s been mis-represented. I understand that the focus has been on the corner that is dedicated to a visitor center. Now while I feel having one is important, especially since we no longer have one locally, this project holds so much more potential for our area. The presence of such a modern and attractive building greeting our visitors as they enter Aberdeen. Meeting spaces, with movable walls that can house conventions and large conferences that now must go to other neighboring communities. And upstairs that could pair with the college as an incubator for startups and entrepreneurs. A small business center that could assist existing businesses as well. We need to path forward, and to show that we are thinking about the future to visitors and investors alike. That visitor who’s passing through or stopping by might be the next person to move to or invest in our community. Let’s show the world how amazing our community and its citizens really are!