12/02/2025
Dear Gig Harbor neighbors,
December 8 will be my final council meeting and as I step away from my service on the Gig Harbor City Council, I find myself reflecting on the journey, the growth, and the deep sense of purpose these last eight years have given me. When my husband, Del, and I first discovered Gig Harbor in 1999, we knew we had found something rare. The harbor was beautiful, yes—but it was the people, the conversations, the kindness, and the sense of shared stewardship that convinced us this was home. Serving this community has only deepened that love.
Being elected in 2018 was the greatest honor of my life. From the first day, my commitment was simple: listen closely, work hard, stand up for the values Gig Harbor holds dear, and always remember whom I serve. Together, we navigated slower growth, celebrated successes, debated tough issues, and protected what makes our hometown extraordinary. Every decision I made—whether simple or difficult—was shaped by the voices, hopes, and concerns of the people who call Gig Harbor home.
I am proud of the legacy we built together: a community that values transparency, fiscal responsibility, thoughtful growth, and the belief that our natural beauty and small-town character are worth protecting. I have been inspired by citizens who show up—sometimes to testify, sometimes just to say thank you, sometimes to disagree but always to care. That engagement is the beating heart of our local democracy, and it has been my privilege to witness it up close.
Leaving public service is not a goodbye to Gig Harbor, this is our home. This harbor, its people, its shoreline, its trails, its laughter and resilience—these live in me. I leave serving you with gratitude for the many partnerships formed, the residents who shared their stories, the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and the volunteers who pour their hearts into this town. You have shaped me, challenged me, and reminded me daily why Gig Harbor is unlike any other.
My hope is that the work we did together continues to guide the city forward: growth that pays for growth, decisions grounded in fairness, transparency comes first, and a commitment to preserving the beauty and character that first drew all of us here.
Thank you for giving me the honor of serving you for 8 years. Thank you for trusting me with your voice, for challenging me to do better, and for believing that thoughtful leadership matters. This chapter closes with a full heart. Gig Harbor will always be my home, and you will always be my inspiration.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Jeni
