I grew up in Stayton, Oregon—a small town where values like community and accountability were at the core of life. Moving to King County in 1997 and later to downtown Seattle in 2009, I fell in love with this city. Seattle’s beauty, diversity, and vibrant community spirit captivated me. But over the years, I’ve seen challenges emerge that have driven Seattle in troubling directions. As anyone who knows me understands “Andrea is not one to sit back when there’s a problem— she takes action”. Some call it stubbornness; I call it persistent conviction.
In 2020, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, I’d had enough. I couldn’t watch our city decline any further. Conversations with friends sparked (confirmed) an idea: what if we organized a simple cleanup effort? We gathered people, rolled up our sleeves, and got to work clearing the streets and parks nearby. The impact was immediate, and deeply rewarding.
This simple act grew into WeHeartSeattle—a grassroots movement with a mission to restore public spaces and help vulnerable populations. What started as a cleanup initiative quickly evolved into a community-driven organization involving hundreds of volunteers. Through this, I discovered my true purpose: to serve my neighbors and improve the city I love.
Now, as a candidate for local office, I’m committed to bringing this same action-oriented, solution-driven approach to public service at a larger scale. Seattle’s challenges require thoughtful, practical solutions rooted in traditional Democratic values—equality, human rights, public safety, and prosperity for all. We don’t have to choose between our values and safety. Together, we can rebuild, reform, and revitalize our city. Here’s how:
1. Rebuilding the Police Force
Without public safety, we have nothing. We start here. Our police force needs support to effectively serve our community. Staffing shortages have led to slower response times, lower morale, and increased strain. I’m committed to restoring and training our police force so Seattle can thrive. This is foundational. Only then can social services do their job that do their work to bring the help they are skilled for.
2. Addressing the Root Causes of Homelessness
As the founder of WeHeartSeattle, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of homelessness and addiction. Effective solutions require addressing mental health and addiction, helping individuals move from crisis to stability. I know – firsthand – how to connect people in need with a pathway to recovery and to become healthy members of our community, rather than endlessly in the grips of meaningless programs that only keep them in the grips of addiction.
3. Justice Reform and Partnership Building
Public safety isn’t only about policing; it’s about creating a justice system that works with social services to deliver real outcomes. I’m committed to reforming this system to foster accountability and deliver justice. Our legal system needs to enable law enforcement to not just arrest criminals, but to have the follow-through to keep dangerous criminals off our streets. This includes violent criminals as well as repeat offenders that take advantage of theft and property crime loopholes that make it difficult for small businesses to thrive.
4. Revitalizing Seattle’s Business Community
Safety and prosperity go hand-in-hand. By ensuring public safety, we can restore Seattle’s vibrant business scene and make our city welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Seattle is a resilient city, and together, we can create a brighter, safer future. I’m ready to lead us forward because authentic and meaningful leadership is the missing link in the reforms Seattle needs. The fight isn’t with you, the citizens; it’s with those who prioritize power over progress. I’m here not for power but to make measurable, meaningful progress you can count on.
I may not be perfect, but I’ll always listen to you, with you. As a former corporate executive and a proven community leader, I know how to make progress that you can hold me accountable for. I can’t wait to serve my constituents in Seattle’s 43rd Legislative District and make real, tangible improvements for our city. Let’s get to work in Olympia!