RYAN MELLO
PROUDLY ENDORSED BY
PIERCE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
I'M NOT A CAREER POLITICIAN.
I’m someone who knows what it means to grow up without a safety net, to navigate the system, and to want better—for yourself and for your community. I’m running for the Port Commission because I believe we need bold leadership grounded in lived experience, accountability, and hope.
We don’t all need to run for the flashiest office to make a difference. We just need to show up, bring our values, and be relentless in pursuit of a better future. I’m here to do exactly that—for our Port, our people, and our shared future in Pierce County.
We don’t all need to run for the flashiest office to make a difference. We just need to show up, bring our values, and be relentless in pursuit of a better future. I’m here to do exactly that—for our Port, our people, and our shared future in Pierce County.
WHOSE PORT? OUR PORT.
BUILDING CLEAN, CLIMATE RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE
The Port of Tacoma must lead–not lag–on climate issues. I will build the Port's capacity to invest in electrified terminals, offshore wind readiness, and zero-emission logistics. I'm committed to stopping fossil fuel expansion and making the Port part of the solution to the climate-crisis, not the problem.
The Port of Tacoma must lead–not lag–on climate issues. I will build the Port's capacity to invest in electrified terminals, offshore wind readiness, and zero-mission logistics. I'm committed to stopping fossil fuel expansion and making the Port part of the solution to the climate-crisis, not the problem.
I'm fully committed to upholding our commitment to working families. The Port is not only one of our critical economic drivers because of the trade and commerce it provides our region, it's a workplace our families have relied on for generations. I will create more pathways to jobs with living wages, good benefits, and protection from the impacts of automation through expanded apprenticeship opportunities and more partnerships like Maritime 253.
I'm fully committed to upholding our commitment to working families. The Port is not only one of the critical economic drivers of our region because of the trade and commerce it provides our region, it's a workplace our families have relied on for generations. I will create more pathways to jobs with living wages, good benefits, and protection from the impacts of automation through expanded apprenticeship opportunities and more partnerships like Maritime 253.
CREATING UNION JOBS AND WORKFORCE EQUITY
RESPECTING TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AND PARTNERSHIP
The Port sits on the ancestral land of the Puyallup people. If we're serious about justice and sustainability, we can't make decisions that ignore Tribal voices or degrade Treaty-protected resources like salmon. I support government-to-government collaborations with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on habitat restoration, Treaty rights, and economic co-development. I reject the, "consult-after-deciding" model and believe the Tribe should help the Port shape policy from the start.
The Port sits on the ancestral land of the Puyallup people. If we're serious about justice and sustainability, we can't make decisions that ignore Tribal voices or degrae Treaty-protected resources like salmon. I support government-to-government collaborations with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on habitat restoration, Treaty rights, and economic co-development. I reject the, "consult-after-deciding" model and believe the Tribe should help the Port shape policy from the start.
HERE'S WHAT I'M ASKING
I'm not a big-money corporate politician running to treat the Port as a retirement gig.
I'm running because even though my two-year-old nephew doesn't know what the Port does, he feels the effects when baby formula, diapers, and basic necessities are harder to find. In fact, most people don't know what the Port does, but it controls thousands of acres, millions in revenue, and decisions that affect schools, traffic, housing, and air quality.
The public deserves our voice to be heard on how that power is used.
I've built my life through persistence, mentorship, and public service. Like most of us, I still have to fight to be heard. It's time to shut the door on career politicians who use the system for their own benefit. I'll remember saying this when I'm in office and I hope you'll remember too.
While you're here, I will need contributions to the campaign to elevate this message to voters who won't necessarily know they're looking for new leadership until they hear from our campaign. Can you help us out?
