A cleaner Tacoma, one used coffee cup or plastic bag at a time

Friends –

First and foremost, don’t forget to turn in your primary ballots by this Tuesday. They must be postmarked August 6 or placed in a ballot drop box by 8:00pm. As a high school government teacher, I used to tell my students “if you don’t, vote you don’t matter!” We have important races on the ballot including City of Tacoma, Port of Tacoma, and Tacoma School Board and in these “down ballot” elections, you and your vote definitely matter.

With August here, the Hines Campaign continues to gain momentum. We had a good turnout at our weekly coffee hour (see below, we’ve scheduled more!), we contacted even more voters at their doors (6,500 and counting!), and we have our National Night Out event on Tuesday evening.

I have had a few people ask me why I am working so hard when I am not even on the ballot in August. My answer is that I am running this campaign the same way I will work as a city councilman: working hard every day doing important work no matter if the payoff is next week or next year. I want to make sure that the voters know that a vote for John Hines is a vote for dedicated service and commitment.

– John

Afternoon Coffee (and Beer) Hours

Over the month of July, I hosted informal morning coffees at various locations throughout the district and they were a hit. We have decided to host more of them over the next few weeks but this time in the afternoon. I hope you’ll consider dropping by and bringing a friend, neighbor, or coworker with you!

August 8 – 2:00-3:00pm | Starbucks (6201 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406)
August 15 – 6:00-7:00pm | Beer Star (4328 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406)
August 22 – 3:00-4:00pm | Starbucks (2405 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98406)

National Night Out BBQ – This Tuesday!

Kelsey and I are hosting a neighborhood BBQ for National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. There won’t be any political speeches or asks for donations, just a good old fashioned community BBQ. For more details and to RSVP, visit

Story from the Trail

One story from the week was my coffee hour with Cheri and Richard. They came and visited with me at the James Center Starbucks to learn more about me. Both retired teachers, we had a great discussion about teaching, the neighborhood, and what I hope to do for the West End.

A big part of our conversation was about litter and trash. Cheri and Richard were both concerned about trash and illegal dumping in Tacoma and wanted to know my thoughts. I have heard concern about this across the district and I think keeping the city clean is one of the basic duties of our municipal government.

I would like to see Tacoma really focus on keeping our city clean. I would like to see a renewed focus on litter pick-up, neighborhood clean-up, and a commitment from our city to be the “cleanest city in the Puget Sound.” I think this is a great opportunity to build community and engagement and make our city just a little more safe, welcoming, and beautiful.

Hopefully, many of you will get to join me soon in walking our neighborhoods and making Tacoma lovelier, one used coffee cup or plastic bag at a time.