CHALLENGE DAY 1 – Local Government
Positive Leadership Capacity: Authenticity
October 18, 2022
Norm Dicks Government Center, Bremerton
Sponsors: Contract Management Services, a division of Bremerton Housing Authority, Norm Dicks Government Center
Local Government Day was held on October 18, 2022 at the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton. The day was a thought-provoking look at Kitsap’s local governance and the intersection of local, federal, and tribal jurisdictions.
Training began with Board member Lowell Sweet (LK04) facilitating a discussion on Authenticity, the first of seven leadership capacities the class will discuss as part of our Positive Leadership curriculum. The theme of Authenticity was woven throughout the day with each of our presenters.
Washington State Senator Emily Randall (District 26) shared her personal leadership journey highlighting the importance of recognizing oneself and being unapologetically ‘you’, even when those around you don’t look like you. Gina Steiner (LK09) from Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Council and canoe family added to the importance of celebrating who you are by sharing with the class how County and Tribal governments work together. “S’Klallam” translates to “The Strong People.” We are building a stronger community together.
Jessica Guidry (LK12), Leadership Kitsap Board Member, facilitated a panel discussion Bremerton School District Board Member John Hurley, Kitsap PUD Commissioner Debra Lester, Kitsap County Clerk David Lewis, and Bainbridge Island Deputy Mayor Clarence Moriwaki about being an elected official in Kitsap County and serving the public in this capacity. Together with the class, important questions like, “How has serving as an elected official affected you personally?” were addressed.
During lunch, the class teams shared their newly formed community service project ideas and plans for project presentations the following Monday. From gardening to financial empowerment and hitting the trails to creating a ‘hand up’ system, this year’s class is sure to touch on a wide variety of community service interests.
Following lunch, a short field trip to the Kitsap History Museum whisked the class back into time where City Councilman and Museum Board member Jeff Coughlin, alongside museum volunteer Robert, showed the class that authenticity is important in other ways, too. It shows up throughout history time and again both in physical and metaphysically.
Continuing the elections discussion, Kitsap County Auditor Paul Andrews enlightened the class on the election process in Kitsap County. The class learned that in case of a tie, a coin is tossed, and was impressed with the efforts to make each election 100% accurate.
Wrapping up the day, Mayor Greg Wheeler hosted a Q&A session with the class. He said, “No question is off the table” and went for it! Together, they discussed homelessness, elections and politics, personal leadership journeys and self-care to keep the momentum going.
Thank you to the Norm Dicks Government Center for the wonderful venue, and Contract Management Services, a Division of Bremerton Housing Authority, for sponsoring the day.
Presenters: Paul Andrews (LK14), Senator Emily Randall, Gina Steiner (LK09) Jessica Guidry (LK12), Lowell Sweet (LK04), John Hurley (LK16), Kitsap PUD Commissioner Debra Lester, Kitsap County Clerk David Lewis, Bainbridge Island Deputy Mayor Clarence Moriwaki, Councilman Jeff Coughlin, Mayor Greg Wheeler
Organizers: Heidi Scheibner (LK16), Jessica Guidry (LK12), Carli Meurs (LK17)