By Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Executive.
In the midst of the most divisive time in our history, the Civil War, after the bloodiest battle in our history, with over 50,000 combined casualties, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a 271-word address at the dedication of the National Cemetery in Gettysburg. His speech was exceptionally powerful and memorable, including one phrase that made an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, that our government is “of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Governing of, by and for the people is true at the national and county levels. The people of Pierce County choose our elected leaders, and our entire county team – both elected and not – exists to deliver key services for the people of our county. And we must carry out those responsibilities with the utmost integrity and transparency.