My name is Rick Tift, and I’m running for Bremerton City Council.
After a 45 year career with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard I’m ready to once again serve the city that I love!
I have lived in Bremerton since 1960 and graduated from Central Kitsap High School. I attended Olympic College and earned a BA from the University of Washington, BA and an MBA from the University of Puget Sound.
I’m proud to be the former Executive Director of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
I retired in August 2023 with 19 years as Executive Director and 45 years of total Federal Service. My experience with the Bremerton Planning Commission has been instrumental in preparing me to be a Council member and I can point to recommendations that have led to improvements in our city. I bring a strong resume of executive experience, valuable community contacts and a track record of getting things done.
I am extensively trained in emergency management, labor relations/union relations, budget, facility management, personnel security, learning organizations, and public information. As a planning commissioner I have completed courses in city planning and served on the Community Development Block Grant deliberation committee.
I am running for this post because I believe I can apply my experience as a Bremerton planning commissioner and former Executive Director of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to the continued development and viability of the City of Bremerton. Working with the Mayor and the Council I bring a unique level of expertise gained from more than 20 years in executive leadership and a lifelong understanding of the history of our City.
No other candidate possesses this unique combination of experience and historical perspective.
I possess a very thorough understanding of the history and development of the City of Bremerton. I also have a deep understanding of the Navy in Kitsap County and I believe both of those attributes would be beneficial to the City Council. I also understand the importance of Public Safety and how vital it is to our city.
I bring decades of experience in leadership, management, and community service to the Bremerton City Council.
‘Rick Tift has been a constant at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 19 years – as commanding officers came and went – always advocating for the workforce and acting as a liaison to the community. You will never find a more dedicated, loyal, and considerate man than Rick – and I wish him the best.’
~ Rep. Derek Kilmer
Rick’s Platform for Bremerton
1. Public Safety and strong neighborhoods where residents watch out for each other, so Bremerton remains a safe place to live and work.
2. Bremerton is projected to grow to more than 50,000 residents over the next 20 years. Planning for this increase will be vital in assuring affordable housing, public safety(police and fire), transportation corridors, services(such as water and sewer) and governance are in-place to support this expansion.
3. Work with the Kitsap Public Health District and Peninsula Community Health Services to promote better health and delivery of services to Bremerton’s residents.
4. Encourage affordable housing and cultivate an environment that removes obstacles faced by builders and Housing Authorities to construct more housing in Bremerton. My work with the planning commission has helped promote business development, affordable housing, improved density and in-fill.
5. District 7 includes the Port of Bremerton, the Puget Sound Industrial Center and the Ueland tree farm as well as major landowners such as the Suquamish Tribe, Haselwood Auto Group and Overton properties. I will collaborate with these major stakeholders to mutually understand their role in Bremerton’s projected growth.
6. We have a once in a generation opportunity to benefit from the rebuilding of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard under the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program. It will be paramount for the City to closely collaborate with the Navy to both prepare for the impact on the community during the construction phase and to share in the benefit it promises to deliver.
7. Continue the restoration of water quality for Kitsap Lake and the reconstruction of the storm water vaults and outfalls.
8. Promote improvements to Werner Road including resurfacing, adding sidewalks and better lighting.
WHY SHOULD YOU
VOTE FOR RICK TIFT?
Proven leadership: With 19 years as a senior level manager with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard I have executive experience with successfully managing large and complex organizations. No other candidate has my level of training or experience.
Innovative and removing barriers: I have a track record of successfully managing and building coalitions and partnerships to achieve results often considered unachievable.
Community Service: My extensive service on the boards of St Michael Medical Center and Harrison Medical Center and my current roles with UW-Tacoma Chancellor’s Advisory Board and the Bremerton Planning Commission demonstrate my dedication to serving the community.
Contacts and Relationships: Through my work as PSNS Executive Director I was fortunate to develop strong relationships with Kitsap County elected leaders, Navy officials, Federal and State Legislators, members of the business community and Shipyard Union Leadership. These relationships are intact and will benefit my work with the City of Bremerton if I am elected.
Vision for the Future: I have a clear vision for the future of Bremerton and I am committed to the people that live, work and do business in this great city.
RICK'S ENDORSEMENTS
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Cary Bozeman
Former Mayor City of Bremerton and Current Bremerton Port Commissioner
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Mayor Rob Putaansuu
Mayor, City of Port Orchard
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Patty Lent
Former Mayor City of Bremerton and Former Kitsap County Commissioner
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Bremerton Metal Trades Council
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Suquamish Tribe
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Gary Anderson
Port of Bremerton Commissioner
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Becky Erickson
Mayor, City of Poulsbo