Didem Pierson (Maple Valley City Council Position 2, Washington, candidate 2025)
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Didem Pierson is running for election to the Maple Valley City Council Position 2 in Washington. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Pierson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Didem Pierson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2025:
- Birth date: February 21, 1968
- Associate: Bellevue College, 2010
- Gender: Female
- Profession: Consultant
- Prior offices held:
- Tahoma School Board Director (2003-2019)
- Incumbent officeholder: Yes
- Campaign slogan: Rooted in Community, Driven by Service
- Campaign website
- Campaign endorsements
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
General election for Maple Valley City Council Position 2
Sinar Indah Bond and Didem Pierson are running in the general election for Maple Valley City Council Position 2 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
Sinar Indah Bond (Nonpartisan)  | ||
| Didem Pierson (Nonpartisan) | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
To view Pierson's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Didem Pierson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pierson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m Didem Pierson, and Maple Valley has been home to my family for over 25 years. My husband and I raised our three children here, which has deepened my love for this community and strengthened my commitment to public service. I immigrated from Turkey as a teenager, so I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with diversity and the importance of making sure everyone feels they belong. I’ve served on the Maple Valley City Council since 2022 and previously spent 16 years on the Tahoma School Board, where I worked to support students and families. You’ll often find me walking along the Cedar River Trail, traveling when I can, or enjoying time with family and friends. My guiding principle is simple: always leave it better than you found it.
- Fiscal Responsibility I believe in responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. As Finance Committee Chair on the City Council, I’ve worked to ensure budgets are balanced, transparent, and directed toward essential services without unnecessary spending. My priority is to protect residents from undue tax burdens while still investing in the programs and infrastructure that make Maple Valley a great place to live.
- Belonging and Community As someone who immigrated to the United States from Turkey, I understand the challenges of building a sense of belonging in a new community. That experience has shaped my commitment to making Maple Valley a place where everyone feels welcome, heard, and valued. I will continue to promote policies and initiatives that bring people together, strengthen connections, and celebrate the diversity that enriches our city.
- Safe, Thriving Maple Valley Public safety and community well-being are cornerstones of my service. I’ve worked to support strong partnerships with law enforcement, emergency services, and community groups to keep Maple Valley safe. At the same time, I am dedicated to preserving our natural beauty, expanding opportunities for families, and ensuring thoughtful growth that keeps Maple Valley vibrant for future generations.
I am passionate about policies that strengthen the fabric of our community and improve quality of life for all residents. Fiscal responsibility is central to my service — making sure city resources are managed wisely while planning for the future. I care deeply about public safety and believe every resident deserves to feel secure in their neighborhood, with well-supported police, fire, and emergency services.
I am equally committed to belonging and inclusion. As an immigrant myself, I know how important it is for every person to feel welcome and valued. The arts play a vital role in building that sense of community, sparking creativity, and celebrating diversity.
I am equally committed to belonging and inclusion. As an immigrant myself, I know how important it is for every person to feel welcome and valued. The arts play a vital role in building that sense of community, sparking creativity, and celebrating diversity.
City Council is unique because it is the level of government closest to the people. Unlike other branches of government, councilmembers interact directly with residents, listen to their concerns, and respond quickly to community needs. The office plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact daily life — from public safety and roads to parks, economic development, and community wellness.
While City Council operates locally, it is also an important part of the state’s legal and governmental framework. Councils must align with state laws, manage public resources responsibly, and ensure that local decisions reflect both community values and state requirements. This balance of local voice and state connection makes City Council a critical bridge — ensuring residents’ voices are heard and represented while upholding the rule of law and strengthening our democratic system.
While City Council operates locally, it is also an important part of the state’s legal and governmental framework. Councils must align with state laws, manage public resources responsibly, and ensure that local decisions reflect both community values and state requirements. This balance of local voice and state connection makes City Council a critical bridge — ensuring residents’ voices are heard and represented while upholding the rule of law and strengthening our democratic system.
I look up to my parents more than anyone else. They had the extraordinary courage to start over not just once, but twice — leaving behind everything familiar to build a better life for our family. They gave up their home, their community, and the lives they had built so that my brother and I could have the opportunities they dreamed for us to have. I watched them work tirelessly, face uncertainty with quiet strength, and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Their sacrifice wasn’t just about survival — it was about love, resilience, and a belief in something better. I learned from them what it means to be brave, to give selflessly, and to hold on to your values no matter how hard the journey gets. Everything I’ve accomplished is rooted in the foundation they built for us, and I carry their strength and example with me every single day.
Their sacrifice wasn’t just about survival — it was about love, resilience, and a belief in something better. I learned from them what it means to be brave, to give selflessly, and to hold on to your values no matter how hard the journey gets. Everything I’ve accomplished is rooted in the foundation they built for us, and I carry their strength and example with me every single day.
I believe the most important qualities of an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to service. Integrity means being honest, transparent, and consistent in decisions. Accountability means being a good steward of public resources, listening to residents, and following through on promises.
Equally important is accessibility — being willing to listen, engage with diverse perspectives, and ensure every voice has a place at the table. Collaboration and respect are essential to building trust and moving the community forward.
The core responsibility of a City Councilmember is to serve as a trusted steward of the community. That means listening to residents, setting policies that reflect community priorities, and ensuring that city resources are managed wisely and transparently. Councilmembers must balance fiscal responsibility with the need to provide quality services that keep Maple Valley safe, connected, and thriving.
It is also our duty to plan for the future — guiding thoughtful growth, supporting economic development, and protecting the natural spaces that define our city. Equally important is fostering a sense of belonging, championing community wellness, and supporting opportunities in areas like arts, recreation, and public safety that strengthen our quality of life. Above all, this office requires collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to making decisions in the best interest of all residents.
It is also our duty to plan for the future — guiding thoughtful growth, supporting economic development, and protecting the natural spaces that define our city. Equally important is fostering a sense of belonging, championing community wellness, and supporting opportunities in areas like arts, recreation, and public safety that strengthen our quality of life. Above all, this office requires collaboration, accountability, and a commitment to making decisions in the best interest of all residents.
I would like my legacy to reflect my guiding principle: always leave it better than you found it. For me, that means being remembered as a leader who listened, who cared deeply for her community, and who acted with integrity and accountability. I hope to leave behind a Maple Valley that is fiscally strong, safe, welcoming, and vibrant — with thriving arts, opportunities for families, and natural spaces protected for future generations. Most of all, I want people to feel that their voices mattered and that I worked every day to make our community stronger, more connected, and full of belonging.
One of the first historical events I vividly remember as a young adult is the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. I can still picture the shock, the silence, and how the entire nation seemed to hold its breath together. In that moment of collective heartbreak, I understood for the first time how a single event could bring people together in shared sorrow, compassion, and resilience.
My first job was a summer position at a college, where I worked on a maintenance team. I assisted with cleaning and organizing dormitories for summer programs, maintaining the grounds, and preparing facilities for the upcoming academic year. I was 14 at the time and had the opportunity to work alongside my brother, which made the experience especially meaningful. It was an early introduction to responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work
One of my favorite books is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Though simple, its message about generosity, sacrifice, and giving of yourself for the good of others has always stayed with me. It reflects my guiding principle of “always leave it better than you found it” and reminds me that true service means putting community first. That lesson continues to shape how I approach leadership and public service in Maple Valley.
If I could be any fictional character, I would choose Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She’s passionate about her community, tireless in her service, and always approaches challenges with optimism, creativity, and heart. I admire her ability to bring people together, celebrate their contributions, and make government work for everyone — qualities I strive to embody in my own public serv
One of my biggest struggles was immigrating to the United States as a teenager. Learning a new language, navigating a different culture, and finding my place was not easy. Those challenges, however, shaped me into a more resilient and empathetic person. They also taught me the importance of belonging — making sure every person feels welcome, valued, and connected. That experience continues to guide my work in public service and my commitment to building a Maple Valley where everyone has a voice.
Many people don’t realize how directly City Council decisions shape daily life. Beyond passing ordinances, the Council oversees how taxpayer dollars are allocated — from public safety and road improvements to parks, trails, arts, and community wellness programs. Councilmembers also play a key role in long-range planning: guiding economic development, protecting natural resources, and shaping how and where our city grows.
Another little-known responsibility is serving as a bridge between residents and regional or state agencies. Councilmembers represent Maple Valley’s interests in countywide and statewide discussions on issues like emergency management, transportation, and public health. These connections ensure that our community’s voice is heard beyond city limits and that we receive the support and resources we need.
I believe prior experience in government or public service can be very beneficial for a City Councilmember. Understanding how budgets work, how policies are implemented, and how to navigate state and regional partnerships helps leaders be effective from day one. My own background on the Tahoma School Board and regional committees gave me a strong foundation in fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and policy governance before joining the City Council.
At the same time, I believe it’s equally important to welcome new voices and perspectives. City government serves the entire community, and those who bring experiences from business, education, volunteering, or civic life can add tremendous value. What matters most is a willingness to listen, learn, and serve with integrity. Experience can help, but commitment to community and accountability to residents are what truly define a good elected official.
At the same time, I believe it’s equally important to welcome new voices and perspectives. City government serves the entire community, and those who bring experiences from business, education, volunteering, or civic life can add tremendous value. What matters most is a willingness to listen, learn, and serve with integrity. Experience can help, but commitment to community and accountability to residents are what truly define a good elected official.
The most helpful skills for a City Councilmember include fiscal management, policy governance, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, staff, and residents. Because the Council makes decisions about budgets, growth, and public safety, it’s essential to understand how to balance competing needs while keeping long-term community priorities in focus.
Equally important are communication and listening skills. Councilmembers must be approachable, willing to hear diverse viewpoints, and able to translate community input into action. Problem-solving, strategic thinking, and consensus-building are also critical in moving complex issues forward.
The City Council is unique because it is the part of government closest to the people. Councilmembers hear directly from residents, respond to their concerns, and make decisions that impact daily life — from public safety and parks to roads, trails, arts, and community wellness programs. Unlike other levels of government, City Council has the ability to act quickly and collaboratively on issues that matter most to the community.
Accountability is also central to this office. Councilmembers are entrusted with managing taxpayer dollars and setting policies that reflect community values. Residents can see the results of Council decisions in real time, which requires openness, transparency, and follow-through. This office also plays a vital role in shaping Maple Valley’s long-term future — guiding growth, supporting economic development, and preserving the natural spaces and character that make our city special.
Accountability is also central to this office. Councilmembers are entrusted with managing taxpayer dollars and setting policies that reflect community values. Residents can see the results of Council decisions in real time, which requires openness, transparency, and follow-through. This office also plays a vital role in shaping Maple Valley’s long-term future — guiding growth, supporting economic development, and preserving the natural spaces and character that make our city special.
Washington State Representative Lisa Callan
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn
Seattle King County Realtors Association
Former Washington Senator Mark Mullet
Former City Councilmember Layne Barnes
Former School Board President Tami Henkel
One of the most memorable moments for me wasn’t a single story, but a conversation that reminded me why this work matters so much. A community member shared how a local decision — one that may have seemed small in the moment — had a direct and meaningful impact on their quality of life. Hearing their gratitude and knowing that the work I do helps make daily life safer, more connected, and more supportive reaffirmed my commitment to serving this community.
It’s in those moments — when someone takes the time to say thank you or shares how a policy or initiative made a difference for their family — that I’m reminded this isn’t just public service. It’s personal. It affects real people’s lives. And it’s why I continue to serve with dedication and heart.
It’s in those moments — when someone takes the time to say thank you or shares how a policy or initiative made a difference for their family — that I’m reminded this isn’t just public service. It’s personal. It affects real people’s lives. And it’s why I continue to serve with dedication and heart.
One accomplishment I am especially proud of is helping launch Maple Valley’s first Volunteer & Service Expo. I had a vision for the event to connect residents with local nonprofits, service groups, and volunteer opportunities. It was inspiring to see so many community members come together, discover ways to give back, and strengthen the bonds that make Maple Valley such a special place. The Expo has grown into an annual tradition, and I’m proud that it continues to celebrate service and showcase the spirit of our community.
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Other survey responses
Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Pierson completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
