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Jo Zichterman (Cowlitz County Commissioner Board District 2, Washington, candidate 2024)
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Jo Zichterman (Independent Party) ran for election to the Cowlitz County Commissioner Board District 2 in Washington. Zichterman was on the ballot in the primary on August 6, 2024.[source]
Zichterman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Jo Zichterman provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 7, 2024:
- Birth date: July 10, 1996
- Birth place: Iron Mountain, Michigan
- High school: Heritage High School
- Bachelor's: Multnomah University, 2016
- Associate: Clark College, 2014
- Gender: Neither/Both
- Religion: Not Religious
- Profession: Technology Consultant
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Vote Jo for County Commissioner
- Campaign website
- Campaign YouTube
- Campaign YouTube video
Elections
General election
General election for Cowlitz County Commissioner Board District 2
Amy Norquist and Steve Ferrell ran in the general election for Cowlitz County Commissioner Board District 2 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Amy Norquist (D) | ||
| Steve Ferrell (R) | ||
| ||||
 = 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. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Cowlitz County Commissioner Board District 2
The following candidates ran in the primary for Cowlitz County Commissioner Board District 2 on August 6, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Amy Norquist (D) | ||
| Rayleen Aguirre (R) | ||
| Steve Ferrell (R) | ||
| Hal Palmer (R) | ||
| Justin R. Brown (Independent Party) | ||
| Jo Zichterman (Independent Party) | ||
| ||||
| = 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
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Zichterman in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jo Zichterman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Zichterman'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've prepared for this work for over a year. I've met with directors of departments, local elected officials, and community leaders. My perspective accounts for the complexities of this position and allows me to use my skills as a leader to drive to outcomes. My background in technology and change management has given me the tools to organize government efforts around a central objective, and if we can collectively decide where we want to go, I'm the right person to get us there.
- I believe community needs to include every single thing in Cowlitz County; if we move forward while discounting the perspective of people who are affected by our decisions, we'll get where we want to go at their expense. We need to work to communicate and collaborate with people who think differently from us; it's in the collection of unique perspectives that we'll be able to find the best solutions for all of us. There are a number of existing efforts to improve our space, but no one has taken charge as a leader to think about Cowlitz County collectively and drive us to success.
- We need to do a much better job of making government understandable and accessible to new people. The barrier to entry for political engagement is far too high, and we need to make concerted efforts to improve how, when, and where we communicate what's happening in government to our people. We should be aggressive in our drive to communicate and solicit feedback from people in the community, because that's the only way we can ensure everyone who should be included has been accounted for.
Frederick Douglass is someone I look up to for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, as well as his powerful oratory and writing skills. His ability to articulate complex moral and political arguments in a compelling way is something I strive to emulate. Douglass's dedication to education and self-improvement, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles, is truly inspiring.
Katie Porter is a more recent example, but one I find particularly relevant to my goals as a County Commissioner. Her ability to break down complex issues and hold power to account, often using simple visual aids, is a skill I greatly admire. Porter's focus on consumer protection and financial literacy demonstrates how elected officials can directly impact people's daily lives, which is a core part of my mission.
Books:
- "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect" (John Maxwell) is an excellent resource for leaders who want to work well with their staff and help align everyone towards common priorities. It's an amazing set of principles to foster positive and effective relationships as a leader.
- "Good to Great" (Jim Collins) was a formative text for my personal and professional development. It encouraged me to find my "Hedgehog Concept", and I use it as a checkbox for effective leadership over organizations.
- "The Price of Inequality" (Joseph Stiglitz) explores how we may actually benefit economically from supporting people who need help within our communities.
Essays:
- "On Liberty" (John Stuart Mill) invokes a utilitarian perspective of government that focuses on ensuring the best overall good for a community based on the recognition of individual rights
- "The Federalist Papers" (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) were a formative body of work during the establishment of our federal Constitution. I pull a lot of inspiration from their writing and passion for ensuring we were thinking of everything we might need for a functioning union.
Media:
- "The G Word" (Adam Conover, Netflix) is an excellent critique of the functions of federal/state governments while reinforcing their importance and highlighting the services they provide.
Open-mindedness and Flexibility: They should be willing to consider multiple perspectives and adapt their approach based on new information or changing circumstances. It's crucial to avoid being rigidly attached to any single solution or ideology.
Evidence-based Decision Making: Decisions should be grounded in facts and data rather than personal biases or political pressure. An official should be willing to research issues thoroughly and seek expert input when needed.
Transparency and Accountability: Elected officials should be open about their decision-making processes and willing to explain their choices to constituents. They should take responsibility for the outcomes of their decisions.
Respect for Individual Freedom and Collective Responsibility: They should strive to balance individual rights with the greater good of the community, recognizing that these can sometimes be in tension.
Focus on Outcomes: Rather than getting caught up in partisan debates or ideological purity, officials should prioritize achieving tangible, positive results for their constituents.
Accessibility and Responsiveness: They should be approachable and genuinely listen to the concerns of all community members, not just the loudest or most powerful voices.
Ethical Integrity: Officials must maintain high ethical standards, avoiding conflicts of interest and always putting the public good above personal gain.
Collaboration and Bridge-building: In our often divided political landscape, the ability to work across differences and find common ground is crucial.
First, I have a deep commitment to understanding complex issues from multiple perspectives. Throughout my life, I've sought out diverse viewpoints and tried to really listen and comprehend where people are coming from, even when I disagree. This ability to engage with different ideas and find common ground will be crucial in a role that requires balancing many competing interests.
Secondly, I have a strong work ethic and dedication to getting things done. As I've shared about my work history, I've consistently pushed myself to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. Whether it was juggling a full college course load while working, or diving deep into data analysis in my current role, I'm not afraid of hard work and complex problems.
I also bring a spirit of innovation and problem-solving. In my professional experience, I've often looked for ways to improve systems and processes. For example, when I saw a need for better tracking of customer interactions, I developed a report that became the precursor to our customer journey system. I would bring this same innovative approach to county government.
Additionally, I have a genuine care for people and a desire to help them accomplish their goals. This isn't just a tagline for me - it's been a driving force throughout my career and personal life. As County Commissioner, this would translate into a real commitment to serving the needs of all Cowlitz County residents.
1. Policy-Making: Developing county ordinances and working with state legislators on laws that affect our county. This involves regular meetings with other commissioners and engaging with community members to understand their needs.
2. Budgeting and Finance: Overseeing the county's $70 million general fund, with a focus on responsible allocation of public resources. This includes major decisions on funding for law and justice, county facilities, and various departments.
3. County Administration: Appointing and supervising department heads, managing personnel decisions, and ensuring efficient operations across all county departments.
4. Land Use and Zoning: Making crucial decisions on land development while balancing growth with environmental conservation and agricultural preservation.
5. Public Works and Infrastructure: Overseeing infrastructure projects and coordinating with state and federal agencies on larger initiatives.
6. Community Services: Providing oversight for public health initiatives, social services, and emergency response strategies.
7. Representation and Advocacy: Serving on numerous boards and committees, advocating for county needs at state and federal levels, and acting as a liaison between the county and external entities.
8. Public Engagement: Hosting regular meetings with the public, ensuring transparent communication, and addressing community concerns.
9. Intergovernmental Relations: Collaborating with neighboring counties, state agencies, and federal entities on regional projects and initiatives.
I want to leave Cowlitz County stronger, more united, and better prepared for the future. This means not just addressing immediate needs, but also laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity and resilience. I hope to implement policies and initiatives that will continue to benefit our community long after my time in office.
Another important aspect of my desired legacy is increased civic engagement and trust in local government. I want to be known for bringing transparency and accessibility to the role of County Commissioner. By actively engaging with constituents, explaining complex issues clearly, and always being open about the decision-making process, I hope to inspire more people to get involved in local governance and feel confident that their voices are heard.
I also want to be remembered for fostering a spirit of collaboration and problem-solving. In our current political climate, it's easy to get caught up in partisan divisions. I hope to leave a legacy of bringing people together, finding common ground, and achieving real results for our community.
Lastly, I want my legacy to be one of ethical leadership and integrity. I hope that even those who might disagree with some of my decisions will respect the thoughtfulness and honesty with which I approached the role.
If that doesn't count, I was a cashier at a liquidation store which purchased damaged/discounted good from big-box stores and resold them. The store didn't have barcodes, so we were required to memorize the prices of all the items on all the shelves and ring up everything manually. I was only able to work on Saturdays because I was in school, but it was a great formative experience until I was let go after about a year.
My favorite non-fiction book is probably "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg. It's a parable for helping other people and seeing good things come from that; it gives good, practical examples of what it means to serve other people (and advocates for this as an ideal strategy for getting what you want).
As I've shared, when I first entered the wider world - whether it was public school, college, or my early career - I often found myself adopting the ideas of those around me without really examining them. This led to some poor choices and a period where I wasn't really sure what I truly believed.
It's been a long journey of self-reflection and growth to develop my own worldview and the confidence to stand by it. I've had to learn how to question my assumptions, seek out diverse perspectives, and think critically about complex issues. This process has sometimes meant distancing myself from relationships or communities that I once relied on, which hasn't been easy.
Even now, I have to be vigilant about this. I'm acutely aware of my tendency to be influenced by those I respect, and I have to consciously work to maintain my own values and perspective while still being open to new ideas.
This struggle has shaped who I am today. It's made me value independent thought and critical thinking, and it's given me empathy for others who might be grappling with similar issues. It's also reinforced my commitment to transparency and open dialogue in leadership - I want to encourage others to think for themselves and engage critically with ideas, even when they come from authority figures like elected officials.
Here's one of my favorite quotes from Parks and Recreation. They regularly host community forums to hear feedback from residents of Pawnee, and one man gets up to speak.
I'm particularly enthusiastic about Washington State's Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) and the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). The PDC plays a crucial role in promoting transparency by requiring detailed reporting of campaign finances and lobbyist activities. This allows voters to understand who is influencing their elected officials and how money is being spent in political campaigns. The OPMA, on the other hand, ensures that the public has access to the decision-making processes of government bodies. It's a powerful tool for keeping government accountable and allowing citizens to be informed and engaged.
I believe that all levels of government should strive for maximum transparency in their financial dealings. This includes clear, accessible reporting of budgets, expenditures, and financial decisions. In my view, taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent and why certain financial choices are being made.
Accountability goes hand-in-hand with transparency. Elected officials and government bodies should be held responsible for their decisions and actions. This means not only making information available but also being willing to explain decisions, admit mistakes, and make corrections when necessary.
In practice, I support:
1. Regular, detailed financial reporting that's easily accessible to the public
2. Open budget meetings where citizens can ask questions and provide input
3. Clear disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
4. Robust systems for addressing citizen complaints and concerns
5. Regular performance audits of government programs and expenditures
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
