Rachel Dreon (Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2, Washington, candidate 2024)

Rachel Dreon

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Democratic Party

Candidate, Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 6, 2024

Education

High school

Shelton High School

Associate

Olympic College, 2006

Graduate

Evergreen State College, 2014

Personal

Birthplace

Bellingham, Wash.

Profession

Public Administration

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Rachel Dreon (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2 in Washington. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

Dreon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Rachel Dreon provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 4, 2024:

• Birth date: March 29, 1975
• Birth place: Bellingham, Washington
• High school: Shelton High School
• Associate: Olympic College, 2006
• Graduate: Evergreen State College, 2014
• Gender: Female
• Profession: Public Administration
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Together, we can bring real RESULTS
• Campaign website
• Campaign endorsements
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2

Rachel Dreon and JW Foster ran in the general election for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Rachel Dreon (D)
		JW Foster (Independent Party)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= 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 Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2

Rachel Dreon and JW Foster ran in the primary for Thurston County Commissioner Board District 2 on August 6, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Rachel Dreon (D)
		JW Foster (Independent Party)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= 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.

Endorsements

To view Dreon's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Dreon in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Rachel Dreon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Dreon's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Rachel Dreon, and I am running for Thurston County Commissioner in District 2. I am pursuing this role because I am committed to speaking to the issues facing our county. I have faced adversity in my life and have worked hard to overcome struggles with trauma and addiction. These struggles have helped me shape my purpose and mission. I received my master’s degree in public administration and have worked for over a decade in Behavioral Health and financial operations. I will be able to uniquely address the problems facing Thurston County with compassion, empathy, and the appropriate skills needed to create a comprehensive behavioral health system. We need new ideas and fresh leadership. I will bring proven strategies and a fresh voice to Thurston County.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Resilient Leadership Through Experience: Rachel Dreon is a 2004 Thurston County Drug Court graduate and a lifelong leader in the recovery community. She understands the challenges of affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health services through personal and professional experience. Rachel is proof that collaboration, accountability, and community-based solutions can transform lives and is ready to bring that resilience to Thurston County.
• Proven Leadership in Crisis: With over 15 years of experience designing and managing system-wide changes for public agencies, Rachel has led through housing, mental health, and financial crises. As the Behavioral Health Workforce Investments Manager for King County, she oversees $163 million in investments. Her leadership in challenging times is exactly what Thurston County needs to move forward.
• Accountability and Fiscal Transparency: Rachel is committed to transparent, responsible government. In her first term, she will ensure comprehensive budget reviews, establish a finance committee, and develop long-term strategic planning to ensure county resources are used effectively. Her focus is on measurable outcomes that build a stronger, more accountable Thurston County.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about addressing affordable housing, public health and safety, and fiscal responsibility. I believe in developing a comprehensive behavioral health system that responds effectively to crises and prioritizing affordable housing with sustainable development practices. Fiscal transparency and accountability are central to my vision, ensuring Thurston County’s budget is managed strategically to meet the needs of our community.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office is uniquely positioned to directly impact local policy implementation, budget allocation, and public safety. Its influence extends into the daily lives of residents, from housing affordability to law enforcement, making it vital for ensuring that state-level policies reflect local priorities and needs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my dad. His hard work, humility, and dedication to education and community inspire me. He has always led by example, and I aim to follow his path of integrity and resilience.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

would recommend "Becoming" by Michelle Obama, which highlights the importance of resilience, authenticity, and staying connected to your community. The book explores how personal experiences shape leadership and emphasizes the power of bringing diverse voices to the table, all values I hold in my own political philosophy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and empathy. Integrity ensures decisions are made for the community’s benefit, not personal gain. Accountability builds trust through transparency, and empathy allows leaders to understand and address the challenges their constituents face.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I bring resilience, strategic thinking, and collaboration to the table. My experience managing large budgets, designing public policy, and leading in crisis situations has prepared me to serve Thurston County effectively.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities include fiscal management, public policy development, and community engagement. Elected officials must ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, policies reflect the needs of the community, and they foster collaboration between local stakeholders to deliver effective solutions.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of service, accountability, and positive change, where communities are stronger and people have the support they need to thrive.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember is the eruption of Mount St. Helens. I was around 4 or 5 years old at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at Burgermaster, where I worked during my junior and senior year of high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is The Color Purple. It’s a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and empowerment, which speaks to many of the values I hold dear.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation) – Enthusiastic, hardworking, and endlessly optimistic about making government work for the people.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song stuck in my head was "Shiver."

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my biggest struggles has been watching the Mariners ball club lose season after season, but I stick with them, showing that resilience and loyalty are part of who I am—even when times are tough!

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One lesser-known responsibility is the power to shape regional planning and development, which can directly influence housing, land use, and environmental sustainability. These decisions have long-term impacts on the county's growth and economic development.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Everyone is welcome to serve, but I believe it’s more effective when someone has experience in government or politics. It provides a strong foundation for navigating complex systems, building partnerships, and implementing policies. That said, diverse backgrounds, like community leadership or business management, can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to public office, making a balanced approach even more valuable.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

to possess?
Key skills include budget management, strategic planning, crisis leadership, and the ability to collaborate across sectors. Expertise in areas like housing, public safety, and behavioral health are especially beneficial in addressing the most pressing issues facing our communities.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

This office is unique because it serves as the bridge between state mandates and local implementation. It has direct oversight of critical services like public safety, housing, and health services, giving it significant influence in shaping the quality of life for county residents.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the scarecrow become a successful politician? Because he was outstanding in his field!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Elected Officials:

Sam Hunt, State Senator
Clarke Gilman, Olympia City Council
Lisa Parshley, Olympia City Council
Beth Doglio, State Representative
Robert Vanderpool, Olympia City Council
Darcy Huffman, Olympia School Board
Lauren Davis, State Representative
Emily Clouse, County Commissioner
Jessica Bateman, State Representative
Jasmine Vasavada, Olympia Port Commission
Laurie Dolan, Former State Representative
Steven Drew, County Assessor

Organizations:
Planned Parenthood
Sierra Club
Sage Leaders
UFCW 3000
Ironworkers of the PNW
Win With Women
National Women's Political Caucus
Olympia Indivisible
Fair Vote Washington
Yelm Community Blog
Thurston County Democratic Women
Democrats 2 Leg District

Democrats 22 Leg District

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential for maintaining public trust. I believe in open budgeting processes, clear reporting, and systems of accountability that ensure decisions are based on evidence and lead to measurable outcomes for the community.

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.

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