I have had the honor and pleasure of working with Mike Lonergan while we both served on the Tacoma City Council. I found him to be smart, hard working and honest.

Unlike his opponent, Lonergan has no ties to Pierce County politics or to the employees who currently work in the assessor-treasurer’s office.

Lonergan will ask the tough questions. He has the ability to identify the problems and find the solutions. And he has the proven leadership skills to ensure the office is accountable to the citizens of Pierce County.

(Manthou was a candidate for assessor-treasurer who was eliminated in the Aug. 7 primary.)