Tacoma Firefighters Local #31 announced yesterday it has endorsed Jonathan Phillips for Tacoma City Council Position #8, At-Large.

“We have chosen Jonathan Phillips for our endorsement, because he has a proven record in keeping our fire stations open and neighborhoods safe,” said Pat McElligott, President Firefighters Local 31, in a statement.

In 2005, Phillips, 56, was appointed to a six-month term as a councilmember representing District 2 when former City Councilmember Kevin Phelps resigned before the end of his term.

Today, Phillips is chair of the North End Neighborhood Council (he joined the council in 1998). He also serves on the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as the board of Broadway Center for the Performing Arts.

A real estate professional in Pierce County since 1984, Phillips is running for an at-large seat that will be vacated by Councilmember Bill Evans due to term-limit rules.
Phillips joins a crowded field. Downtown merchant Marty Campbell, Tacoma Rescue Mission executive director David Curry, and Tacoma Public Library staffer Marilyn Strickland are also running for the seat on City Council.