Testimonials

Click Here to Endorse Jeff!

Charlie

I am proud to endorse Jeff Coughlin for Mayor of Bremerton.

I have worked with Jeff on city initiatives and projects for over three years and have seen firsthand his exceptional leadership. As a scientist and project manager, Jeff has the rare ability to scrutinize proposals, budgets, and cost estimates, asking tough

questions and finding practical solutions. He is tenacious, thoughtful, and knows how to move things forward.

What sets Jeff apart is his commitment to learning and gaining perspective for the benefit of our community. He doesn’t just study issues from afar — he experiences them directly. Jeff attended Fire Ops 101 in Boise with our fire department to understand their challenges. He received training with the Association of Washington Cities to explore the benefits and complexities of merging fire departments. He’s visited Victoria and Seattle to study how streets can be designed to protect all users, especially the most vulnerable. These are just a few examples.

Some officials boast that being “born and raised” in Bremerton is somehow a positive qualification. While local roots are valuable, I believe real leadership comes from looking outward, learning from others, and bringing back proven ideas. Jeff’s broad experiences of living, working, and traveling elsewhere have given him a fresh perspective and the knowledge to help Bremerton thrive. Bremerton deserves a mayor who is curious, capable, and forward-thinking. Jeff Coughlin is that leader. I encourage you to join me in supporting him for mayor.

Patty

Bremerton needs a change. As Mayor, Jeff Coughlin will

focus on public safety, reducing homelessness and making

Bremerton more affordable. He also respects the taxpayer, and

will treat public money with the same respect he treats his own.

Paul

Have you ever felt like your local government didn’t want to hear your opinion? I have — and I’d like to share my story.

In September 2023, I received a certified letter from Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler informing me that my volunteer service on the Parks Commission was “no longer needed.” No reason was given. I had served two years, most recently as vice-chair, dedicated to improving our city’s parks through research, photo

essays, and practical recommendations.

I proposed a walking trail around Pendergast Park with a connection to Soundview Estates (saving a 1.5 mile drive). I reached out to Washington Trails Association, and learned they would help build it, if authorized. I also helped map the trails at Forest Ridge Park and suggested erosion control measures that could be built by volunteer park stewards, if authorized. Despite appreciation from staff, no progress was made.

I provided the Commission with photo essays of Pat Carey Park, East Park, NAD Soroptimist Park, Sheridan Park, and Roto-Vista Park to open dialog and seek ways to preserve or improve them. We were told the Parks Dept lacks consistent dedicated funding, and the department needed an additional ten positions to maintain existing parks at a satisfactory level. Maintenance staff admitted to being overworked and understaffed for many years. We suggested that a volunteer coordinator be hired, and were told the department could not afford that.

Parks Commissioners have the duty and responsibility to comment on the status of our Parks and the department’s budget. Our Commission unanimously approved sending a photo essay to Council and Mayor highlighting maintenance issues in several parks, an action we hoped would provide a data driven basis for securing additional, dedicated Parks funding. Shortly afterward, I was dismissed.

When residents volunteer their time and ideas to improve our community, they deserve respect — not silence. The City Council appreciated our input, but the Mayor’s actions sent a different message: that citizen voices are expendable. This fall, Bremerton voters can choose a leader who listens and values public participation.

I’m supporting Jeff Coughlin for Mayor because he believes residents should be part of the team that dreams — and builds — a better Bremerton. Let’s elect a mayor who respects and empowers our voices.

Quinn

Having had the pleasure of working with Jeff for two years on Bremerton City Council, I have witnessed his passionate and effective leadership as Council President and Chair of multiple committees. His dedication to ensuring community members and stakeholders are included in important decisions while balancing competing interests is exactly what we need as Mayor. Knowing Jeff personally, I can say he is an excellent father, a proud Bremerton resident, and someone I would trust with important decisions that affect me, my family, and my community.

Carol

I am endorsing Jeff Coughlin for mayor of Bremerton. This city is my home—a place I’ve chosen to live and care deeply about—but it faces serious challenges that demand fresh leadership. Homelessness, rising crime, and even something as simple as finding a parking space are issues that continue to affect our quality of life.

Our current mayor has worked hard, but the progress has not been enough. It’s time for new ideas and new approaches to make Bremerton safer, more affordable, and more vibrant.

Jeff Coughlin is intelligent, collaborative, and innovative. He understands that solving these challenges requires teamwork and partnerships, not just individual effort. Jeff is committed to bringing people together to find practical solutions that will truly make a difference for all residents.

I’m voting for Jeff Coughlin for mayor—and I encourage you to do the same.

Denise

Jeff Coughlin is the right fit at the right time for Mayor. Jeff's keen intellect and ability to work with community leaders to find solutions has been demonstrated regularly during his years on Bremerton City Council.

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