Tacoma Deputy Mayor Marty Campbell has served on the Tacoma City Council since 2009. The founder of two of the iconic retail stores of Tacoma's recent past, Buzzard's and Stadium Video, Campbell has thoughtfully balanced the sensibilities of small business owner and lover of arts and culture. He recently announced that he would seek re-election to his District 4 council seat, which represents all of East Tacoma and sections of South Tacoma. His candidacy is currently unopposed and he is not expected to field a legitimate opponent. Campbell chatted recently with Town Hall Tourist about his time on the council, his district and more.

TOWN HALL TOURIST: What has been the most gratifying part of serving on the Tacoma City Council?

MARTY CAMPBELL: Being able to empower people to feel that they can have their voices heard by the City. Often times, people will have an issue - minor or major - in their neighborhood without knowing how to resolve it. Being on the City Council has enabled me to bring forward people's concerns in a way that helps the city function better, but which more importantly helps people feel that they have a stake in the City's decisions.

THT: What has been the most difficult?

CAMPBELL: The cuts that we have had to make to services. No one prefers to serve during shortfalls because you have to make tough decisions, but my entire tenure has been during the recession and its aftermath. Because of that, not only have I not been able to secure funding for some of the issues that I think are really important to my district, but most of my efforts have been spent trying to minimize the impact of painful budget cuts throughout Tacoma.

THT: What have you, as well as the council, accomplished in the past four years that you are most proud of?

CAMPBELL: Changing the business environment to encourage growth. Tacoma is a more business-friendly city today than it was the day I took office. The actions we've taken include lowering of eliminating the B&O tax rate for most small businesses and streamlining the application and permitting process. We've seen the results of a better culture of entrepreneurship in declining unemployment in Tacoma and our resilience to the recession compared to many other cities.

THT: What do you think are the most pressing city-related issues for residents of East Tacoma and how do you aim to improve quality of life in your district throughout the next four years?

CAMPBELL: The economy is still the most pressing issue facing most people in my district. We need to continue to work to bring down unemployment further. Economic development will help to create jobs, reduce crime and increase city resources for core services such as police and fire.

Part of funding public safety comes from economic development, but we also need to continue to find creative ways to make services more efficient. Some of the work I've done is leading an effort to curb metal theft and blight in our neighborhoods, advocating for our Community Liaison officers, School Resource officers, Code Enforcement officers and finding opportunities to strengthen our Public Safety Services.

Lastly, we need to work on reversing some of the recent cuts and continue to improve infrastructure by focusing on our neighborhoods and schools where many of our roads and sidewalks are either in need of major repair or are simply non-existent. Quality of life comes building livable communities, and I plan to focus on efforts to improve infrastructure on the Eastside.

THT: How different is the culture, procedure and visioning process at the City under the new city manager?

CAMPBELL: I would say it is night and day. City Manager T.C. Broadnax presented a very open and engaging budgeting process. He believes Tacoma citizens are smart and will support the tough decisions when presented with all the information. He has also embraced a "spirit of excellence" in all aspects of city management.

THT: You've been one of the council's most vocal advocates for the arts. Can you briefly explain the role you believe the arts play specific to municipal government?

CAMPBELL: Arts are where the mundane functions of government meet and support the culture of a city. I believe cultural and economic development go hand and hand. Making Tacoma a place people want to be goes along way toward increasing economic activity for everyone. In Tacoma, we have a very multidimensional arts scene that supports the many different types of arts. Personally I wish we had more public art and murals throughout the entire city.

THT: Finally, many in Tacoma are still mourning the losses of two small businesses of yours that recently closed their doors - Buzzard's and Stadium Video. What do you miss most about those businesses and are you working full time (or close to it) somewhere new?

CAMPBELL: It has been personally difficult for me. I miss the people, both the employees and the customers. I was blessed to have an opportunity to serve so many people for many years. Almost daily I am reminded of the impacts that they had on our community by stories shared by people I encounter.

I have chosen to focus my time serving as deputy mayor. I am also consulting with entrepreneurs, small business owners and non-profits (pro-bono) and spend a lot of time volunteering throughout the community.