Bremerton City Council election candidates

As elections come down to the wire, each candidate for a Bremerton City Council seat was asked two questions: What are the five biggest issues and your stance on them and why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Below are the answers provided from either their website, election pamphlet or response to the email.

Denise Frey v. Adrian Wright – City Council District 2

Frey’s main issues include the development of affordable housing, transportation services and a redevelopment of the old Harrison Hospital site. She is also advocating for improved public access and community engagement with the council, including in-person and via Zoom.

Frey took the East Bremerton position in March 2022. Frey served as chair of both the council’s Public Safety Committee and its Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. She believes she stands out because she has been deeply involved in Bremerton since moving here in 2014, including being the former president & CEO of the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce and executive director of YWCA Kitsap County.

Wright’s issues include the lack of Bremerton’s response to homeless encampments, crime, lack of jobs, good business environment and dissatisfaction with city services. Wright believes the problems are caused by the lack of leadership and willingness to take stances on difficult decisions with these issues. His example is encampments at Martin Luther King Way and other main roads.

In addition, Wright said voters are siding with him because they do not want Bremerton to head toward Seattle. Wright believes Bremerton is becoming Seattle because of the weaknesses coming from the Public Safety Board. Police and first responders have become powerless, and he hopes to revitalize Bremerton. Overall, Wright’s goal is to “want a city to be proud of.”

Jane Rebelowski v. Marwan Cameron – City Council District 4

Rebelowski has four issues she wants to change. She wants to allow the public to give its input more often through monthly district meetings and return emails promptly.

Second, she wants to be the voice for the homeless population in Bremerton. She hopes to install public portable toilets. In addition, Rebelowski believes tax exemptions should only be for low-income apartments since over 40% of households in Bremerton make $40,000 a year or less. Lastly, Rebelowski wants to advocate for real traffic-calming projects, including sidewalks in all neighborhoods and a connected safe cycling network throughout the community.

Rebelowski believes she is the right candidate because she helped design and inspect numerous low-cost traffic-calming projects in Seattle.

Cameron wants to support business owners by fostering a supportive business environment. In addition, he is focused on improving essential services. Those include transportation, education, healthcare accessibility and affordable housing options. Lastly, he wants to build a foundation in Bremerton and build upon it.

Cameron believes he stands out as a candidate because he was a former brick mason and construction company owner. Therefore, he has experience in infrastructure development, creating employment and fostering sustainable growth.

Mike Simpson v. Anna Mockler- City Council District 6

Simpson hopes to support all Bremerton residents, including those outside of his district. He believes he can do it by prioritizing public safety. Therefore, Simpson will work within the city charter to effect positive changes and modernize Bremerton’s government. In addition, Simpson promises to reduce the tax burden and operating costs. Lastly, he wants to help preserve and protect public infrastructure, including the streets and sidewalks. Simpson believes he is the right candidate because he was a part of the council in District 6 before stepping away for nearly two years. In addition, he wants to act with the heart of a servant.

Incumbent Mockler’s top priorities include transparent government, affordable housing, safe streets for all and more. She is an advocate for affordable housing because 40% of Bremerton’s households earn less than $40,000 a year. She also believes Bremerton deserves streets safe for walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, bikes and cars. Lastly, she has opened her door with monthly in-person town halls since 2022.

She believes she is the right candidate because she is the current city councilmember for District 6. Mockler believes she can make Bremerton a safer, more livable city and is familiar with changing job markets with her previous work experience.