classroom tested. community invested.
Help me serve ALL Puyallup.
Educator. Advocate. Neighbor.
Help me serve ALL Puyallup.
Educator. Advocate. Neighbor.

Hello, Hola! I’m Lindsay Smolko, and I listen to a LOT of podcasts. On the drive to work one day last spring, I was listening to Stacy Abrams show, “Some Assembly Required,” and she said, “This fight is going to require everyday, average citizens being willing to stand up and run for office,” my wheels started spinning. But I’m a TEACHER. And I didn’t have politics on my bucket list.
This is my 13th year teaching. I teach K-5 engineering design, which means I hoard recyclables like cardboard and paper towel rolls—and I also run a Girls Who Code club after school. My biggest goal is to show our youngest learners that problems are very rarely solved the first time. Tenacity, focus, teamwork, and precision pay off.
So on the last day to file, May 9, 2025, I learned only one person was running for my district’s city council seat, and I realized I couldn’t sit this one out.
I believe in ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources for everyone in our community, all without wasting time or money. I see the urgent need to better engage our community—actively seek their input, questions, and requests. We owe residents transparency and accountability.
Before teaching, I was a family therapist and, before that, a journalist. I’ve served on the board of Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, WA, and I’ve served on Leadership and Equity Teams within my school districts. I am a proud union member, spouse of a small Puyallup business owner, parent of Puyallup public school students. I work for equity and inclusion, support our LGBTQIA+ and immigrant brothers and sisters, the arts, and sports.
My campaign slogan is Classroom Tested. Community Invested. I want to help make Puyallup a city where every citizen has access to quality education, safety and resources. I will give Puyallup tenacity, focus, teamwork and precision. I am so proud to have the support of individuals and organizations in our community which prioritize people and planet before profit.
You’ve heard it said, “Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” I do teach, but I can also DO things–with passion, under pressure, and with limited time and resources. I’m Lindsay Smolko, and I just won my first election. I will be sworn in to serve Puyallup City Council, District 3, in Position 2.
You can help me serve Puyallup City Council by visiting www.friendsoflindsay.com, by following me on social media (Lindsay Smolko for Puyallup City Council District No.3, Position 2 and on TikTok@UpinSmolk. Your voices and involvement in local government are essential for creating positive change. Together, we rise to our full potential as a diverse, safe and prosperous community.

I’m running for Puyallup City Council to champion a city that works for everyone. As a lifelong educator, parent of public school students, and former mental health counselor, I believe in policies that support working families, safeguard public education, and promote mental health and community safety. I am committed to equity, inclusivity, and transparency in local government.
As a union member and small business family, I understand both the value of fair labor and the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. I will work to ensure our economy grows in a way that supports local businesses while protecting workers and investing in the future.
I am committed to serving our community through thoughtful, inclusive, and future-focused leadership. This includes ensuring Council decisions are grounded in equity, transparency, and collaboration. In addition to strengthening economic opportunity and public safety, I am dedicated to responsible and responsive work on infrastructure—investing in sustainable transportation, maintaining and upgrading essential systems, and planning for long-term community needs. By prioritizing infrastructure that supports growth while preserving the character of our neighborhoods, we can build a safer, more accessible, and resilient city for all.
Finally, as a lover of the arts, I believe culture and creativity are key to a vibrant, connected city. I will advocate for arts funding, public spaces, and events that build community, drive tourism, and enhance quality of life in Puyallup. I will push for city policies that celebrate our diversity, protect civil rights, and foster a sense of belonging for all residents.






01/23
We must stand united against all forms of fascism—because in our community, there is no room for hate, intimidation, or the erosion of democracy. I would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to drop me a line.
“Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just one step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”
(13516 Meridian E Box 73341 Puyallup, WA 98373-9997)
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