This section of the History Guy site contains biographical data on Washington State politicians. This information is provided as a service to our visitors and should not be construed as a statement either for or against the officeholders detailed here.

Barbara Gelman (bgelman@co.pierce.wa.us), has been a resident of Pierce County since 1943, is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and makes her home in the Parkland area with husband Herb a Tacoma attorney. They have raised four children. Barbara was elected to this position in 2003.

While serving as Pierce County Councilmember for the Parkland/Spanaway area, Council District #3, from 1983 until 1992, she became well known for her work in fighting pornography and bringing new industry to Pierce County, eliminating the county solid waste incinerator, and promoting recycling. For 5 years Barbara produced and directed the Pierce County public affairs program 'Pierce County Speaks.'

Barbara also served as Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer. She is affiliated with the following professional and community organizations: Broadway Center fo the Performing Arits, Washington Association of County Officials, Puget Sound Council of Governments, Tacoma-Pierce County Arts Commission, Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County, Central Puget Sound Economic Development Board, and is currently a member of the Washington State Association of County Assessors, Washington State Association of County Treasurers, International Association of Assessing Officiers, and served as board member of the Puget Sound District of the Washington State Association of County Assessors.

Her community service includes memberhsip in the Tacoma-Pierce County Bi-Centennial Commission, League of Women Voters, Tacoma-Pierce County Municipal League, Law League of Pierce County, South County Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club of Tacoma.

Barbara represents most of south Tacoma; a portion of east Tacoma; Parkland; a part of Midland; and Spanaway.

Councilmember Gelman is the Chair of the Council Public Safety & Human Services Committee and serves on the Economic & Infrastructure Committee. Barbara also serves on the following outside Boards, Commissions, Committees and other Organizations: Criminal Justice Task Force, Executive Board of Economic Development Corporation (EDCPC), Tacoma-Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Board and the Performance Audit Committee. Barbara is also an alternate member on the Pierce County Reserve Officers Board of Trustees, Regional Transportation Investment District Executive Board, the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Rainier Cable Commission.

Source: http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/Abtus/ourorg/council/district5.htm

Return to Pierce County Page

Source: Pierce County Council Assessor-Treasurer Page

Lee, R. "The History Guy: Barbara Gelman: Pierce County Council Member (1994-Present)"

http://www.historyguy.com/Gelman_barbara.htm