Voters will decide between challenger Shirah Dedman and incumbent Fred Chang in the race for Port Orchard City Council, Position 6, in the Nov. 4 general election.
The position is a four-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Chang has served as a Port Orchard City Council member for Position 6 since 2006. He works in communications and public disclosure for the Washington State Department of Transportation and previously worked in software support and testing at Adobe Systems Inc.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Occidental College.
Chang has served on the Bremerton Ferry Advisory Committee, the Port Orchard Planning Commission and the Sidney Museum and Arts Association. He is currently a board member at Kitsap Community Resources. He is also a member of the Port Orchard Eagles, the Port Orchard/South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce and the Port Orchard Bay Street Association.
Dedman works as a strategic advisor and attorney. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University, a law degree from the University of Southern California and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Arkansas.
She serves on the Port Orchard Farmers Market board of directors and is the South Kitsap representative for the Bremerton Kitsap Access Television Advisory Committee.
Both candidates were asked two questions to respond to.
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Chang: If re-elected, my top priorities would be:
Increased engagement: The city has improved communication, recently creating email lists to keep people informed of various topics, from utility and traffic disruptions to future planning projects. I want to create a vibrant community where members are well-informed and want to participate in building their community.
Keep the community safe: We hear an increasing number of complaints about vehicle noise and speeding. With our law enforcement officers occupied on other calls for service, we need to continue exploring ways to address these issues.
Keep utility rates and taxes low: We need to keep utility rates affordable for residents on fixed and limited incomes. We need to maintain our roads and parks and ensure development pays for their share of growth.
Keep focused on long-range projects: Maintain the funding and focus on longer-range projects that the city has committed to, such as the Community Center.
Dedman: At first, I had my own ideas of what I wanted for Port Orchard. But as I began to connect with my community members about my campaign and listen to their needs, they are the ones who ultimately shaped my top priorities.
The first priority is addressing affordability through responsible, sensible economic development. This would include stopping expensive, unsustainable sprawl that increases property taxes and the cost of utilities. Instead of funding infrastructure for new high-rise developments, prioritizing smart growth in areas that already have existing infrastructure.
Additionally, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in order to increase job growth and revenue for the city. Local businesses keep our community dollars circulating right here in Port Orchard. And better jobs locally help more people afford housing. Second, addressing safety by bringing infrastructure to much-needed areas, such as relieving McCormick’s traffic congestion. Also, implementing low-cost, effective safety measures, such as placing speed bumps in high-traffic residential areas.
Finally, championing policies that enhance city processes. I will work to clarify construction rules and reduce bureaucratic fees for homeowners who want to improve their property. Most importantly, I will ensure meaningful public input is central to every decision, giving you a true voice in how your tax dollars are spent.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
Chang: I am approachable and an active participant in many activities around town. I’m both an early adopter of technology and also a student of history. I like to see various channels of communication being utilized to communicate with residents, whether it be social media such as Facebook, YouTube or email. I enjoy our rich history we can take pride in, as well as how far we’ve come, from the Mosquito Fleet to the fast ferries.
As a planning commissioner, I learned about various planning issues and the public’s input on them. As a councilmember, I have balanced municipal budgets with the competing requests for funding and resources. As a business owner, I understand many of the issues our local merchants experience.
Dedman: Voters should choose me because I bring a fresh, community-centered perspective and a deep commitment to building a more resilient and vibrant Port Orchard. As a woman seeking to join the City Council, I hope to bring a much-needed diverse perspective to the table.
And, as a late-in-life mom to young children, I understand the kind of safe and thriving community we want to build for the next generation. My opponent has served our city for many years, and I respect that service. But now it’s time for new energy, new ideas, and a more proactive approach.
I’m not running just to manage growth—I’m running to thoughtfully shape it. I’ll bring a collaborative voice to the council, and I’m committed to listening, learning, and leading with care.
