The Rise and Fall of Dale Washam: Pierce County’s Most Contentious Assessor-Treasurer
Dale Washam, a one-term Pierce County assessor-treasurer known as much for his combative style as for his surprising political win, passed away peacefully of natural causes on May 15 at the age of 87. His death was quietly confirmed by a family member who preferred privacy, leaving behind a complicated legacy that still sparks debate in Pierce County political circles.
The Unexpected Victory of a Political Underdog
For decades, Washam was better known as a persistent challenger rather than a victorious politician. Before his shocking win in 2008, he had lost more than 10 elections across Washington State, often running as an independent with limited funding and almost no public backing. His campaign style was classic grassroots—handing out flyers, knocking on doors, and relentless self-promotion. Yet despite his long history of failure, something about the 2008 race changed. Under a new ranked-choice voting system, Washam clinched the assessor-treasurer position with just over 51% of the final tally, shocking political insiders and voters alike.
Current Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Marty Campbell reflected on Washam’s surprising ascent. “It’s a reminder why voters need to research every candidate thoroughly,” Campbell said. “I never met Mr. Washam personally, but his time in office definitely shows why it’s so important to vote the whole ballot carefully.” Campbell’s cautious words capture the mood of many who witnessed Washam’s brief but impactful tenure.
Early Life and Roots: From Missouri to Washington State
Born Richard Dale Washam on June 30, 1938, in Missouri, he was the eldest of eight siblings. Moving to Western Washington as a teenager, Washam married his high-school sweetheart, Dorothy Michaels, in 1956. The couple had four children—Elizabeth, Mark, Matthew, and Christopher. That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving honorably for four years at George Air Force Base in California before receiving his discharge as an airman first class.
Pursuing education alongside his early work, Washam earned an associate’s degree in arts and sciences from Fort Steilacoom Community College in 1970. His career took various twists—from running a dry-cleaning business that failed in the early ’70s to selling trailers, tires, and recreational vehicles. Despite these setbacks, Washam never gave up on his political ambitions, running unsuccessfully for a state House seat and later working as a top sales rep for Diamond Laboratories Inc.
A Relentless Political Fighter
Washam’s political path was unconventional and marked by confrontation. Between 1989 and 2008, he appeared in no fewer than 42 court cases, mostly as a plaintiff, often representing himself despite having no formal legal training. His litigious nature became a defining trait; he took on political opponents, government officials, and private citizens alike.
Some of his most notable battles included suing Pierce County Democrats after losing a precinct committee election in 1990 and repeatedly running — and losing — campaigns for Pierce County executive, auditor, and other offices throughout the ’90s and early 2000s. His tenacity extended to filing three unsuccessful recall attempts against his political rival, Cathy Pearsall-Stipek, accusing her of perjury in one case.
One eyebrow-raising moment came in the mid-’90s when Washam claimed that then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich had stolen his idea for the “Contract with America” in 1994 — a lawsuit that quickly fizzled out but spoke volumes about Washam’s combative approach.
The Tenure: Turbulence and Trouble
Washam’s four-year stint as Pierce County assessor-treasurer was marred by accusations of retaliation, mismanagement, and abuse of power. Employees alleged he targeted staff he distrusted, creating a tense and fearful workplace. Independent investigations confirmed these claims, revealing that Washam retaliated against employees, wasted government resources, and actively obstructed investigations into his conduct.
These findings had real financial consequences. The county faced about $1.5 million in settlements and legal expenses due to damage claims related to his office’s actions. Former County Councilmember Tim Farrell summed it up bluntly: “There was hope he might be good, but Pierce County found out the hard way he was really, really bad.”
A Workplace Under Siege
Billie O’Brien, a former administrative manager in the assessor-treasurer’s tax division who worked under Washam, offered a firsthand account of the chaotic atmosphere. According to her, Washam was single-minded and convinced that his predecessors had engaged in unlawful acts. This belief fueled a relentless campaign to root out and punish anyone he suspected of wrongdoing.
O’Brien recounted Washam’s unusual behavior, including installing a window in the office to watch property appraisers at work — a move that struck many as invasive and controlling. She described him as combative, making the office environment stressful and difficult for even the most dedicated employees.
When O’Brien decided to challenge Washam in the 2012 election, he tried to block her from taking time off to campaign, despite county rules allowing such leave. This episode illustrated how his contentious management style bled into his dealings with staff on a personal level.
The Recall Attempt and Political Downfall
In 2011, Washam faced the recall campaign he had long wielded against others. Spearheaded by Puyallup resident Robin Farris, the movement gathered over 64,000 verified signatures—just shy of the 65,000 needed to get on the ballot. Though the recall ultimately fell short, it underscored the widespread frustration with Washam’s leadership.
By 2012, when Washam ran for re-election, the political tide had turned decisively against him. In a primary field crowded with five candidates, Washam finished a disappointing fourth. Farrell reflected on the election results, remarking, “We were trying to figure out who the 10% were that voted for him. It was a relief, but the damage was done.”
Washam’s successor, Mike Lonergan, faced the tough task of rebuilding the office’s morale and restoring public trust — a process that took years to complete.
Ranked-Choice Voting and a Lesson Learned
Washam’s 2008 victory was made possible by a newly implemented ranked-choice voting system. His unexpected win sparked skepticism about the voting method among Pierce County voters and officials. The county council, influenced by the fallout from Washam’s term, eventually moved to end ranked-choice voting.
This episode remains a cautionary tale about the risks and unpredictability of electoral reforms, especially when candidates with controversial backgrounds break through traditional political barriers.
Key Takeaways: The Washam Era
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Persistence can pay off — Washam ran more than 10 times for public office before finally winning in 2008.
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Vetting candidates is crucial — His tenure highlighted the importance of thoroughly researching candidates before casting votes.
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Litigation isn’t always the answer — Washam’s 42 lawsuits largely failed and created a reputation for being combative.
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Workplace culture matters — His management style created fear and turmoil, driving away skilled employees.
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Voting reforms have risks — Ranked-choice voting’s impact in Pierce County became a lesson in unintended consequences.
Final Thoughts
Dale Washam was a polarizing figure who never faded quietly into the background. His story is a fascinating study in persistence, controversy, and the complexities of local politics. For some, he was a gadfly, a relentless challenger who refused to back down. For others, he was a cautionary example of what can happen when an outsider gains power without broad support or experience.
In the end, Washam’s impact on Pierce County politics and government operations remains undeniable — a legacy as messy and complicated as the man himself.
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