Discover Mukilteo Talks: Tom Jordal

Discover Mukilteo sat down with city council member Tom Jordal to discuss how he got started in politics, his favorite place in Mukilteo, and his greatest challenges.

DM: How did you get started in politics?  

TJ: I got started in politics by running for city council last year. I started in January of this year and I am learning the ropes.

DM: Who inspired you to take this path?

TJ: My son‘s Boy Scout Troop  attended a city council meeting about eight years ago and I thought the process was interesting. I thought to myself, “I can do this“.

DM: Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of and why?

TJ: The Mukilteo city Council has a terrific group of council members that have contributed so much over the years. I’m quite new and I don’t think I’ve done much that stacks up against their achievements but I am happy to have started contributing on the waterfront planning process.

DM: What is your favorite place to visit in Mukilteo and why?

TJ: I really like running on the trails behind the library in the Gulch. It’s a very personal space where you can connect with nature just a short walk from home. 

DM: Do you have a favorite book, website, or podcast, and why?

TJ: I recently listened to a series of podcasts called “The history of Rome”. You see that people have had the same motivations, joys and fears throughout time.

DM: Do you have a favorite food? If so, what?  

TJ: Frikadeller (Danish meatballs)

DM: What is the biggest challenge you face as an elected official during these uncertain times?

TJ: In running my business, striking the right balance between safety and individual choice on Covid was a challenge.