Profile in Leadership: Mark Ozias leads with Democratic values

By Paul Pickett

Mark Ozias, County Commissioner for District 1

Mark Ozias has been County Commissioner for District 1 (the east end of the county, around Sequim) since 2015. He’s now serving his third term. I sat down with Mark in the Field Arts and Events Hall in Port Angeles to learn about his personal history as a community leader and Democrat. As Mark nurses his coffee, he watches me with a clear gaze and earnestly tells his story.

1. Tell me a little about your past – where did you grow up, where have you lived?
“In 1989, I moved to Washington from a suburb of Denver to study at the University of Puget Sound,” Mark tells me. “After my Freshman year, I realized that Denver was no longer my home. I moved back and never left.” Mark studied politics and government. “The program focused on how things really worked, not theory,” he explains. He worked all over the state and country, and was looking for a place to put down roots. He moved to Clallam County in 2004, inspired by Brussels sprouts. “My wife and I ate delicious Brussels sprouts at Bella Italia, and they told us they were grown in Dungeness. We went to see the field, and decided to live here.” 

For many years he and his wife worked in agriculture, growing plants and starts, and selling produce at the Farmers Market. Then they opened a store in Sequim where they sold locally grown produce. “After 4 or 5 years, we kind of burned out,” he says. “So I went back to my career in nonprofit management and was hired as manager of the Sequim Food Bank.”

In 2014, people started asking him to consider running for County Commissioner. “It was flattering to have people ask,” he says. “I reflected on why I would be doing it, what I would bring to the role.” He decided to run, was successful in beating the incumbent, and has since been reelected twice.

2. What led you to seeing yourself as a Democrat? 
“I have always felt that I was a Democrat,” he replies. His family was not very political growing up. When he was in high school, he volunteered for the Dukakis campaign. He was drawn to politics and government and studied it in college. “I had no preconceived notions,” he explains. “I came to see that my values aligned with the Democratic Party.” 

3. What has been the highest point for you as a leader and a Democrat?
Mark considers this for a minute. “I’d say it was the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he says. “As the pandemic grew, the Democratic Congress passed relief funds that were sent directly to cities and counties. This was a highly unusual approach – unique.” Mark describes how the County set priorities, looked at local government investments, and moved money to local partners. “We internalized very few of those dollars,” he explains. “I’m proud of how we partnered with nonprofits and worked with businesses. As a generality, Democrats are community-minded. This is an example of Democrat values.”

4. What leadership positions have you held in the past that prepared you for your elected position?
Mark says he’s had a lot of leadership positions “going back to Boy Scouts – lots of opportunities.” He tells me that everything depends on people. “Leadership means knowing when to bring people together, help them work together, get them to talk despite differences. It doesn’t ‘just happen.’” He explains how people say “that’s a miracle,” but it’s not a miracle, someone figured out how to make it happen. 

5. What advice would you give to a volunteer thinking of taking on more responsibility in the Democrats and in the community?
He replies that there are so many opportunities to volunteer in this community – the barriers are low. “Volunteer for things that will feed your soul, your spirit. That will motivate you to continue.” He explains how volunteering will help expand your community and help you network. You learn about who shares your values. Regarding politics, he says, “don’t assume you won’t like it. I thought I’d hate doorbelling but found that I loved it. Don’t be scared, try it. If it doesn’t work, there are endless other opportunities.” 

6. How do we pass the legacy of the Democratic party to future generations?
Mark thinks for a moment, then replies, “Listen to what people are saying, take time to understand.” He advises that older persons should not talk about their wisdom and experience. They need to listen, because young people live in a very different world. “Set aside your own priorities and find out what they are asking for, what they want to see. Then have the courage to pursue it. And if they are idealistic and like things like universal health care, don’t dismiss it.”

I asked Mark how we create opportunities to listen to younger Democrats and voters. “You need to go where they are, and treat them with respect,” responds Mark. “You need to make a proactive effort. You can’t wait for someone else to start the conversation.” Mark continues, “they have to trust you, know that you’re listening, that you’re there because you care.” Mark concludes by commenting, “we need to figure out how to bring young people together with older people. Each has different advantages.”