Who I Am
I’m PJ Peterson, a third-generation Cowlitz County native. I was born in the original Cowlitz General Hospital and raised on a small farm on Cloverdale Road in Kalama alongside five siblings. After twelve years of education and training—at the University of Washington, University of Utah College of Medicine, and an internal medicine residency in Dallas—I returned to Longview to practice medicine. What was supposed to be a six-month commitment turned into a deeply fulfilling 37-year career.
My upbringing taught me the values of living within one’s means, pursuing education, and helping those in need. My father, a timber grader and later Kalama’s rural mail carrier, modeled civic responsibility and integrity. I knew from age seven—after my first ear surgery—that I wanted to become a doctor and help people. Even in retirement, I continue volunteering at the Free Medical Clinic to support the uninsured and underinsured members of our community.
Though I’ve never held elected office, I’ve served in numerous leadership roles, including on boards for PeaceHealth St. John, Lower Columbia College Foundation, Columbia Theatre, and Seton Prep. I bring strong negotiation skills, a commitment to problem-solving, and a steady focus on what benefits our entire community.
Why Do I Want to Be on City Council?
I love Longview and can’t imagine living anywhere else. We have nearly everything we need—Lake Sacajawea, beautiful parks, a thriving arts scene, and a strong community college. After living in larger cities earlier in life, I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity and warmth of a town where you can run into familiar faces at the grocery store or while walking around the lake.
Longview has great potential to become more vibrant and welcoming. Like Kalama and Castle Rock, which have built unique identities around shops, flowers, and small-town charm, Longview could enhance its appeal with more walkable experiences—highlighting our historic buildings, Sidewalk Art Museum, and murals. A guided walking tour through the Old West Side, complete with brochures and stories of the people who built our homes, is one idea worth exploring.
I also want to help address pressing challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. Hope Village has successfully reintegrated over 100 people into the community, and we must now find sustainable funding beyond government support—such as through agencies that can bill for behavioral health services. I’m equally committed to finding smart, non-tax-raising solutions for aging infrastructure and attracting new businesses, professionals, and tourists to strengthen our local economy.
I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming election—thank you for your support!
Donate to the Campaign
Every dollar makes a difference. Your support—no matter the amount—helps power a campaign built on integrity, community, and a vision for a better Longview. Together, we can make real change happen. Thank you!