By Dannie Oliveaux

Bonney Lake City Councilman Dave King will not seek re-election to his Ward 1 seat in the fall.

King has served eight years on the council.

“I have achieved everything I wanted in the two terms I served and have been looking forward to return to a more private life,” King said. “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the citizens of our fine city and I have learned many things about politics, government, human relations and even myself.”

He said he believes every citizen should try some elected capacity in service to others, even if it’s to a neighborhood association, school board, water board, fire commission or library board.

“It gives you a whole lot of education on how communities really work,” King said.

During his time on the council, King said he’s seen tremendous accomplishment as the city continues to grow and establish an identity.

The councilman said the Council has matured into the team and strategic planning body it is supposed to be.

He said when he joined the council in 2001, the group was factional, sunk in disputes with the mayor about his executive leadership and management style and actions and unable or unwilling to agree on common vision for important city programs.

“The council meetings used to be known as “the Tuesday night fights,” King said.

King noted several councilmembers, including some of recently elected, decided to work toward making the council a team, treat city department heads and employees with respect for their professional acumen and focus on working toward a strategic vision for what they wanted the community to be like in five to 20 years.

“The results are obvious. We have a financially stable city, providing timely and cost-effective services, expanded parks, better roadways, sewer and water service and a forward looking vision,” King said. “We have managed to attract and hire several key employees that are at the top of their game and enjoy working here.”

Aside from his time in the Army and working as a federal air marshal, King said, he’s never served with people more committed, innovative, caring and responsive as those on the council, the mayor and the city staff.

King credits largely the mature and collegial approach of councilmembers and the citizens who volunteer for commission positions who receive little or no compensation.

“The charity of Bonney Lake citizens is remarkable,” King added. “Their love for their community is palpable. I will continue to live here, happily, as long as I’m able.”

Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.