Bonney Lake
Residents of Bonney Lake voted for incumbent Mayor Neil Johnson to remain in office another four years.
“I was very happy with the results, since it tells me that we are on the right track and we need to continue focusing on making Bonney Lake a great place to work, live and play,” Johnson said. “It is also nice to see that all the hard work over these last eight years is being recognized. We have a strong team between staff and council, so I look for a number of good things to happen.”
During the next four years, Johnson has a list of items he wants to work on for the city of Bonney Lake. Some of those include continuing strong public safety, working with civic organizations and improving funding for sidewalks, streetlights and roads.
Johnson still sees the economy as a challenge for Bonney Lake. He said because it has not fully recovered, he will continue to look for efficiencies within the city while providing value for the citizens.
Aside from Johnson, the other three Bonney Lake City Council positions were won by incumbents.
Council positions one, three and six were won by Randy McKibbin, Dan Swatman and Donn Lewis respectively.
Swatman hopes during his next term as council member that he can reach out to the public more.
“I would like to see more voter participation,” Swatman said.
He also hopes to move forward with the city of Bonney Lake and what they have been doing for the past few years.
Similar to Johnson, Swatman said there are standard city challenges that Bonney Lake faces. The city has to stay on top of financial issues, he said.
Sumner
The voters have spoken and declared they are happy with the way Sumner has been run according, to Mayor Dave Enslow. The incumbent mayor is returning for another term and Enslsow said has grand plans.
“The election really validated what’s been going on in the city,” Enslow said. “We’re working on building the YMCA and selling the golf course. We’ve also passed the lowest tax levy in the state. People like what’s going on in Sumner and I hope we will do more of what they like. The secret to my success is a very good city and a very good staff.”
Enslow will continue on the path he’s establish by maintaining an open door policy, he said.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” said Enslow. “I’m glad you like what’s going on. We’re going forward and redoubling our efforts. Please feel free to call me, I’ve always been accessible and that hasn’t change.”
Steve Allsop was voted in for his fourth term on City Council. The greatest challenges ahead, he said, include the allocation of funds from the golf course sale and addressing the issue of parking options at the Sounder station.
“I am always listening (to the voters) and take my responsibility to ably represent them very seriously,” said Allsop. “I want to thank the people of this town for their continued support over these many years. They can expect more of the same from me: informed, measured decisions that reflect the will of the majority.”
Earle Stuard is a fresh face on the council and is looking forward to attending a training and education seminar titled “Elected Officials Essentials” next month, he said. He also intends to meet with staff members and department directors to better understand their approach, how they measure performance and what they require from him as a team player. Establishing trust is a key factor in accomplishing his goals, he said.
“I hope to work on building trust between council members and the mayor so we can get started on the business of representing the citizens for the best good of the city,” said Stuard. “To those who either voted for my opponent or chose not to vote for either one of us, I hope I can gain your trust as you watch me work to represent what is best for the city.”
Kathy Hayden is another brand new addition to the council. Hayden reiterated the importance of teamwork within the council and other city staff. She also agreed with Allsop’s analysis of major challenges to come; council will be faced with the parking situation at the Sounder train station. What ever issues are ahead, Hayden has faith in and appreciation for the voters.
“I want to thank everyone who voted, whether they voted for me or someone else. Voting is so important. With that being said, a special thank you for those who did support me. I will work hard for you,” she said.
East Pierce Fire and Rescue
As of Friday, Nov. 8, the election results for the issues involving East Pierce Fire & Rescue were both close.
Proposition 1, which asks the voters to approve increasing the size of the East Pierce Board of Fire Commissioners from five to seven, narrowly passed with just over 50 percent. The increase will improve commissioner representation of the growing fire district. Fire commissioners provide oversight, approve policies and develop budgets.
Kevin Garling has been re-elected to the East Pierce Board of Fire Commissioners. Garling beat Raymond Bunk III with approximately 52 percent of the vote.
Both Garling and Bunk currently sit on the East Pierce Board of Fire Commissioners. However, due to attrition, only one position is available.
Garling is a battalion chief at the Kent Regional Fire Authority. He previously served as an Edgewood Fire Department commissioner, prior to the merger with East Pierce.
The results will be certified Nov. 26.
