At a forum Oct. 6 in Sumner City Hall, audience members had some of their questions answered by candidates for Sumner City Council and mayor positions.
Stuart Scheuerman is running for council Position 1 and said it’s important for him to see that families can still buy a home and live in Sumner. He has experience with Sumner’s Regional Transit Authority Task Force and worked with other members to determine the Sound Transit hub’s location. He served as a council member for four years after filling a vacant position.
His challenger is incumbent councilman Ed Hannus, who said he has more than 30 years of public service experience.
On the issue of flood prevention, the candidates for Position 1, Mayor Dave Enslow and his challenger, Councilman Matt Richardson, agreed on the removal of debris as a crucial step.
Regarding the designation of Manufacturing Industrial Center in Sumner, Hannus said he is supportive.
“I think Sumner will gain magnificently from it,” he said.
Scheuerman is in favor as well, saying it will help Sumner’s bottom line. During the evening he said he is in favor of “controlled growth” in Sumner.
“I support this 100 percent,” he said.
Enslow said it is beneficial to allow Sumner to acquire funding for necessary road repairs without raising taxes, while Richardson believes it is sending Sumner in a direction toward larger construction and more density.
Councilmember Steve Allsop, running unopposed, said the council is to adhere to its zoning in order to prevent the rising of what one audience member referred to as “mega-structures.”
Scheuerman said the comprehensive plan, if adhered to, restricts such structures from becoming a dominant presence in town. He cited Fred Meyer as a large building that did not negatively alter Sumner’s overall design.
Another question asked if the Sumner Police Department would be fully provided for. Enslow said it’s a top priority and Hannus said grant funds could be tapped if needed in order to provide for police.
The forum was hosted by the Sumner Downtown Association.
