Elfers announces bid for another term on Enumclaw City Council

The fall election season might seem a world away, but that hasn’t stopped one member of the Enumclaw City Council from making his intentions known.

Rich Elfers, now in the final year of a four-year term, has expressed his desire to continue.

He is one of three council members up for re-election this year, the others being Jeff Beckwith and Jim Hogan. Election season begins with a one week filing period in early June, a primary election in August and a general election in November. Those securing council seats will assume office with the dawn of 2012.

“I make decisions carefully after much research and ask important questions crucial to the issues that come before Council,” Elfers wrote in an e-mail announcing his candidacy.

He cites his experience, having served on three council committees – Finance, Community Economic Development and the Expo Center Committee – and would like to see the city adopt a different model for financial planning. Elfers advocates for a biennial budget, which he believes would be more efficient than the annual process the city now employs.

“My long-term goal is to help Enumclaw maintain its charm while allowing for sensible growth,” he wrote.

“I love this town and believe I am the best candidate to preserve and improve what we all love about living in Enumclaw. I’ve made a great start, but I have more work to do.”

Beckwith and Hogan haven’t decided if they will seek another term.

Beckwith notes he has served nine years on the council following six years on the city’s Planning Commission. After that many years, he said, he would be tempted to walk away if a strong field of candidates surfaced.

Hogan, replying by e-mail, said he hasn’t done enough soul searching to determine if another four years are in order.

Contact Enumclaw Courier Herald Senior Writer, Editor Kevin Hanson at editor@courierherald.com or 360-802-8205.

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