Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow is running for another term and is touting a set of accomplishments and goals he brings to the ballot.
His vision for Sumner is to maintain the friendly atmosphere which, he says, makes Sumner a great place to live.
“That’s what I value,” he said during an interview in his office on the second floor of City Hall.
Enslow said one of his proudest achievements has been balancing the city budget without raising taxes, while continuing to provide services to residents.
Other cities issued layoff notices, but Sumner reorganized its spending and eliminated only one position, he said.
High on Enslow’s list of goals for the future is improving the parking problems in Sumner He said steps are being taken in the form of public transportation.
He cited a 600-space lot near the Puyallup Fairgrounds, which goes unused during much of the year, but now will be used by Sumner as a park-and-ride for commuters using public transportation to and from the area, something Enslow said he is proud to help achieve.
“I love those solutions,” he said.
Enslow said an important aspect of his job – and something he enjoys – is developing cooperation with others.
“The mayor’s job is about working with people and getting people to work with me,” he said.
His time as mayor allowed him to form a group of friends and colleagues who are supporting him in his bid. Among his supporters are former mayor Barbara Skinner, Pierce County Councilman Shawn Bunney and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy.
Enslow told citizens attending a candidate forum Oct. 6 he wanted voters not to think merely of his promises, but by what his accomplishments are. Among these he mentions are the trails system, which continued to grow while he’s been mayor.
The City Council recently committed $2.5 million toward the construction of a YMCA facility, which Enslow said he worked on for a long time.
The risk of flood damage is another concern Enslow said is important to his role as mayor. The city council voted on a measure to work toward dredging, which would remove sediment from the river bed, allowing for more water retention and Enslow helped develop the concept of a flood wall to prevent future flood damage.
Enslow said his challenger, councilmember Matthew Richardson, claims to have more government experience but said Richardson’s background consists of several short stints at various groups.
Enslow served as a councilman from 1998 to 2005 and as mayor since 2006. He has served on the Sound Transit Board since 1998, the Pierce Transit Board since 2003 and the Puget Sound Regional Council since 2000.
