STANLEY VS. RAATZ
Councilman Ed Stanley is challenged by Dave Raatz, 47, a shop foreman and lead mechanic for a trucking company based out of Kent. Raatz, who finished fourth in a race for mayor two years ago, is a solid contender. He is one of those candidates who would have a steep learning curve, but one who would challenge his council colleagues by asking, “Why?” — why money was being spent, why businesses were getting short shrift, why decisions were not being made more quickly.
Those questions would stir the status quo and force the City Council to reexamine priorities — which would be a very good thing.
Where Raatz falls short is in experience and a lack of demonstrated willingness to do the hard work it takes to be a council member. He cannot simply put his name on the ballot every few years in hopes of gaining a seat at the table.
Raatz demeans the planning commission as “maids in waiting,” saying council vacancies are often filled by planning commissioners. There’s a reason for that. Planning commissioners have demonstrated their commitment to the city and community by doing the hard work of studying complicated land use regulations and sending recommendations to the council for action. The Planning Commission is, in effect, the farm team to the City Council.
Planning commissioners get a crash course in city decision-making. They delve into city codes and deal with department heads and city staff, understanding the interworkings of City Hall. They have a broad base of knowledge to take with them when they step up to the City Council.
We would strongly encourage Raatz to join by serving on the planning commission or one of the city’s other advisory committees. By learning the ropes, he will shed the naivete that renders him not quite ready for the big leagues.
Stanley, 63, a former social worker, is seeking his fifth term on the City Council. His 16 years of experience gives him a distinct advantage over the challenger.
Stanley points with pride to his work to pass an ordinance giving residents of mobile home parks a say in their future. He has a clear vision of what he wants to accomplish in the next four years — beautifying Capitol Boulevard, getting a wastewater treatment plant built on the brewery property, seeing the rest of the property redeveloped, and reexamining and updating the Towne Center proposal to draw in new businesses.
If we have a criticism of Stanley, it’s that he let his personal bias against Walmart cloud his judgment to the point where he bent the rules by adopting an emergency moratorium that didn’t stop Walmart, but dissuaded other businesses from locating in Tumwater.
In this race, experience trumps inexperience. Tumwater voters should reelect Ed Stanley.
SULLIVAN VS. CATHEY
Joan Cathey, 67, a Presbyterian minister, has had an unremarkable four-year term on the council. She ran four years ago on a platform of getting the north end fire station fully staffed. Steps in that direction are only now being made — through a tax increase vote by Tumwater residents, not necessarily through Cathey’s leadership.
The fact that Tumwater police and firefighters are supporting her opponent is telling.
Cathey’s challenger, Debbie Sullivan, has proven herself to be a hard worker. Sullivan, 57, an energy analyst for the Washington State University extension office, has served on the city’s planning commission since 2003 — the last four years as chairwoman. Her depth of knowledge on land use and zoning issues will be a great addition to the City Council.
In addition to her valuable planning commission experience, Sullivan brings great energy, a positive attitude and a private sector business background to her run for public office. She’s committed to bringing new businesses to Tumwater and sees the abandoned brewery property as both a challenge and great opportunity for mixed use development that will serve future generations.
Sullivan has everything voters are looking for in a challenger — knowledgeable, intelligent, experienced, enthusiastic with passion for the future.
Tumwater voters should elect Debbie Sullivan on Nov. 8.
Tumwater City Council
Position 1
Ed Stanley
Dave Raatz
Position 3
Debbie Sullivan
Joan Cathey
