Recent articles about the Puyallup City Council election have implied that Kathy Turner is running for another term. That’s not exactly true. She is attempting to move midterm from her current District II position to the open at-large position.
The City Council consists of two members for each of three districts (they must live in their district) and one at-large member (who can live anywhere in the city) for a total of seven council members. Terms last four years with elections staggered to ensure continuity.
If Rick Hansen wins the at-large seat in November, voters become big winners because they will have selected the member who will join the council. Turner is still a winner because she will continue to occupy her current District II position for two more years, at the end of which she can run for another four-year term.
If Hansen loses, voters become big losers because they have lost their chance to make the decision as to who will join the council. Turner would move into the at-large position, vacating her current District II position. The remaining council members would then appoint a replacement to her vacated District II position.
The City Council needs new blood and fresh ideas. Most members have served many years, often retaining their seat unopposed. Fresh ideas and diversity are good for any council. Voter should select who joins the council rather than have the council appoint an unknown.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.