Kathy Turner and Don Malloy joined the Puyallup City Council two years apart. Malloy, an Air Force veteran and junior high school principal, took his seat in 1992. Turner, a real estate agent, followed in 1994.
Over two decades, the pair helped guide East Pierce County’s largest city through a transition period as its population grew from nearly 24,000 to more than 37,000.
They often were its public face. Between the two, they spent 10 years as mayor.
“They are people of their word. They have the highest of integrity,” said Jerry Korum, a Puyallup businessman and president of the Western Washington Fair Association board. “The thing I really appreciate very much is that they want the best for the community.”
Today, the pair will mark a final council milestone together: retirement. Both were ineligible to seek re-election under new 12-year council term limits they helped pass this year. Their successors take over in January.
Turner, 59, and Malloy, 79, spoke to The News Tribune in separate interviews last week.
Both said they’re proud to leave the new council with a city budget that includes a healthy general fund reserve.
They list similar triumphs, including the opening of Bradley Lake Park and the development of Puyallup’s downtown. A new library, senior center, Pioneer Park pavilion and City Hall were all completed in the last nine years.
“I’m pleased to have been part of the transformation of Puyallup,” Malloy said. “It’s been an honor to have represented the people for the last 20 years.”
Neither Turner nor Malloy could point to specific votes or stances they regretted. Both said they studied the facts and made calls according to what they felt was right.
Plenty of their decisions drew flack – from their support of former City Manager Gary McLean, who departed in 2010, to their rejection last year of a resolution that would have started the process of giving citizens initiative and referendum power.
Turner, in particular, was something of a lightning rod. Critics have questioned everything from her motives for switching to the at-large council seat four years ago, to whether she inappropriately used her office to campaign for a council candidate this year. (The state Public Disclosure Commission said it found no evidence of impropriety.)
Mike Deal, a former council colleague, said he feels Turner took extra heat because “she is a strong female. Some people have a problem with that.”
Councilman John Knutsen, who butted heads with both Turner and Malloy, said he wishes them no ill will but is glad a new council is coming onboard.
Four new members will sit at the dais come January, with Knutsen part of a new majority that appears poised to emerge.
“I think (the new council) is going to be one of the best things that’s happened to the city in years,” Knutsen said.
Turner grew up in Hoquiam and moved to Puyallup in 1974. She worked in real estate for nearly 30 years and spent 10 years on the city’s parks board and Planning Commission before joining the council. She lives downtown.
Korum called her a “careful, cautious listener” who excels at research and fact-finding. He said he frequently attends community events, and Turner “is always there. She’s there for us.”
Turner also helped lead the Association of Washington Cities, including a stint as board president. She said she’s proud the relationships she cultivated at the local, state and national levels helped bring funding for projects and other benefits to Puyallup.
Malloy was born in Michigan and spent 20 years in the Air Force. He worked 22 years with the Puyallup School District, including 17 years as vice principal or principal at Ferrucci Junior High. He lives in the city’s south end.
Deal, the former council member, said that while he and Malloy often carpooled to meetings, they never tried to influence each other’s votes. They could disagree without taking it personally, he said.
Malloy and Turner helped the city make progress, Deal said.
“Their hard work and wisdom and caring are going to be missed,” said the 20-year council veteran. “It’s really exceptional that we had such good people for such a long time.”
In retirement, Turner plans to spend more time with her husband, Gary, a retired Puyallup deputy fire marshal, and see more of her daughter, who works in Washington, D.C.
Malloy, a widower, said he’ll soak up quality time with his three children and five grandkids.
Both said they expect to find ways to keep serving the community. And both said they want to watch Puyallup continue to thrive.
Both also want to see the new council get along better. Malloy said he doesn’t feel he contributed to a contentious climate. Turner, who was mayor the last two years, acknowledged there were times she “reacted to negativity,” though she tried to remain professional.
Malloy hopes the new council will focus on fiscal responsibility. Turner would like to see more commercial growth.
“Puyallup is just a great place to live. It’s a great place to work. It’s a great place to visit,” Turner said. “I’m proud of any fingerprints that I may have left.”
Sara Schilling: 253-552-7058
sara.schilling@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/street
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