Politics & Government

Meet Dick Lawson, Sumner City Council Candidate

Dick Lawson is running for Sumner City Council, position 4.

What is your full, legal name? Richard M. Lawson

Where do you work and what is your job title? Retired administrator, State Farm Insurance

Age: 75

Where Were You Born? Fort Lewis, WA

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Where do you live now and how long have you lived there? I live on Wood Ave. I have been a resident for 27 years

Spouse or domestic partner if any: Christine (spouse)

Children: Five

Education: Graduate, Lincoln High, Tacoma, WA

Military Service: U.S. Army, three years active, six years reserve, Honorable Discharge

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations: Former member, Sumner Rotary

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy? No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:
Email address:  bonvintage@comcast.net
Phone number: 253.863.1226
Campaign manager: none
Campaign manager contact information: none

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: Mayor, city of Sumner. Council member, city of Sumner. Appointed to Planning Commission

Other campaigns for public office: None

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? For the city to provide all of the services that the citizens expect and deserve, sales tax generation is a big priority. With the economy in the state it is in, we must get creative in partnership with business to generate ways to draw new business and retail customers to Sumner. Without a good economy, it is impossible to maintain the community that we expect.

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What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why? There are about 4,000 people come to work in Sumner on a daily basis. The problem is, they take their pay checks home. We have to be creative in finding ways to capture some of that money before it leaves town. The housing market, existing and new construction needs a huge jump-start. New jobs, and increased retail sales would help. All of the services we receive from the City don't come free. I can't stress enough how important it is to get the retail train rolling again. I hate to say it all comes down to money...... But it does!

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders? My 10 years experience as Mayor, Council Member, and Planning Commission is valuable so I don't go into the position as a "Rookie." I have worked one on one with Congressman, Senators, the Governor, and state legislators on various issues. It takes time to build these relationships that benefit the city. Although it has been awhile since I have done this, the players change, but the game remains the same. I feel having lived in Sumner for 27 years gives me a better feel for the community, and the challenges that we face.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election? Don't know

Official endorsements: None


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