Sumner Council Abstains from Commenting on Tree-Cutting Case, Hynek Accuses Mayor of Keeping Information from Fellow Members

Councilmember Randy Hynek was prepared to , but was not allowed after an outside attorney recommended that the city steer clear of anything that could incriminate him or complicate the matter before due-process of the courts.

This angered Hynek and prompted a number of interruptions and outbursts throughout the meeting that led Mayor Dave Enslow to eventually declare him out-of-order.

“I’m not able to defend myself, and you’re sure making a lot of accusations,” said Hynek. “I’m an elected representative and I’m not being allowed to share my side of the story. The whole council has been made aware of these allegations and I haven’t been given the opportunity to talk.”

Hynek said that he prepared documents and a statement to share with the council at their last study session, which was abruptly cancelled same day. He also said that he tried to bring photographs to city hall of the location where the trees were cut, but that he wasn’t given a forum to present them to anyone.

Enslow and members of the city council replied that they are only trying to follow legalities and waiting to see if the prosecutor decides to press charges. that will cost the city over $6,000 to replace.

If charged, Hynek could face felony charges of malicious destruction of city property in court. The Pierce County Prosecutor has not filed charges and is expected to make a decision this week or next. The attorney told the council that they might be faced with a civil remedies case or lawsuit, if the prosecutor defers to Sumner jurisdiction. If handed back to Sumner, Hynek’s case will be up to the city attorney, Brett Vinson, to decide how to move forward.

During public comment, Hynek asked if he could step from the dais and address the council as a citizen. Vinson did not allow him to and quoted from the council bylaws that only members of the audience were allowed to speak. Hynek’s remarks led to a tense exchange with fellow councilmember Mike LeMaster, who was seated next to him.

“This is not, at this point, a council issue,” said LeMaster. “I suggest we get back to city business and allow Mr. Hynek to handle this issue on his own time.”

Hynek balked that he was “shocked” how “a mayor can corrupt the entire politics of a small town.”

Enslow requested Hynek stop “attacking” him and declared him out of order.

“I personally have reached out to you, as many people in this city have, to try and have a discussion, but you’ve defaulted to ‘everyone is out to get me,’” said deputy mayor Steve Allsop.

Councilmember Cindi Hochstatter agreed.

“What I got from the attorney’s presentation was, he was trying to give Mr. Hynek some protection by advising us not to talk about this ahead of time,” said Hochstatter. “We’re trying to be helpful and this allows us to stay out of this business, which is not a council business.”

Hynek, who had the final word during council comment, appealed to his constituents.

“I need your help, there are 1700 people out there who voted for me,” said Hynek. “I need your support – I won’t allow for this type of slander against me.”