Politics & Government

TONIGHT: Sumner Council to be Briefed on Tree-Felling Case Against Randy Hynek

The Sumner city council will listen to a presentation tonight on the case against Councilmember Randy Hynek, who allegedly cut down cedar and cottonwood trees on city property. Hynek is prepared to ask for an independent investigation into the incident.

Tonight, the Sumner City Council will listen to a briefing on the case of trees razed on city property, with councilmember Hynek identified as the illegal trimmer.

In an interview with the Tacoma News Tribune, Hynek voiced his intentions to present evidence to the council that “it was much ado about nothing and should have never ever gotten this far.”

Patch broke the story about with councilmember Hynek named as the person of interest. According to the police report, Hynek admitted to cutting down cottonwoods, firs and cedars to clear way for a walnut grove he planted in the area four years prior. City officials told police Hynek admitted to using city equipment to cut down the trees and that he didn’t go through the proper permitting process for permission.

Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sumner has since forwarded charges to the Pierce County Prosecutor and estimated the damage to city property equaling over $6,000 – enough for a felony conviction for Hynek.

Those with felony convictions generally are not allowed to serve on the city council.

Find out what's happening in Bonney Lake-Sumnerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hynek told Patch in an interview that he believes that he has been “railroaded” by Mayor Dave Enslow, who brought the incident to police attention after some comments Hynek made about cutting down trees before a council meeting.

He has voiced his concerns about Enslow and city staff publicly and even after accusing the mayor of slander.

Hynek denies cutting down the trees, saying he won’t incriminate himself in the ongoing investigation.  


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