BIG ANNOUNCEMENT - City Council #1

Hi Folks,

The last eight months have been some of the most fantastic of my life.  A bit crazy at times, but very fulfilling in terms of really helping to make a difference.

And a number of you say I'm doing great, and that matters.

So, I'd like to announce that on Monday, I've decided to run for City Councillor, Position #1 again! It’s something I never would have imagined doing.

I want to keep working on the below because I think a lot of folks are going to love them. And I want to see them through. So here they are -- I wrote these goals down in July:

1. Bring Further Excellence to Orting Policing

Progress: Last December, I introduced a new community policing model that I believe will have tremendous benefits to Orting. For our families, our officers, our business owners, and most of all for addressing crime at it’s roots. Take a look at this: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2obihb
  
Finally, last month I also introduced the Police Survey, which is the first in the city’s history. With assistance from Public Safety, this will help get us the data to do some important things, including an increase in police staffing.

2. Strengthen Social Services of our City

Progress: I believe that a just city helps provide for the least of these — safety nets for those rough periods in which we are all susceptible. Towards this end, I have been proud to support Teen Haven in various youth programs, the Farmer’s Market in increasing funding, and most recently, creation of the “Orting Job Bank” as a more efficient way for folks to obtain work in town. That's important for a lot of you.

3. Bring Bolder Recreation to Orting

Progress:  I feel our city could benefit from a greater focus in being a recreational destination of our area; thereby attracting more income into town, and decreasing leakage out. It’s with that goal that I am now helping champion an economical Splash Park as a showcase feature here. That is the kind of family thinking our city needs. Privately, I am also working on other large ideas to be presented soon.

4. Improve City Communication

Progress: This is a big one. As we face the modern concerns of social media, and living in a digital age, it is important that we find better ways of interacting with citizens. I have introduced improvements for this, including bios of elected officials on our website (another first), and a regular Mayor's column that I hope to see adopted soon. I have also proposed a new Chief's Corner, so folks are better informed of concerns important to them. Leaders communicate.

5. Help Bring Healing to the Community

Progress: The past year has seen a number of difficulties in our city, including the treatment of others. As a child who endured Tourettes growing up, I know what that feels like. So last November I began a new site called “Human’s of Orting” as a way to better show the humanity of each other. And perhaps it’s helped a little, as last month HOO was honored with a 2015 “Community impact Award” for the positiveness it’s helped bring the city.

6. Bridge for Kids

Progress:  For decades, New Orleans did not address the levies of it’s city — we all know what happened next. During my appointment comments in July, I stated that getting this bridge built was a high priority to me. Eight months later, through the hard work of many, there was a Summit with state senators and congressmen, and the project is now being changed to the city of Orting as lead agent. It may finally be happening.

And there you have it. These are the areas I stand on, and will keep standing on.

Along with a lot of care for one another. I believe in that.

Wish me luck!
Councilmember Gunther


Visit: http://www.getgunther.org