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Senator Patty Murray discusses issues with Mayor Enslow andd the local delegation in the U.S. Capitol building. |
Several months ago, the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce wanted me to go to Washington D.C. with the Washington 2 Washington delegation. This is a group of primarily Pierce County leaders from both business and government who basically storm D.C. together to relay local concerns and learn more about what's happening at the Federal level. Shelly with the Chamber thought Puyallup Mayor Hansen's and my presence was vital.
While I was initially reluctant, the Council encouraged me to go to represent the needs of Sumner on a national scale. I hate to admit it, but they were right and I was wrong.
In just over two days, I walked the leather off my poor shoes, meeting people from dawn to way past dusk. I got to shine the spotlight on Sumner to people like Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Patty Murray, Representative Denny Heck, Represenative Adam Smith, and many, many more. Plus, I was able to develop stronger relationships for Sumner with other local officials and businesses around big topics like SR 167 and flood protection.
As you see in the news, SR 167 is getting a head of steam to be finished. I reminded them not to forget the existing section through Sumner which clearly needs congestion relief. The Army Corps of Engineers is studying how to protect us against flooding. I hope they study a little faster, but it's good to know flood protection is very much on our Federal legislators' radar. And, I was happy to hear that despite sequestration, they don't see funding for grants drying up. We rely on this funding, which provides millions of dollars for our roads, bridges, trails and police protection.
This delegation was just the beginning. As I prepared for this trip, I asked myself what I might say to help Sumner if I just had just one minute with one of our Federal legislators. With the relationships I gained, these discussions will continue. In the meantime, I'd like to know your thoughts: what would you say to them on behalf of Sumner? Let me know by sending an email to denslow@ci.sumner.wa.us.
Recently, there have been a series of manhole and storm drain covers removed throughout Sumner. This is an extremely dangerous practice as it endangers the lives of any pedestrians, vehicle drivers or bicycle riders who may hit the uncovered hole. If you suspect that someone is tampering with any of the City's manhole or storm drain covers, please call Sumner Police at 911 right away. You could help save the lives of anyone coming along that street later. Thank you for your assistance.
