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Editorial: Hansen, Dill and Boyle best bets for Puyallup

Political decisions on a local level are never easy. The people you elect in the November general election this year will have a more direct impact on your lives than when picking the president.

This election is a critical one for Puyallup. Who wins and who loses in November could alter the council’s delicate balance of power, and thus have a material impact on the city’s future. This council might decide term limits, the fate of the city manager and development.

District 1, Position 1

There’s no reason to vote out incumbent George Dill. He’s level-headed, forward thinking and an advocate for the whole community, even those who aren’t in his district. Yes, four years ago he said he would be a one-term politician, but he was new to the civic arena and has since learned that four years isn’t enough to get your sea legs and make an impact. That doesn’t change his stance on term limits and promises he’ll stick to his beliefs.

His opponent, Tony Aho, shows promise, but the DUI he received two years ago shows poor judgement. Aho could make a valuable contribution to Puyallup someday. We encourage him to remain involved in city boards and commissions, and run again in the future.

The Herald endorses George Dill.

District 2, Position 1

Rick Hansen’s two years on council haven’t always been smooth. He’s meet with council members from other communities to talk about a parking garage, voted to not renew the city manager’s contract and battled against going to an at-large city. Clearly there are many who are opposed to his views, but his close loss to Kathy Turner two years ago shows that he’s speaking for a large portion of the community.

That’s not to say the city would suffer with Christopher Taylor as a council member. He has a lot to offer the community and we hope to see him run again, after taking some time to better define his position and vision.

The Herald endorses Rick Hansen.

District 3, Position 1

Candidate John Alexander has a clear vision for Puyallup and no apparent leaning toward one faction of the council or another. However, several incidents in his past, which The News Tribune reported last week, raise concerns about his levelheadedness. We don’t see him today as someone who would help move the city forward.

His opponent, Kent Boyle, on the other hand, may have a great deal to learn about city government, but he shows a willingness to talk with everyone and try to bridge any divide. He wants to learn first-hand about situations, like the city manager position, before leaping to any decision. As someone who has spent most of his life in Puyallup, this is clearly a community he loves.

The Herald endorses Kent Boyle.