From the Mayor’s Desk: Ron Lucas

I’d like to express my appreciation to two organizations for their crucial support of recent events/initiatives: To Town Staff, especially Terry Huber, for another terrifically well planned and successful Town Clean-Up on 25-26 April and to the Steilacoom Garden Club for their continuous and faithful efforts to beautify the Town in so many ways most recently seen with daffodil plantings.

You will be seeing our annually expanded parks and recreation crew working throughout the Town in the coming weeks and months. This additional part-time staff is within budget and has a well designed work plan through the fall.

As you listen to the news and read of the actions of the Legislature, they are expected to provide local government more options to increase taxes to meet shortfalls….Steilacoom has no plans to use any of those options!!

What we do plan on doing is to continually review our operations for further efficiencies and focus available resources on “core” services.

Planning for the 2010 Census has begun. Recently, Pierce County Census staff met with me detailing the process. While the key period is the first quarter of 2010, you may expect local residents supporting the Census to contact you in the coming months. Remember, all Census workers have credentials clearly identifying themselves!!

The Town has prepared the specifications for bid for a new Town fire truck. I expect bid approval soon and the vehicle to be in service in Steilacoom by December 09. Our conservative budgeting and long time planning have accumulated the necessary funds to pay cash for the new truck. A plan to replace the second fire truck is nearly finished with an expected in-service date in 2011.

I read in the news that the traditional fire works show presented by Ivar’s in Seattle has been cancelled in this difficult economic time. I assure you that the volunteer Steilacoom Fireworks Committee has moved forward to present a great show once again on the 4th of July. While I am addressing this effort a month early…..please welcome any Steilacoom Fireworks volunteer at your door providing general information about the 4th of July and asking for your support of this locally financed show. Remember the fireworks are completely financed by private donations-not Town funds.

Lastly, based on the recent survey which received the highest return and highest favorable response rate of any survey done by the Town, a “Farmers’ Market” in Steilacoom is planned for this Summer. The Market will be held on Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM from June 26 through August 24th and will be on the multi-purpose court at the corner of Wilkes/Lafayette Streets across from the Bair Restaurant. Interested vendors should contact Voraya at 581-1630. Other inquiries should be directed to Kelly at 229-5175.

As I write the results of the EMS levy are not available, however, I would like to thank all residents who voted on this important matter.

With the warmer weather finally here, I would ask that you drive safely and watch out for kids.

Ron Lucas, Mayor