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closeMichael Hays hopes to bring land use knowledge to board
Fiscal responsibility key to strong department, candidate says
Nate Hulings
of the Gateway
Michael Hays, who has close ties with some of the current Key Peninsula Metro Parks District commissioners, is running for a seat on the board.
In fact, his friends on the board persuaded him to run.
Hays currently sits on the Land Use Advisory Committee, which helps Pierce County with land use and zoning issues. Since land use is an integral part of park development, Hays said his time on the LUAC board provides valuable experience.
Land use issues are no walk in the park, he said.
“It’s very complicated preserving and optimizing community assets and at the same time preserving individual property rights,” Hays said.
He added that has no plans to leave the LUAC board, if he’s elected to the parks commission.
Hays said he doesn’t want to be called a “change” candidate, because he thinks the department is doing fine.
“I don’t think very much needs to be changed,” he said. “I like what the board is doing. I would be joining a winning team.”
That’s not to say Hays thinks Key Pen Parks can’t work more efficiently. He said he would like to see more of a collaborative nature between LUAC, the parks and the Key Peninsula Community Council.
“All three bodies exist to serve the community,” Hays said. “I think all three operate too independently. With coordination, they can be more effective.”
If he’s elected, Hays said fiscal responsibility should be the main catalyst for park decisions. That means managing resources responsibly, preparing for the future and avoiding debt.
And although Hays said he’s set on winning in November, he admits his opponent also would be a good fit.
“I’m running to win, but the park board will be served well with either one of us,” Hays said. “He’s a good guy and would do a good job.”
Hays has worked for a nationwide plastics firm for the past 20 years. His job made it possible for him to live anywhere in the United States, but Hays said he couldn’t see himself living anywhere else but here.
Hays and his wife Denise have been married for five years, and they moved to the Key Peninsula from Federal Way in 2004. They enjoy camping all over the Pacific Northwest, plus kayaking, fishing and hiking.