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closeChuck Hunter ready for another term as GH mayor
Unopposed, politician aims to finish what he started
Nate Hulings
of the Gateway
After 35 years as a general contractor, Gig Harbor Mayor Chuck Hunter doesn’t like to leave projects unfinished. That’s why he chose to run for another four years as the city’s mayor.
Hunter will run unopposed in November’s general election.
“I decided that there were some things I wanted to finish,” Hunter said. “I was pleased with some of the things we got completed, and wanted to continue.”
Hunter has a list of finished projects, including St. Anthony Hospital, Eddon Boat and projects at Uptown Gig Harbor. His “to do” list includes the waste water treatment plant, outfall projects and the daylighting of Donkey Creek Park, plus improvements to Austen Estuary Park and Wilkinson Farm Park.
Hunter, who has lived in Gig Harbor for more than 50 years, said his mission of preserving the city’s small-town character has been his main goal as mayor.
“When I ran last time, I ran on the basis of the character of Gig Harbor and how unique we are,” he said. “We really need to take advantage of what we’ve got here. If we can maintain the character and the open space and the space we have here, future generations will be able to appreciate it.”
One of the biggest challenges Hunter faced in his first term is the recent economic downturn. The city faces a $1.9 million budget shortfall it must close for its 2010 budget.
“The budget is certainly a challenge at this time,” Hunter said. “The city needs to take into account what’s happening in the community and the economy, and needs to pull in and not just go merrily on our way.”
However, he remains optimistic that the city can pull through.
“We learn to get by with less and use our ingenuity,” Hunter said. “The people here are all smart people, and I know we’ll figure out a way to make it work.”
After a four-year term, Hunter also has looked back to judge his own performance, which, for the most part, he views as positive.
“I think that anytime you make a stretch to do something, you’re gonna wish that you did it a little different,” Hunter said. “But I don’t think I would have changed too much.”
Remaining true to Gig Harbor’s unique value does not mean a lack of development, Hunter said.
“A good job has been done here,” he said. “With both the Olympic Village area and Gig Harbor North, we’ve got places to put our things that all the people want. And that’s where those types of businesses belong, and leave the view basin for more of those small businesses.
“We have the chance to work with something that is unspoiled,” he added.
Hunter and his wife, Dianne, have been married for 48 years and have two children and three grandchildren.
He enjoys traveling in his motor home, wood working and being out on the water.
“I’ve got a Thunderbird sailboat that I like to play with but can’t sail very well,” Hunter said.