Print
E-Mail
tool name
closeCandidates Payne, Hoppen lay out platforms, vision for city
City Council hopefuls share concerns, solutions
Nate Hulings
of the Gateway
The two candidates vying for Gig Harbor City Council Position 1 got their chance to meet face-to-face last Thursday to discuss their plans for the city.
In anticipation of the Nov. 3 general election, incumbent Tim Payne and challenger Mark Hoppen shared their platforms and took questions from the audience during a public affairs forum at Cottesmore of Life Care in Gig Harbor. The Gig Harbor Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the debate.
Payne is completing his first term as a city council member and has lived in Gig Harbor for nearly a decade.
Hoppen, who was born and raised in Gig Harbor, has a long history with town politics. He served on the city council from 1990-92 and was the city administrator from 1992 through 2006.
Both spoke of their pride in being Gig Harbor residents.
Hoppen said he’s often called a “local boy” but prefers the title “native son.” He grew up on the Eddon Boat property and said he’s scrubbed at least 500 boat bottoms.
Payne used his time in other cities as a backdrop to tell cautionary tales of uncontrolled city growth. He recalled living on South Hill near Puyallup and watching his commute time to the freeway triple in less than two years.
Payne also spoke of his choice to live in the Gig Harbor area and his commitment to the city.
“My kids are harbor kids, and we are a harbor family,” he said.
For the most part, the candidates agreed on the fundamental issues that were discussed. Both hit on points regarding the importance of business, urban growth, parks and streets.
“All the things that make our community go,” Payne said.
They agreed in principal on how Gig Harbor can become a more attractive location for jobs and business.
Payne said he envisions a business model that is a mix of white- and blue-collar jobs, including utilizing the addition of St. Anthony Hospital to bring in more health care businesses.
“We need good family-wage jobs,” Payne said. “Be more proactive to try to encourage businesses to come in.”
A business and operations tax should not be considered, he added.
Hoppen agreed with Payne’s assertions but also said Gig Harbor’s geography creates issues for attracting businesses.
“We’re on the margins out here,” Hoppen said. “Business is always somewhat threatened.”
Hoppen recommended being more proactive in making water and sewer lines available for currently undeveloped business-zoned properties.
The candidates also agreed on the need for a gas dock in Gig Harbor. However, they had differing opinions on how the dock should be funded.
Hoppen said both the public and private sectors should work on finding a solution.
“If we want to have gas, we’re going to have to subsidize,” Hoppen said.
While admitting that relationships between the two sectors often is difficult, he said it’s necessary for the city to be involved.
Payne disagreed on a city subsidy, but he did say it should “burst barriers” to get a private fuel dock in the harbor.
The candidates also stressed the need for a maritime pier in Gig Harbor. Payne said location isn’t as important as purpose.
“Let’s stop fighting this,” he said. “Let’s do whatever we can, where we can celebrate our fishermen profession.”
Hoppen said there are four sites that would work for the pier.
“We gotta find a way to build this pier,” he said.
Hoppen, who has spent the past few years as a spectator on local government decisions, did have a few recommendations to current city leadership. He said the city should have addressed its looming budget shortfall last year by cutting 10 full-time positions.
Candidate forums continue at Cottesmore
Candidate forums continue at Cottesmore on Thursday with City Council Position 3 candidates Derek Young and Ken Asplund.
The candidates are scheduled to debate at 7:30 a.m. at 2909 14th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor.
The public is welcome.