Candidates for Pos. 1 council vacancy - Bill Bruch

Years in La Conner and why applied

17 years. I am well qualified for the job as a former town council member and a longtime resident and business owner. I served on the Town Council in 2016 and 2017. I was forced to resign from the Council and move out of town due to a property management job change in June of 2017. I thought the move was permanent, but it turned out to be a 4-month project and I moved back to La Conner to be an on-site Property Manager in October 2017.

Community involvement; successes

Since 2004 I have attended many Town Council and Planning Commission meetings. In 2014 and 2015 I served on the La Conner Lodging Tax Advisory Committee; in 2015 I was chair of that committee. As a councilmember I was very active and attended many of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) meetings and classes. In 2017 I was on the AWC Small City Advisory Committee and earned an AWC certificate of municipal leadership achievement award. During that time I served on the La Conner port, utilities and park committees, and advocated for good causes like the waterfront park and the new library.

In 2003 and 2004 I was part of the Tribal Canoe Journey’s Paddle to Tulalip, WA and Chemainus BC Support Team.

Policies to champion

I will advocate for an open and transparent government (because it is better for the people), affordable housing (this will bring in much needed tax money); and for La Conner to stay a safe community for families and businesses by allocating money for more dedicated hours to a code enforcement officer and to the Skagit sheriff.

Representing residents

With past government experience as a town council member I have practical knowledge working with the town budget and will be financially responsible with our tax dollars. I am familiar with how the government functions and have excellent relationships with our state and local elected officials. I am a big believer of doing what is best for the community. I have many longtime in-town colleagues and Swinomish tribal friends, and if appointed I will work hard to represent the entire town professionally, with honor and integrity.