One contested race for Lakehaven commissioner | Election 2011

For the Lakehaven Utility District, the only contested race is between incumbent Tim McClain and challenger Louise Wessel for position 4. A forum for Lakehaven candidates was held Oct. 12 at Federal Way High School’s little theater. Wessel was unable to attend due to illness, and McClain gave a short speech instead.

Lakehaven commissioners set policies for the water district as well as oversee expenditures and a budget of nearly $30 million. Lakehaven provides water and sewer services for all Federal Way residents.

McClain was appointed to the board of commissioners for a vacancy in 2010. McClain was one of 15 applicants for the post. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in business administration. Since his appointment to Lakehaven, he has participated in the selection of a new district general manager, the installation of new equipment at treatment plants and securing financing for a second supply water treatment plant, he said.

McClain has 41 years of experience managing operations with financial accountability, he said. The experience entails the forest products, retail transportation and interstate transportation industries, he said. Lakehaven ratepayers “can be assured I have the experience to take on the responsibility that goes with the position,” he said. “I have never been fearful of entering a new industry that requires me to learn new things. As a matter of fact, I have been having a ball learning the (Lakehaven and water) industry and the challenges that go with it.”

To learn more, email tamcclain@hotmail.com.

Wessel is a commercial union electrician, which has contributed to her knowledge of the building and maintenance of public utilities, she said. She also has an understanding of how water treatment plants work, based on a short stint working at a treatment plant in Renton, she said.

In a campaign statement, she said: “I will work hard to maintain and improve water quality while keeping the rates for this service reasonable. I will consider the money that you pay to be limited commodity that needs to be guarded and used wisely for maintenance and sensible growth of this community.”

Visit www.louisewessel.com or email louisewessel2011@yahoo.com to learn more.

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.