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DuPont council position 1« Go back
Linda Cumberbatch
Residence: DuPont
Contact: 253-964-0651
E-mail: linda@electcumberbatch.com
Website: www.electcumberbatch.com
Occupation: Executive Director, Lakewood Group Homes Inc

Experience: DuPont City Council 2003-2007,Deputy Mayor; DuPont Citizens Advisory Committee 1987 & 2003; DuPont Centennial Chairperson 2004-2007;DuPont Historical Society Board member 2008-present; DuPont Parks and Recreation Agency Board member 2009; Pierce County Long Term Care Ombudsman Council Board member 2000-present; Former American Red Cross Volunteer

Education: B.S. Health Education, Delaware State University, 1975; Graduate, Officers Candidate School 1976; Municipal Leader Certification, Association of Washington Cities, 2004-2007; Emergency Management Certification 2005

What do you see as the three top issues facing DuPont?
Funding City Services: We face challenges of increasing costs for services and decreasing revenues. The City must develop a solid revenue stream to meet the demands of our growing population. Public Safety: Maintaining an acceptable level of service for our police and fire department is essential for the safety of citizens and for attracting new businesses. Community Outreach: Listening to citizens and responding to their needs. We must use innovative ways to reach all citizens.

What measures would you support to keep your city living within its means?
As with many households during a challenging economy, we must modify our spending. I am in support of taking a comprehensive financial review of all city services. I will work with citizens to prioritize and determine the level of services that they want and need. We must identify current and future revenue sources and look for effective ways to share services and maximize resources through local and regional partnerships.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?
DuPont is at a critical time in its development. My professional and public service as an administrator, project manager and mediator has equipped me to make the difficult decisions that lie ahead. I will work effectively with citizens, community groups and fellow council members to find common sense solutions to city issues. Citizens will have a voice and know that City Hall is responding.

Personal Statement:
I am committed to making DuPont a special place, which honors its history and prepares well for its future. I believe establishing trust with citizens and building consensus on the city council will promote effective decision-making. It takes a good team to guide a City and I am excited about returning to the Council and helping provide an experienced and steady hand.

Roger Westman
Residence: DuPont
E-mail: rswestman@msn.com
Website: www.rogerwestman.com
Occupation: Retired

What do you see as the three top issues facing DuPont?
1)A general fund sustaining the city's services without the addition of more property taxes. A city organizational structure that provides essential services with minimal costs to the taxpayers. 2)A Community Outreach Program that emphasizes accountability and responsiveness to citizen preferences and concerns. Strategies designed for giving citizens the power, influence and control over how their money is spent. 3) Increased environmental sensitivity that promotes the protection, preservation and restoration of our natural and historical surroundings.

What measures would you support to keep your city living within its means?
1) A "Spending Priority-rating System" which requires all departmental requests to be evaluated on an operational-essential basis prior to purchase authorization. 2) An across-the-board reduction in personnel costs, material purchases and non-essential expenditures (conferences, retreats, community events). Development of a long-range spending plan that is adaptable to fluctuations in the economy. 3) Cost-efficient work strategies to include schedule modifications, adjustments in job descriptions, restructuring and multi-tasking. Reduction of excessive overtime costs.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?
With my extensive background in the educational and military professions together with raising a family, I have the maturity and skills for decision-making in today's challenging environment. During my six years on City Council, I have conducted relevant research, used an analytical problem-solving approach to complex issues and, above all, communicated and collaborated with citizens. My professional training has taught me to listen, ask challenging questions, analyze data and deliberate alternative approaches.

Personal Statement:
Council members are policy makers, representing the desires and wishes of our community. We are responsible to facilitate discussion of public issues. My focus has been on informing citizens about issues that impact their living in DuPont. I respect citizen's input and value their responses on local matters, practices and financial spending. With your support, I pledge my skills, understanding and knowledge to again represent you on your City Council.