Politics & Government
Who's Who: Bill Pugh, Sumner Public Works Director
Pugh enjoys public service so much, he came out of retirement to work for the City of Sumner's Public Works Department.
Name: Bill Pugh
Age: Born in 1950
Occupation: Public Works Director for Sumner
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Can you briefly describe what a public works director is responsible for? I report to the city administrator and the mayor. One of my major roles it to work with sewer transportation and treatment, storm water and surface water issues, all the way to the final product – drinking water. With Sumner being flat, it brings its own challenges. It makes it interesting. I need to know the federal regulations for water treatment and know about what types of vegetation are beneficial for filtration.
What type of work history gets you to a position like this? I came from Tacoma, where I worked for over 33 years. I work in public works and city administration. After I retired, Diane Supler (Sumner’s city administrator) asked me to come work with her here in Sumner. I have been here three years and just decided to move here to the area. I like it here in Sumner and have no plans to leave any time soon.
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What about Sumner made being here more attractive than retirement? Sumner has a soul. The downtown area, the parks, the nature … it is so historic. The community is great and this is great time to be in public community building. I believe in building, sustaining and improving our community. If you do not have that focus, you should not be in public service. I believe in being vested in your community versus being lost in the independent parts that make up city government. Sumner offers that.
What are some new things you are looking at for our near future here in Sumner? Water rights need to be addressed. Our supply is increasing and we are looking at alternate sources. We are working on a new well to help with our supply. Flooding issues also need to be addressed countywide. We need to work on our levies and work on our Flood Control District. The Army Corps of Engineers is performing a flood-plan management study, to see where we stand. We might be eligible for federal money. That should help.
What do you do for fun? I love to travel. I have been to Africa, all over Europe, Spain, Greece, Peru ... I golf, for comic relief. I hike, bike, cook and read. I stay busy.