Enumclaw Council Candidates Say They Won't Form a Voting Block

Even though Darrel Dickson and Chance LaFleur both work for PCMI Group, that does not mean they will always vote the same way if elected to the Enumclaw City Council. Unless a write-in candidate comes forward, LaFleur already is on the council as he ran unopposed. Dickson, however, is taking on incumbent Richard Elfers. The general election is in November.

Dickson is president and chief executive officer of PCMI, a group of real estate companies. LaFleur is director of maintenance operations and operations finance manager. Even though Dickson is LaFleur’s boss, Dickson said he would not pressure LaFleur on council votes. Likewise, LaFleur assures voters Dickson appreciates their differences, even in the workplace.

“As for my affiliation with Darrel Dickson, I am not running to create any sort of "voting block," LaFleur said. “Yes, Darrel and I do work together, and together we have been able to build a respectable and profitable company. However, in doing so, we do not always agree.”

LaFleur said those differences often lead to the best result. “The relationship I have with Darrel is one where we can disagree, we can debate, and in the end we come to the best decision possible and still maintain a high level of respect for each other,” he said.

He goes on to say that he is not a “yes” man to Dickson in the workplace, and certainly wouldn’t be like that on the council. “Darrel does not employ me to do simply what he says when he says it. He employs me for what I bring to the table, and to have differing points of view that takes any project we are working on to the next level. This is why I feel that both of us would serve the people of the City of Enumclaw well,” LaFleur said.

Dickson said he agrees with city council guidelines that say, “No one that sits on city council should be an order taker or a messenger for another person.   All of the city councilman have the responsibility to be self-governing.”

The guidelines go on to say: “An individual councilman ought to be governed by their own principles and laws… An autonomous councilman acts solely for the sake of doing good independently of other incentives.  Service above self should be the guide for our entire city council.”

Dickson pointed out that since Enumclaw is such a small town many who serve on government bodies are friends. He added that nothing within the city code or constitution prevents associates of a company from serving together.  

He added that he was encouraged to run for the council because of his expertise in financing—something he said is a void on the current council. “I think our city is in trouble financially.  Our administration needs guidance from individuals on city council that have the leadership, vision, financial skills, and a track record of service in our community,” he said.

The candidate pointed out that important city assets such as the Expo Center and Golf Course have lost a lot of money in the last three years. He said he can help make them profitable, bringing in tourists that aren’t coming now. He also said he can help make the center affordable for youth programs.  

Dickson said he hopes discussion can turn from those two candidates working together to more important issues. “I hope our debate in this campaign can be about solving the important issues of our community and meeting the needs of our seniors, youth and others,” he said.

Looking at both candidates’ profiles already published by Patch, LaFleur and Dickson do have many commonalities.

LaFleur said his reason for running is to make sure tax money is spent in the best way possible, adding government has to make sacrifices just like people do. Dickson’s reason is to help the city with its underperforming properties.

LaFleur’s top three issues are: Being tight on money and keeping reserves a high priority, balancing the budget and making sure city assets cover costs. Dickson’s are: economic growth, balance the budget and fiscal responsibility.

As for their differences from the other candidates, LaFleur said he is not a politician, and that’s a good thing. He would like Enumclaw to be a profitable city that doesn’t have to worry about money because revenues are spent wisely to create a surplus and any profits can go to improve parks, roads, etc. Dickson said he is not a politician, but is a fiscal conservative who wants the private sector to create jobs instead of government.

LaFleur said he would be happy to speak with any voter with concerns about his positions. Voters can email him at lafleur.chance@gmail.com. Dickson’s email is listed as ddickson@pcmigroup.com.