Deanna Walter of Wenatchee has announced her candidacy for Chelan County Commissioner, District 3.  She is seeking the position currently held by Commissioner Buell Hawkins, who announced he would not be seeking another term.  Although they share the same last name, she is not related to District 1 Commissioner Ron Walter.

Walter is a longtime resident of Chelan County, with deep-seeded roots in the Entiat Valley.  Her grandparents both taught at the Ardenvoir two-room schoolhouse, and the family still retains approximately 100 acres up the valley.  Her great-uncle, Albert (Shorty) Long, wrote and published a book on the history of the Entiat Valley titled Under the Guard of Ole’ Tyee: A reflection of the early days in the Entiat Valley.

 

Deanna was born and raised in Wenatchee, where she and her husband are now also raising their two children and, previously, their 3 nieces while licensed foster parents.  She holds a BS in Math/Statistics, a BA in Urban & Regional Planning, and received her national certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) in 2006.  She is a 13-year veteran of public service, now working in the private sector as a Planner and liaison for land use issues.

 

In declaring her candidacy, Walter said, “Having worked closely with both City and County governments over the last 15 years as a Planner, I recognize how important it is to listen to, and accurately represent the will and desires of your constituents.  Cities and Counties have very different objectives, and they serve a different purpose.  The environment Chelan County has been so fortunate to enjoy is incredibly dynamic and constantly changing.  The current set of County Commissioners have done a tremendous job of nurturing and encouraging economic development within the County, while also striving to preserve the industry that put us on the map -- agriculture.  Balancing those two, often competing, elements is never easy.”

 

Walter stated her reason for entering the race for County Commissioner is to make a difference. “The third district covers a vast area with very diverse people. I will represent them. My depth of knowledge of community issues and hands-on experience with the County budget make me uniquely qualified to serve in this position. I pay attention to what is going on in the different areas of the County,” Walter states.

“Everyone is concerned with our quality of life, but two issues continually surface, both of which have direct and lasting impacts on the personal lives of residents – land use and public safety.

 

“With approximately 88% of this County in public ownership, balancing the pressures of development and preservation of our resources on privately owned land is of key importance.  Having two children, I’m saddened to think that this valley I love may become unaffordable for the next generation.  I firmly believe that those who plan ahead stay ahead, whether speaking as an individual or for a community.  We need to keep our eye on the long-term goals and viability of the area, while at the same time focusing on keeping Chelan County a desirable, safe and affordable community for all that currently reside here.  As a native of this area, I want our future generations to have the same opportunities we had, to be able to raise their families here and feel confident that their needs are being met.

 

“When we prioritize what people value the most, public safety is second-to-none.  With approximately 70% of the County budget dedicated to criminal justice-related activities, obviously a great deal of resources are expended, from patrols to courts, incarceration, and, in some cases, rehabilitation.  Residents need to feel safe and want to see their tax dollars work for them. 

 

“As property values continue to rise, the County must look to other sources of funding instead of constantly adding a greater burden to homeowners. We must focus on economic vitality and a vibrant business atmosphere. We must ensure our local businesses have the ability to thrive and succeed. This country was built on businesses of all sizes meeting the needs of each community. Chelan County is attractive for so many reasons and we should be proud to be able to experience all of the qualities and opportunities it has to offer,” Walter says.

 

“I’m not a career politician – I’m just a homegrown girl who values the quality of life we enjoy as Chelan County residents, and thus pays close attention to the issues impacting our livelihood.”

 

Deanna Walter can be reached at