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“How am I doing?”
This time last year, Ocean Shores chose Dean Bunkers as its first elected “strong” mayor.
It’s been quite a first year, for Bunkers:
•Leading a new “open government,” with more public participation during City Council meetings
•A controversy over his $99,600 salary 
•A budget crisis, which led to eight layoffs
•Landing $6 million (half as a grant, half at a 1 percent loan) for a new water treatment plant
Ed Koch, as mayor of New York, was famous for asking everyone he met “How am I doing?”
Well, how is Mayor Bunkers doing?
Post your answer below. (Or email tscanlon@northcoastnews.com.)
Answers will be printed in next week’s North Coast News.
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13 Responses to ““How am I doing?””
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Mayor Bunkers,
You are doing an outstanding job that,by any measure, exceeds expectations. You have brought a professional presence and ethical behavior to our city that was missing far to long. For the first time in many years we are on a path to budget visibility and accountability. City actions occur in public, often with much healthy debate.
You spend endless hours at city hall, dealing with the major issues that face this city as well as the minor issues that mean so much to individuals who live hear. As an “elected” official you are respected by your conterparts in other cities, at the county and state level.
In addition, you have the dubious job of putting up with folks like OSLOCAL who spend their time casting false information to the winds, hoping some of it will stick.
We are a non-charter code city governed under RCW 35A. OSLOCAL might want to read it before quoting more of the wrong RCW in a public forum. But then, people who hide their real names find it easier to spread incorrect information.
Mr. Roe, thanks for saying it straight! One minor correction, our last election cost a little over $4,000. The cost for a special election would range between that and $10,000 depending on timing. But of course that is a total red herring that doesn’t apply under the correct RCW.
How quickly people forget that our mayors salary is the same as the previous city manager who was responsible for much of the overspending Mayor Bunkers has had to rectify. Of course in addition to his salary, the previous city council chose to give that city manager bonuses, then $100,000 when it was apparent that the people wanted an elected mayor and further authorized $85,000 in ‘comp’ time. Was he ever in the office for 8 hours at a stretch? Now, had we expected him to do his job, how many city jobs would that have saved?
Dean Bunkers we ‘hired’ you because you were the right man for the job. You have been thrown more curve balls than anyone should expect. You have been straight forward with the public and with the employees who report to you. Thank you.
Spelled “City” wrong in third sentence. Oversight on my part.
I did not run for any form of City Government, nor do I think I will. I understand your point. It just makes me wonder why we pay a mayor of a much smaller citie so much money compared to larger cities. I just hated to see good quality employees lose their jobs over this cities budget crisis. When I first learned of Mayor Bunkers salary, I about fell over. It made me more upset when he threatened the city bargaining units with hiring a labor attorney due to the unwillingness of having their benefits, pay, etc. changed. Remember, these are the employees who are not making what he makes. All I am saying is everyone reads into his work performance what they want to read. It’s politics, he wears a professional smile on the outside, but is laughing devilishy on the inside. Is it morally fair for him to cut lower paying jobs that families depend on, so he can live his lavish lifestyle? If I felt I was smart enough to run a city, and I am not going to say I am, I would take my pay into consideration and do the right thing. What you may feel the right thing is may be different than mine.
Everyone, have a great Memorial Day, take a minute to remember those who have provided this day for us.
and just how much are we willing to spend to go through another vote. probably as much as the mayor makes. if you care so much about the city, you should run next time……or did you? can’t tell form your name.
After looking up Washington State laws, if you happen to review RCW (Revised Code of Washington) 35.21.015, I think you will find that in fact there can be an adjustment of wages, up or down, as long as it is voted upon by the people. Now, the only reason I brought up the city benefits was only to bring up the point of monies going out that don’t necessarily need too. If the mayor did truly care about the city, then wave the benefits. That saves the city money. Being a retired US Navy MCPO (SW/AW) Veteran myself, I would be happy to sit with you and swap sea stories. Look, I’m not trying to pick fights, I’m just trying to get people to think about some of the obvious money saving ideas out there. Has anyone ever questioned why his secretary/assistant, makes more money than most of our city employees, including public safety?
Everyone, have a great Sunday!
If OSLOCAL was to look up Washington State laws, he would know that a sitting mayor may not adjust his or her salary, up or down, while in office. This has been brought up by smarter folks and the answer is the same. And, being retired Navy myself, what benefits he has earned from serving your country has no bearing on any benefits provided by the city. Need of the benefits is not even a consideration when applying for a job and has no business even being brought up. I know know some companies offer retired military less in pay and benefits which is probably against the law itself. Get off our back. what we earned is none of your business OSLOCAL. You can kiss my U.S. NAVY retired rear end.
Mayor Bunkers = Inspiration? If you can tell that he loves the town of Ocean Shores, then why won’t he sacrafice his wages to keep those who work for him employed? Why hasn’t he personally gone to each city department and introduce himself and shake every single employees hand? To call him an inspiration is a joke. As I said before, he’s not doing a bad job…but he does need to extend himself out further to take care of those employees who are making him look good. W
Not to mention, he does need to take a cut in pay. He is way overpaid for the job he does in this city. He does not need the benefits package the city offers due to his retirement benefits through the service. If he took a $70,000 cut in pay, saved several jobs, then….he could quite possibly be considered an inspiration. But can you actually see he doing that? I say no.
Sorry to sound like a disgruntled citizen, but you are all kissing his rear end….for what?
We are very impressed with the dedication, inspiration, and support of mayor Bunkers that he shows his community! He is very easy to talk to, yet very professional. We are honored to have a mayor like him in our community! You can truly tell that he loves the town of Ocean Shores, Washington.
-The Stodden Family
Dean is very responsive to individual questions and as others have said has inherited a lot of challenges. I expect he will meet them with his typical straight forward style.
I would like to see fewer “agenda changes” to the city council meeting agendas. These last minute changes can reduce public discussion about some important issues.
I am very excited to see the new water project get started. Thanks Dean!
Mayor Bunkers,
Not doing a bad job whatsoever. However, give up half your salary. Don’t be greedy with your money. You and your wife are retired commissioned officers from the service. You don’t need the City of Ocean Shores to cover your benefits. Give it up to help our city become even more stablized. You asked the bargaining units to open up contracts to give back…why don’t you give back if it actually means something to you. I do think you are doing a fine job, just go the extra mile and show those who work for you that you do care about them and their families. Also, my wife tells me she has never met you since you have became the Mayor. I think you should go out and meet those who you are asking so much from.
As someone from the outside that has some inside insight, my opinion is that Mayor Bunkers is a thoughtful, hardworking and honest person.
Dean
Being Mayor of Ocean Shores is a bit like being the First Mate on the Titanic. I don’t always agree with you, but I think with the problems you faced when you took office, you have done a great job. It will take time to clear up years of mismanagement and poor decisions. Hang in there….
Hey, Dean, you’ve put your heart and soul into this little dirtwater town. I don’t think anyone could ask more of one man. You are what this town needed. Honesty, hard work, fairness, feelings, grit, and a willingness to go to the heart of the matter, no matter how uncomfortable for you.
Just remember, you can’t please everybody all the time, but you certainly make a good stab at it. And, I still think a round-a-bout in this town is stupid. :0) Joan Baus