Businessman Gary Planagan challenges incumbent Sharon Waters for council

The race for Leavenworth City Council seat number five pits local businessman Gary Planagan against longtime local resident Sharon Waters. Waters, 73, was appointed to the council about one year ago to fill the seat vacated by Michael Molohon. 

Waters, who has lived in Leavenworth for 47 years, said she ran because it was something she always wanted to do. She attended city council meetings for years when there was a topic she was interested in or to see how a new council worked together. 

She’s learned a lot over the past year, being a member of the council.  

“One of the first things I noticed how qualified and talented our city staff is, the volunteers on the planning commission, design review board. These are just regular people that are highly qualified. I think the city is so lucky to have that support system,” Waters said. “I do my homework. I research everything I can think to give myself the best view of the whole picture and how what we’re doing affects people, whether it is people here or we’re making a decision that affects people somewhere else.”

In her first year, Waters has shown a strong mind, someone not afraid to vote no. 

“We’re all there to be the voice for the residents and businesses. One thing that is a little tough, some people don’t speak out. If we are speaking for them, how can we do that if we don’t know?” Waters said. “If I am inundated with a lot of people saying the same thing, don’t do this or don’t do that. I feel like I’m hearing the bulk of the people and it is my job to put anything personal aside. I’m there for them.”

Waters said she gets comments from city residents and people who live outside the city. Parking is a huge issue, she said. She is anxiously awaiting the results of the parking study. Waters is hoping to hear some possible solutions. 

She is also concerned about the cost of living in Leavenworth. 

“With the assessments on our property taxes, that is a big deal in terms of passing certain things. We have the sewer treatment plant upgrade which is huge. I was at a regional meeting in Wenatchee. A gentleman from Cashmere said just their sewer bill was $105. We don’t want to go there,” Waters said. “We need to keep utility rates down for these residents and businesses.”

She is also keeping a close eye on the Pine Street project, and hopes to see residents at a public meeting on Oct. 25. Many people also hope the city comes up with some solutions for affordable housing, Waters said.  

“I don’t know how much we can do in the city limits. There are affordable housing task force recommendations the council approved, which have moved onto the planning commission. They’ll be working on that and coming back with some possible solutions,” Waters said. 

As for business, Waters said he hears a lot about issues at the chamber meetings. 

“Since I’ve been on the council, I don’t think a business person has spoke to the council about needing help. Everything seems to channel through the chamber,” Waters said. “Living in the residential area, I’m more aware of what is going on in the residential area. I do have two daughters that work downtown. I hear some of the issues from them.”

Gary Planagan, 62, has lived in Leavenworth for 40 years. He’s known in town as the owner of Osprey Rafting. 

“We created that in our backyard. This is our 27th year. I employ up to 50 people. We have a ski shop in the winter time. We provide skis for the Ski Hill, cross country skis. We have season rentals to provide affordable skiing,” Planagan said. 

Planagan has been on the chamber board for nine years and he’s been involved with Rotary for seven, working with the exchange program. He did not have an interest in running for council until he was approached by multiple people. 

“They just felt there was an imbalance on city council, leaning toward strictly residential. Nobody was representing business. They thought I was a perfect candidate because I understand how intertwined business and residential is,” Planagan said. “People are amazed when people don’t know what businesses contribute to this town. At the same, what the residents have contributed. I would not be in business if not for the residents and business people in town.”

In tough times, Planagan said the business community comes through and helps everyone out. 

“We would not have anything in this town if not for the business community, the parks, pump track. That includes people that don’t have businesses, the volunteerism, the sense of community is off the hook. This is a really special place,” Planagan said. 

Planagan said he plans to represents residents and businesses equally on the council. 

“It can’t be just business or just residential. If you separate that, that is where the problems happen. That tears the fabric of the community apart, business versus residential,” Planagan said. “That is caused by lack of understanding and education. If people understood, there wouldn’t be a problem.”

There are amazing people that run the businesses, he said. 

“Yes, there are a few bad apples out there that run their businesses in a manner that we’re a little embarrassed of. We also have residents out there that want to stretch and fray the fabric of our community,” Planagan said. “In general, I wouldn’t trade the community for the world. It is a great place.”

As a longtime river rafter, Planagan said he is concerned about the large amount of tubers on the river around Leavenworth. His concerns go back 10 years and he has a tubing business. 

“My tubing business has nothing to do with Leavenworth. We partner with the KOA and tube down to the Happy Wave. We chose not to contribute to the lazy river tubing that is congesting the river in Leavenworth,” Planagan said. “I’m out of the box and think differently and come with creative ideas, a plan that does not impact my neighbors. I’m not impacting the craziness on tubing. The city does not know what to do with it, but it is a huge problem. It will be addressed, if I’m elected.”

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.