COMMENTS

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR HOMETOWN--ORTING

By: Cheryl Temple May 7, 2008

Welcome to Orting. What’s it like to live and do business in Orting? Our vision outlines our way of life.

Orting is a diverse, thriving and safe community. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, a great place to live, work and play.

We value our:
• Open space, parks and recreation opportunities
• Affordable housing
• Partnership with excellent schools
• Opportunities for businesses and jobs
• Involved community
• Responsive government

Every day, your City Council and staff safeguard that way of life. Our vision shapes the goals that guide our decisions during every City Council or committee meeting, staff meeting, or budget session. Because we keep a sharp eye on our vision, Orting reflects a community of great schools, friendly neighborhoods and a growing business area with anticipated increase in jobs and shopping.

Our new Parks & Recreation program for young and old. The first step was to welcome the Orting Athletic Association into the fold. Our part of the Foothills Trail is a huge draw-- from folks that walk everyday to the cyclists who come for a tough Saturday. The trail runs through town and by one of our rivers.

Orting’s mix of housing—with its large and small homes, and some apartments—will continue to grow with the addition of condominiums in the north part of town in the Gratzer and Engfer properties. With the development of the Gratzer and Engfer properties, you will see more jobs and shopping opportunities will offered. I see a growing mix of great restaurants, unique shops, historic buildings and homes.

Our partnership with schools means that the new middle school will be up and ready for students this fall.

Volunteerism is a way of life here in Orting. Citizens have built every structure in our main park. The Lions’ Club led the way to build a new multi-purpose building in the north park at the corner of Calistoga and Washington. Our newly-reformed Chamber of Commerce is the most vibrant business group I’ve ever seen. Twenty volunteer citizens make up our Parks, Planning and Civil Service Commissions and the City Council.

Part of responsive government is when the City Council welcomes you to step up to the podium at every council meeting and ask those questions or make a comment about whatever is on your mind. This Web site is a big step towards making the City of Orting more responsive. Responsive government also means police, fire, public works and administration that work for you. When you need assistance and call a department in the City, this staff believes your needs are first; not theirs. I welcome you to call us first if you are upset or hear a rumor about city services that just doesn’t sound right!

For visitors, bring your bike or walking shoes for the trail. Bring your appetite for our incredible restaurants in town. And bring your camera to take home the views of the rivers, Mt. Rainier and the “Turn of the Century” architecture.

If you’re thinking of building a business in Orting, call us with your questions and we’ll help you get started without a lot of “red tape.” We’ll bring in all the experts to answer your questions.

That’s the way we live and do business in Orting. I look forward to speaking with you in person or by phone. Or you can e-mail me at ctemple@cityoforting.org.

My best regards to you and your families,

Cheryl Temple
Mayor