About Shawn Bunney:

Shawn Bunney is serving his second term as a member of the Pierce County Council – elected in 2002 and reelected by 1st District voters four years later.  His colleagues selected him as Council chair for 2005 and 2006, giving him responsibility for setting the County agenda, crafting and managing a responsible budget and working across party lines for jobs and prosperity in Pierce County.

Experience that counts.  Shawn’s perspective on how the next County Executive should confront the challenges facing Pierce County comes not only from his six years as a Councilmember but from nearly a decade of experience as an attorney and policy adviser to the Council.  He has had an intimate view of the intricacies of a wide range of issues and government activities that touch the lives of all County residents.  Shawn began working for the Council while studying at the University of Puget Sound School of Law, from which he graduated in 1993.  He earned his undergraduate degree at The Evergreen State College with an emphasis on public administration.

Regional leader.  Shawn is recognized as a leader not only in Pierce County but in the Puget Sound region, especially in the area of transportation policy and funding for Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties.  He co-chairs the Lake Tapps Task Force and is a member of the executive board of the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Council leadership and priorities.  Shawn is one of three members of the Pierce County Council serving on the Rules and Operations Committee.  He is also a member of the Economic and Infrastructure Development Committee and the Performance Audit Committee, reflecting his commitment to ensuring that economic development and congestion relief are highest priorities and to making government more efficient and responsible.

Leadership development.  A skilled problem solver, Shawn began honing this skill as a policy and personnel intern in the White House during the Reagan administration and then as an aide at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

One of Shawn’s proudest personal accomplishments is having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  After graduating from college, he was employed as a district director for the Boy Scouts.

Family – in his own words.  Shawn is especially grateful for his relationship with his family.  He and his wife Patti met 21 years ago at their best friends’ wedding – he was best man and she was the maid of honor.  They now live in the Lake Tapps community.  Shawn says about Patti, “Our marriage grows each day because we are lifetime friends.  Patti provides balance in my life and supports my passion for public service.  She keeps me grounded and nurtures our commitment to friends and family.”

Shawn’s parents were both the first generation in their families to go to college.  His late father was a scientist who tracked hurricanes with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  “Dad was a critical thinker who taught my brother Rob and me that if something looks to good to be true, it probably is.  He gave us latitude to take risks and to explore, but expected responsibility in return.”

“Loving God, enjoying the outdoors and respecting every living thing” were lessons from Mom Shirley, who proudly follows Shawn’s political career.  “Every day we were taught the importance of being honest and dealing with people in a straightforward manner. . .and to follow through on our commitments.”

Shawn’s commitments include working for a healthy and prosperous future for all Pierce County citizens.