Pierce County Councilmember Dick Muri took office on November 19, 2003 as representative of District 6, serving Lakewood, Steilacoom, DuPont, Roy, McKenna, Fort Lewis, McChord AFB, and the island communities of Anderson, McNeil, and Ketron. Muri Chairs the Performance Audit Committee and serves on the Community Development, Economic and Infrastructure & Development, Emergency Preparedness, and Public Safety & Human Services Standing Committees.

A retired Air Force Lt. Colonel with 22 years military experience, Muri flew the C-141 as a Navigator and served in the Gulf War from 1990-1991 as Deputy Commander of the 628th Military Airlift Support Squadron at Incirlik Airbase, Turkey. From 1992-1997, Muri was Chief of Quality Management for McChord AFB, directing a program that won numerous awards for excellence from the United States Air Force and Washington State.

Muri received the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce John H. Anderson Military Citizen of the Year Award for 1996 and was inducted into the Fort Lewis Civilian Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Fort Lewis in January 2006.

Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano, who recently retired as Fort Lewis and I Corps Commander, said in a letter to Muri that the Hall of Fame was created to 'permanently recognize and thank those who have done the most to support our soldiers and their families. Your years of dedicated service and support of Fort Lewis make you an outstanding choice and have earned our heartfelt thanks.'

Muri has been happily married since 1979 to Mary Muri (formerly Burns - Lakes HS '75) and has four children, Jennifer, Jonathan, Sarah, and Bradley. A 23 year resident and active Steilacoom community leader, he is Past President of the Steilacoom Kiwanis Club - a community partner with the 1st Military Police Brigade at Fort Lewis; a former member of the Steilacoom Historical School District #1 Board of Directors; Co-founder and Director of the Steilacoom Lakewood Youth Wrestling Association; Past President of the Steilacoom Kiwanis Club; member of Bates Management Training Center Board of Directors; and active member of many local Veterans? organizations. Muri was also honored as Washington State District 3 Middle School Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2002.

Thursdays are Lakewood Government Day

Government Day is designed to make it easier for Lakewood residents to access their local elected officials and find out what is going on in the County and the City.

Dick Muri, Lakewood's representative to the Pierce County Council, will hold office hours, or County Talk, at Lakewood City Hall. Councilmember Muri will be available each Thursday between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.

Enjoy free, convenient parking and no appointment is necessary! Just stop by Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main Street SW. Go to the thrid floor and ask for Councilmember Muri. For additional information contact Councilmember Muri's office at 253-798-3308. E-mail: leslie.swalley@co.pierce.wa.us.

Residents can also visit with Lakewood Mayor, Doug Richardson, or another City Council member as part of City Talk. City Talk is an opportunity for citizens to meet with the Mayor and other Council Members. City Talk is held on Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 am. Questions? 253-598-2489. You can also e-mail the City Council at council@ci.lakewood.wa.us.