My parents moved to Federal Way in 1946, a year before I was born, and this has been my home except for two years military service and a four-year job transfer.

I have increased my activities in Federal Way over the past 20 years and have become more aware of the importance of our elected officials and the impact they have on all aspects of our community. This is my first letter to the editor of the newspaper.

A  city council position that was open late last year was filled by an individual that I have had the good fortune of being well acquainted with. Diana Noble-Gulliford and I have served together on the Historical Society of Federal Way board of directors for the past several years, alternating as presidents.

Since she first became involved in the Historical Society, she has been a leader in many of our accomplishments including the book about Federal Way, the completion of the Denny Cabin, the installation of new historic road signs, the move to our new location at Steel Lake, and many other items.

Her leadership style is to become well informed on all aspects of the project, get others involved in completing the project, and not worry about who gets the credit.

There are some important traits that Diana has that are essential to my endorsement:

• A vision for a new and improved Federal Way community.

• A demonstrated commitment to improvements to our community based upon prior activities.

• A commitment to serving by spending substantial time over the past six months getting up to speed on current issues facing the council so she could make informed decisions.

• Commitment to public safety.

• Fiscal responsibility.

• Personal integrity in all activities.

I encourage your support of Diana Noble-Gulliford.

Gerald C. Knutzen, Federal Way