Rich Wagner announced Friday that he will run for re-election to the Auburn City Council.

Wagner, a retired research engineer and a six-term council member, said he is known for being “financially conservative” and as “a source of common sense new ideas” for improving City government.

“As a Councilmember, I will provide leadership to affordably improve the quality of life in Auburn. Most important, I will always focus on sensible financial decisions that reflect the current difficult economy,” Wagner said.

During his 24 years as a Councilmember, Wagner said, he has established many valuable and respected relationships throughout the region. These relationships, he said, have resulted in cooperative arrangements that have cut government costs, improved services and provided significant funding from the federal and state governments.

Cooperation arrangements, Wagner added, that have included neighboring cities, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, King and Pierce counties, the King County Library System, Metro/Pierce/Sound Transit, veterans’ groups, private businesses, the school districts, Green River Community College and Washington State University.

Wagner said he has made a top priority of the City policies concerning neighborhood protection and community character preservation. During the Lea Hill and West Hill annexations, Wagner said, he worked to ensure that City regulations would have a positive effect in those areas and that City resources would not be diverted from other areas to support annexations.

Rich and his wife, Kay, have lived in Auburn for 35 years, raising four children. Rich’s mother, Beth, 101 years old and in good health, also lives in Auburn.

In addition to his role as a council member, Wagner is often seen at community events and parades in his fun-loving role of “The Popcorn Man”, pushing the bright red popcorn cart he built.

“I love this City. and I am eager to continue serving all the citizens of Auburn”, Wagner said.