Pacific* is a community in transition. It has dramatically increased in size geographically and made efforts to improve the professionalism of it staff. To prepare for the future, the city council and staff defined objectives and specific goals that include a commitment to involve "everyday" citizens in the decision making process.

Pacific Candlelighters formed in April 1999. Its purpose is to improve the community and develop an improved sense of community by encouraging the development of community infrastructure. Candlelighters is structured in two tiers: The general membership, and a steering committee.

Candlelighters membership is open to anyone living or working within Pacific and the adjacent area. The steering committee does not include city employees, in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

The philosophy of Candlelighters is to put our energy into projects that are more fun than work, accentuate the positive, and "make it happen!"

To ask a question, offer suggestions, or submit comments for our "Forum" page, email the webmaster at Smithwri@nwlink.com

* Located beside the Stuck River, Pacific, Washington straddles the borders of King and Pierce County southeast of Seattle and Northeast of Tacoma. It is a former farming community that has been undergoing urbanization and demographic shifts. There are large tracks of undeveloped land. A freeway passes through its western portion. The population exceeds 5,600. The City Hall Complex, a converted former elementary school, includes a senior citizens center and recreation center, including a modest foodservice facility adjacent to the recreation center. There is no regular internal communication medium linking the citizens together. However, the city has a local public access TV channel, and a Web site.