Bruce Johnson’s tenure as the community senior services manager at the Sumner Senior center is ending May 1.
In December, the city council voted to remove the position.
“I can’t say I am not disappointed … but they are being fair with me,” Johnson said. “You never expect to be told your job is being eliminated.”
Five years ago, the city council implemented the position to deal with the sudden population boom in Sumner.
Despite the success, the need for constant improvement has leveled off.
“They were being very proactive when they hired me,” said Johnson. “Why fund a position if you do not have the need?”
Johnson’s career has evolved from an officer in the Air Force and a family program coordinator at the Pentagon to the manager of the Burien Highline Senior Center.
With a master’s degree in public administration, he has dedicated his career to the business of helping others.
“Community services depend on the needs within the population,” Johnson said. “When you are looking at budgets, money is tight.”
Paul Rogerson, the Sumner’s director of community development said that the city council found its priorities had changed and it determined human services could be supported from other sources.
Rogerson is absorbing the position and will continue to manage the center as a part of his job’s responsibilities.
“The city has been clear that they support the center and want it to operate as is,” he said. “The (current volunteers and employees) will continue to be part of the department.”
Since being hired, Johnson built the center’s budget from $130,000 to $300,000 and created music and travel programs that are thriving today.
“He has really done a lot to improve this,” said Bette Western, an employee at the center.
Johnson said he does not foresee any problems when he leaves other than some normal time lags with implementation as people settle into their new responsibilities.
“The senior center is still alive and well,” he said.
Johnson added that he hopes he can continue in senior centers, or other public services, and stay in the area. He recently bought a home in Bonney Lake with his wife.
“We did a lot of good things here,” Johnson said. “It’s just one of those things that happens.”
At the center, proof of Johnson’s impact is in the increased attendance, renovated building and the employee’s and volunteer’s reaction to his departure.
“We’re going to miss him,” Western said.
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