Only One Deer Park Incumbent Challenged

Election ‘95

The race for Deer Park city council pits a two-term incumbent running on his record against a 69-year-old challenger who wants a chance to shape his own.

Fred Nuffer, a 58-year-old technician for US West, has served on the city council for eight years.

Duane Golden, a member of the city’s plan commission, thinks that’s long enough.

“He’s been a shoo-in so far and I’m running against him to see what I can do,” said Golden.

Nuffer agrees that he’s a known entity - and says that’s a good thing.

Nuffer has lived in Deer Park for 25 years and raised eight children there. He’s been an advocate for orderly growth, better parks and infrastructure and supported the siting of a new golf course and housing development in the city.

“Most everybody knows my stance and my stance doesn’t change much,” he said. “My vision for Deer Park is controlled and orderly growth that keeps Deer Park a good place to live and raise kids.”

Challenger Golden moved to Deer Park in 1988 after he retired from the service station business in California. A World War II Navy veteran, he’s been active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and also serves on the airport committee.

Golden wants more activities for youth and would like to make the airport self-supporting.

He chose to oppose Nuffer because many in the city of 2,750 think it’s time for a change, Golden said.

“Quite a few people in the city have encouraged me to run,” Golden said. “I had to run against someone. I just chose him.”

Three other Deer Park councilmembers, Jay Mcisaac, Robert Whisman and Bette Cox, are running unopposed for re-election.

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