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Tom Trulove

One of our recent Mayors, prominent EWU professor, author of publications pertaining to economic development, natural resources and related topics, was William Thomas Trulove. Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on August 10, 1943 he was the only child of Ernest E. and Emma Hanan Trulove.

His first schooling was at Altamont Elementary and Junior High School with graduation from Klamath Falls High School in that city. Always actively seeking both academic and practical knowledge he entered various 4H projects outside the classroom while still maintaining excellent grades. Gardening, cooking and animal husbandry (primarily sheep) were but a few of his projects. He delighted in music and all through school played the clarinet and other instruments in the band. In high school he joined several school clubs and was a member of the marching band. His interest in student government prompted him to run for class and student body offices with gratifying results.

Aside from school activities he helped his parents keep up a large yard and garden, still finding time to form a dance band with a few of his friends. In later years his mother admitted that while they were pleased he brought his friends home to hold practice sessions it was a bit nerve-wracking at times. In her words, "They were not only GOOD, they were LOUD!" In summertime during his high school years he had a job on a nearby farm irrigating the potato crop.

Determination to continue his education resulted in Tom's enrolling in the University of Oregon at Eugene. While in the University he obtained summer employment with the Oregon State Sign crew. The rest of the year he worked nights in a Eugene sawmill. Long hours of hard work and study were rewarded when he received his B.S., M.S., and PhD from the University of Oregon.

In 1965 he married Glea Dee Duman in Eugene. They have three children: Karlyn, Anthony (born in Oregon) and Ryan, born in Spokane.

In 1969 the Truloves moved to Cheney where Tom began his career as professor of Economics at EWU. He became active in many Boards and Associations connected with economics. He was at one time chairman of the Washington State Roads Jurisdiction committee as well as other organizations of State and local civic matters. He was ideally suited to become Mayor of Cheney, an office he held for seven years. His intense interest in city government was enhanced by his desire to make this a better community for all. He was constantly searching for ways to improve existing conditions and in guiding the economic trend of this city. His leadership was tested by a rare challenge when Mr. St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, sending from one to two inches of ash fallout here. The problems created by the disaster proved how well the Mayor, council and populace could work together in harmony. Once again the pioneer spirit of cooperation and ingenuity prevailed in a situation unparalleled in this century. Good will gestures poured in from all over the country. Even Canada, our good neighbor to the north, offered assistance. Two extra water trucks were brought from Nelson and Fernie, B.C. as donation for temporary use in Cheney cleanup efforts. The total cost of removing the one to two inches of ash in Cheney alone was $100,000. Federal emergency aid of $66,000.00 went toward the cost, leaving the City of Cheney to pick up the balance. This called for stringent measures by the Mayor and administrative staff in order to pay the deficit.

Throughout his consecutive terms in office Mayor Trulove advocated the importance of non-reliance on federal funds and the old-fashioned theory of "pay your own way". This he did by suggesting and instituting small raises in parking fines, violation of ordinance fines and cutting unnecessary expenditures in city government.

Under Mayor Trulove's administration small industries were sought out and encouraged to build in the 56 acre Cheney Industrial Park at the west edge of town on Highway #904. The first plant to break ground was Bio-Tronics, a medical equipment factory and distributor which started construction in October, 1979. The next company was Key-Tronic which has been one of the leading employers of local people and a great boost to the economy and tax base of Cheney.

The welfare of senior citizens of our community were recipients of the Mayor's concern. He encouraged the introduction of a special van service for seniors and handicapped persons through the city and YMCA. The van service started in April, 1980 and has grown from two days a week to a SASTA bus service on a continuous five days a week availability, with a bus and local driver stationed in Cheney. The new Community Services Center situated in the Wren Pierson Building on 3rd and C St. opened in May of the same year. It was funded by a special levy. The center offers a meeting place for the Senior Citizen Club and other community groups. Nutritional meals for seniors are served four days a week. Part of the building is used as a children's day care center.

Even in his initial years as Mayor, Tom Trulove was deeply concerned about the future energy crisis in the Pacific Northwest in the next decade. His intense interest in the power situation led to his being appointed to the Northwest Power Planning Council by Washington State Governor Booth Gardner in 1985. This was a time-consuming position which necessitated his resigning as Mayor. The purpose of the Power Planning Council is to develop a long-term plan to provide consumers with electric power at the lowest possible rate and in sufficient quantity to assure continued availability. It also plans programs to protect fish and wildlife where hydropower plants may have adverse affects.

In 1988 he was unanimously elected chairman of the Northwest Power Planning Council; the previous year he had served as vice-chairman. Both are positions demanding his full time. He is now on leave of absence from EWU.

Tom Trulove has an impressive list of accomplishments and public service to date. He has served as President of the Association of Washington Cities; a board member of Economic Development Partnership for Washington; board member, Washington Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations; Washington State Board of Health; chaired the Washington State Public Works Advisory Board; was board member of Spokane Area Economic Development Council and other committees and boards.

His present key role in the Northwest Power Planning Council requires nearly constant travel not only in this country but over-seas occasionally. In June of 1989 he spent two weeks in Russia. Foreign nations are also aware of the urgent need to find alternate sources of power.

Commuting to and from meetings with brief periods in his Cheney office leaves little time for more than weekends at home. However, relaxation has always been important even with such a busy schedule. Camping trips with his family have been a part of summer vacations for some time. Hobbies included his love of flying a small plane, preferably alone. He has used this method of transportation on many short trips in the past.

When he resumes his duties as Professor of Economics at EWU it will be with the feeling of having been an important part of the solution of the never-ending need for electric power and its prudent use in this section of our nation, if a lasting solution can ever be found.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.