A recent article in The Herald noted that John Spencer, the mayor of Lake Stevens, will not run for re-election when his term is up. Mr. Spencer’s long service in the private, government and public sectors is truly a unique contribution to the citizens of the Puget Sound area.
I would like to add my thanks and appreciation for his dedication in making the world around him better over his many years of service. In particular I would like to extend my thanks and admiration for the contributions he made while the general manger of the Snohomish County Public Utility District from 1993 to 1995.
I met Mr. Spencer in 1993 when I was an employee of the PUD. I spent 17 years with the PUD and have now been retired for almost 10 years. I did not know Mr. Spencer as well as I would have liked, but I was impressed with his low-key, personal-touch approach to his position. During the early months of his tenure, I speculated that his approach to leadership and strategic thinking was way beyond the the PUD’s approach to the service the utility was supposed to provide its customer-owners.
It was this personal approach to public service that was at odds with the PUD. Mr. Spencer was a ray of sunshine that could have led the PUD to a better position for the future. It has been over 20 years since Mr. Spencer left the PUD. The organization is just now starting to try to make efforts to be the public-serving entity that it could have made under Mr. Spencer’s leadership.
Mr. Spencer’s many years of service to the city of Lake Stevens as a councilman and most recently as mayor attest to his performance. Mr. Spencer’s comprehensive resume demonstrates his breadth of expertise and talent.
I wish Mr. Spencer and his family the best as he enters another phase in his life. I hope Mr. Spencer realizes that he influenced a lot of people.
Ignacio Castro Jr.
Edmonds
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