Moving forward, Marysville is in good hands

Now that I have had some weeks to stand back and reflect on my 6 1/2 years as mayor of the City of Marysville, it has become all the more clear to me what an opportunity, honor and privilege it was to lead this amazing community in a time of unprecedented change.

I have been overwhelmed by the show of affection and respect I have received from political, business and civic leaders, the City Council, directors and staff that I worked with on a daily basis, and Marysville citizens. It is humbling, and a sentiment I return tenfold to all the excellent people who joined me in creating the “can-do” attitude that permeates our community today and the progress we made together. That attitude will propel our city forward under Mayor Jon Nehring and the council, and his team led by Chief Administrative Officer Gloria Hirashima.

When I took office in 2004, I vowed to promote economic development to stimulate commercial activity and jobs, create a more livable community with the infrastructure and services necessary to support it, and forge partnerships built on cooperation and collaboration. Looking at my checklist, I believe I lived up to the pledge.

We expanded the sales tax base through new retail businesses and major shopping center development;

Passed consecutive, balanced city budgets;

Completed long-term infrastructure investments for transportation, water, stormwater and wastewater utilities;

Developed new regional parks and athletic fields;

Launched the Marysville Healthy Communities Project to combat obesity;

Signed a historic accord with Tulalip Tribal leaders to pledge mutual government support on issues of vital importance to the Marysville and Tulalip communities; and

Approved several large annexations that brought our entire Urban Growth Area under more uniform growth management planning.

While we were unsuccessful in attracting a speedway to Marysville or a four-year polytechnic university, we raised the status of our community, forged many strong relationships, and learned many useful lessons along the way that will position Marysville well in its aim to be a manufacturing and light-industrial jobs center in north Snohomish County.

I want to recognize and thank the directors and city employees and others who have contributed so much to Marysville’s well-being and prosperity. A city is only as good as its employees; I assure you that these are dedicated public servants putting the community’s interests ahead of their own. I will miss them.

I want to thank the City Council for the friendship, congeniality and fun you brought to the legislative and decision-making process. The work of making policy can sometimes be controversial and challenging, other times thankless and sleep-inducing. You worked cohesively even when you disagreed, and managed the people’s business in a fair, open and impartial manner. That speaks volumes about your character.

To the citizens, thank you for pitching in to make Marysville the community it is today.

Lastly, I want to thank my wife, Sue, and our family for their patience and understanding as I rose to meet the demands of public office.

Marysville is in good hands moving forward. It has been a pleasure serving you as mayor.

Dennis Kendall retired from his position as Marysville mayor earlier this month.