Previous Reports from 2008

A Generation of Dedication

At the end of this calendar year, my time as Mayor will end. I have served passionately and with integrity since 1981 and have been honored to do so. I have kept my length of service in sight each time I either see or think of my 27 year old son John—he was two months old when former Mayor Jack Nelson appointed me to the Beaverton Planning Commission. I was content with my previous career and accepted the appointment to the Planning Commission believing that would be my only involvement with the City. I had no idea my journey with the City would take the course it did or that I would end up being a fulltime Mayor.

During my five years on the Planning Commission, we would hold meetings two or three evenings a month. I also served simultaneously as Chair for the City’s Board of Design Review (BDR) for four years from 1983 through 1986. The BDR often met two or three times a month. The City was bustling with development activity in those days and the way our Code was written it often compelled public meetings for the smallest of issues. I was then elected to City Council and took office in 1987. In those days, as today, we would meet almost every Monday night. Back then, it was not uncommon for Council meetings to go past midnight. It was always exciting to hold long meetings and conduct the public’s business, but the next morning would come all too quickly! City Council is a part time position and I had a very demanding full time job that would often take me on the road early the next day.

I took office as Mayor in 1993 and will have served for 16 years when my last term is complete on December 31. We have a Strong Mayor form of government, so the Mayor also serves as a fulltime chief executive officer managing City government on a daily basis. We have nearly 500 regular employees and an annual budget of more than $150 million. The job is more than full-time and requires multiple evenings of meetings and regular weekend meetings and appearances. As a City Councilor and Mayor I have participated in more than 900 City Council meetings since 1987.

The time has gone by quickly. The City has changed considerably during my tenure. I’m proud to have touched so many projects, solved so many problems, met so many fine people and represented each of you on so many occasions and in so many ways. I knocked on thousands of doors during the recent election campaign and a significant number of you opened your doors to me. I was delighted to meet so many people and share a moment in your life. I was a bit humbled by the nice comments, the pictures you asked to be taken with your children and the ideas you shared. A few were grouchy, but I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to hear all sides of issues. Thanks to each of you who took the time to allow me into your world.

Serving you has been a rewarding and memorable experience for me. I encourage you to take an active role in your City government. Volunteer. Join a board or commission. Help make a difference in our community. It’s hard work, but well worth it.

Previous Reports

Current Report

Previous Reports