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Public Comments - Speeches

Farewell Address
2002

Four years ago the people of Monmouth gave me the most humbling honor that a community can bestow - the opportunity to serve as their Mayor. Since taking office, I have worked hard on the promises made during the campaign and done my best to keep faith with the public trust. Our city government is now a reflection of our community; the new council and mayor now have the tools to move our community forward.

Recently, several folks have asked me what I am most proud of. The answer was simple: I am proud of the things we were able to accomplish as a community. Since 1998, we implemented the Monmouth Visioning Process; formed the Downtown Development Task Force, the Technology Task Force, and the Charter Review Task Force; gave birth to the Monmouth Legacy Forest; created a growing business revolving loan fund; constructed Phase I of the downtown renewal, Phase I of the fiber backbone, and initiated a sewer effluent reuse program. In essence, we have laid the foundation for an exciting future.

As I leave office I must admit at least a small degree of jealousy. We have the most forward-thinking council in a generation. Our boards and commissions are stocked full of dedicated volunteers - that are much more representative of who we are. And we now have the capacity to reach out to an entire sector of the business community that will complement our downtown renewal. I wish I could play a larger role, but the requirements of my on-going active duty mobilization have compelled me to retire from public life earlier than I had planned.

This past November I chose not to run for re-election because I knew I couldn't in good conscience apply for a job that I couldn't guarantee. As most folks know I have been on active duty since the September 11th attacks. Despite my best efforts to remain engaged as Mayor while simultaneously performing Homeland Defense missions - the realities of my circumstance have forced a change in plan. Finishing out my term could potentially leave the City of Monmouth without permanent leadership. Therefore, I opted to retire early. It is important that folks understand that the unique challenges associated with my military duties is the reason I decided retire before January.

As a citizen of Monmouth, I look forward to a new mayor and council; these people will achieve real progress in a short amount of time. While there will be clear challenges, we must give each of them the benefit of the doubt - and our support.

Again, thank you for the blessed privilege of serving as Mayor. It was an experience that my wife Karen and I will treasure always.

Although it is very difficult to admit, circumstances have changed: I am no longer able to remain effectively engaged in the process. There are too many unknown variables associated with the holiday season this year. I don't know where I will be, we have some very large, time-sensitive issues on our table, and I am not being provided the information needed to continue to perform my military duties as well as my mayoral duties at a level our community deserves. Fortunately, Council President Joe Presler is ready to take the helm and finish out the term. On December 3, 2002, he will become the Mayor of Monmouth and discharge the duties thereof.