Elected service has truly been the honor of a lifetime.
Coming into government in January 2018 as an at-large city councilor, I couldn’t have imagined that six years later I’d be saying farewell after two terms as mayor. During that time, our wonderful city has certainly weathered its fair share of trials and tribulations, including a global pandemic, the public safety controversy, racial unrest, and the year-long remodel and repurposing of City Hall. That we successfully navigated those challenges is in very large part due to our incredible city staff, from Administrator Gaines to Directors Berte, Sheetz, Rodenbeck, and Schrage and onward to our more than 200 full-time and part-time managers, supervisors, and front-line workers. Every day and night, they’re plowing our snow, collecting our trash, policing our streets, managing our finances, guarding our pools, mowing our cemeteries, and planning our future. That, and so much more, and usually with little public thanks. So especially today, as I close out four years as the city’s Chief Executive, I personally say thank you. And on behalf of our forty thousand residents, thank you.
It’s no secret that council members and I haven’t seen eye to eye on some topics. While we’ve not spoken often outside of the Council Chambers, I respect the effort they’ve invested in understanding the Council Packets twice a month, and in their thoughtful engagement with city staff, their fellow council members, and me at our meetings. As presiding officer, my goal has been to draw out and encourage active dialogue at our meetings, so that the public has the opportunity to observe our deliberations. We’ve made great progress there, and I look forward to seeing Mayor Laudick and the new council continue this important civic tradition of lively and cordial public discussion of important civic matters.
As we head into 2024 and towards America’s 250th birthday, let’s keep in mind our local role in the American Democratic Experiment, and model the behaviors we want to see from our electeds at all levels. In the years ahead, let’s seek compromise where we can find it -- not compromising basic principles, but negotiating in good faith in the particulars. Our community needs this, to achieve real and lasting progress. In doing so, you’ll provide city staff with clear and actionable direction. And if you can do so with civility, dignity, and respect, you’ll be a beacon of civic excellence for our city, state, and nation.
Again, it’s been a privilege to serve alongside you for the betterment of Cedar Falls, and we must let history be the judge for how well we accomplished this, individually and together. I look forward to continuing public service as a city goodwill ambassador through the Elected Emeritus program, and through my work at UNI. Again, thank you, neighbors for the privilege of leading this amazing community we call home. And May God Bless each of you, and our Cedar Falls.