State of the City Address: 2008

By Norm King

The West Linn Tidings, Apr 17, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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The following is the transcript of the State of the City Address, which is being delivered by West Linn Mayor Norm King at various times and locations in the coming weeks:

To my West Linn neighbors: Today I’m here to report on the revival of West Linn.

Over the past year the city has remained steadfast in its resolve to restore West Linn to greatness, and to renew public confidence in the city. Today I will share with you more about the foundation we’ve laid for a thriving community; and the future plans for our continued success.

As many of you know, I recently retired from my day job. With my retirement came the opportunity to reflect on the current state of our city and the future of our community. I heard a quote about retirement, and I believe this very much; “A man can’t retire his experience. He must use it.” I’ve gotten questions from people over this past year asking why I continue to spend late nights at council meetings and long hours working on city issues. What it all comes down to is the fact that I love this community, and I want to continue to share my experience to make West Linn a better place for all of us.

I will be the first to admit that there are times that public service can be daunting. Many of you have likely read the blog posts, or seen the public testimony on television, and it can seem like we’re constantly faced with vitriol and spite. Some people in this community seem intent on promoting a message of gridlock and distrust, and it can drag down your spirit and make you question your motives.

But then, something happens. It might result from an article in the newspaper, a story you hear over coffee, or an event you attend in your neighborhood. You learn about things happening in West Linn and it gives your attitude a kick in the pants. You realize that this community isn’t defined by the incivility of some, but the positive activism of many. If you think about your past year, I know you’ve had similar experiences where you’re reminded why West Linn is a great place to live. Here are some highlights I want to mention:

Have you been to Mary S. Young Park lately? We all know it’s a wonderful place to visit, and that’s due in large part to the efforts of the “Ivy League.” Dave Kruse, Stephen Raff, Allison Benski, Lorie Griffith, Steve Miesen, John Linman , as well as many others, dedicate hours of work to clear ivy and other invasive species and move over 70 tons of gravel in rebuilding trails. This group of volunteers reminds us that collectively we can make change and create beautiful spaces in West Linn. I had the chance to “drop the first can” for the Citywide Food Drive a few weeks ago. Ellen Worcester, Kathleen Winterling, Shauna Shroyer, and Jennifer Loney have dedicated hours of volunteer time to the cause of ending hunger in our community. It’s hard work to organize a city-wide effort and to manage a food pantry, and these women have taken on this task which makes West Linn a more compassionate community.

Countless volunteers spend their time serving on Citizen Advisory Committees for the city of West Linn, and as officers with their neighborhood associations. It reminds us that we’re not a city of individuals, but a community of friends and neighbors. We care about one another, and we care about the future of West Linn.

Another group I want to mention today is the Willamette Centennial Committee, who is organizing the 100th anniversary celebration of Willamette’s incorporation as a city. They are also examples of friends and neighbors who promote pride in our community.

This group has been selling calendars featuring historic photos of West Linn. It’s fun to look at these photos and remember the history of our city. It reminds us that this city was built by hardworking people who cared about their community. The calendar photos show that our city has always been home to the type of person who loves the natural beauty of this area, and the proximity to the river, vistas, mountains, and forests.

Since those photos were taken, we have evolved to a city where home based businesses outnumber traditional storefronts, and our citizens work on the cutting edge of technology, business, science, healthcare, art and public service. Despite these changes, our citizens still conjure up images of natural beauty and scenic views when they reflect on what makes our community unique. Our history defines us, and gives us a backbone. Our community vision respects our past while we prepare for a vibrant future. For it is those that precede us that built the original foundation I’m talking about today.

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