In a brief statement to the Council, Picket outlined Maxwell’s accomplishments during his 20-or-so years as Mayor and presented him with a gavel. Pickett said, “You have worked hard to ensure all departments are friendly, only only to the public, but to each other.”
She noted there were no furlough days for city staffers during the great recession. “There’s hardly another municipality in the state which could say that.” She added, “Cities and counties everywhere posted notices on the doors saying service is limited…closed on Fridays…library shut down. But, not here. Not in Anacortes.”
Read Erica Pickett's full comments
Outgoing Council member Bill Turner said, “The politics here have been clean and honest and with lots of integrity.”
Cynthia Richardson, who is also leaving the Council at the end of this year, said she doesn't consider this politics, but community service. “We don’t have petty politics here.”
Maxwell said he had a big thank you for the community that supported him for 20 years. “We live in a wonderful arena where people give of themselves, where service clubs give more than we ask for. That’s the beauty of a small community.”
The Mayor, Council members and others stayed around after Monday night’s Council meeting for a reception.