Dear Beloved Snoqualmie Community,
After careful consideration, I have decided to not run for mayor this coming November. When first elected to City Council in 2001 and mayor in 2005, it was my goal to help guide our community through the complex completion of the Snoqualmie Ridge master planned community and the revitalization of the historic downtown. We have now reached that historic milestone. And while many have asked that I run again to help with our recovery from the pandemic, I am confident that a solid plan for recovery can be completed prior to the end of my current term.
Effectively implementing a plan for recovery while meeting ongoing needs and challenges will require someone with experience and established relationships with City staff and many community leaders. That is why I am giving my endorsement and full support to current Councilmember Katherine Ross to serve as our next mayor.
Katherine has not only served four years on the City Council; she has volunteered in supporting and leadership roles with organizations such as the Snoqualmie YMCA Board, Encompass, SVSD and Snoqualmie Library Board. She has been a champion for children and families and for creative and pragmatic solutions.
Katherine Ross also has valuable business experience having worked for 20 years in senior management. She has a degree in business administration and an MBA from Seattle University. In addition, she has been recognized by the Association of Washington Cities as a Certified Municipal Leader and has completed a two-year program with Leadership Eastside.
Serving as your mayor during the past 16 years has been one of the greatest privileges and experiences of my life. I am enormously proud of what this community has accomplished and become. I have been very blessed to have worked with hundreds of visionary, gifted and dedicated City staff members, City volunteers, elected representatives, business leaders, community leaders and experts in every field from sewer and eco systems to municipal and civil law. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to their combined efforts.
I am very pleased that the pedestrian-centric neo-traditional vision for the Snoqualmie Ridge master planned community has been realized. The work of revitalizing the historic downtown and neighborhoods continues in earnest with the reconstruction of city streets, boardwalks, and utilities. We continue efforts to make the Northwest Railway Museum a premiere destination. During my tenure we also completed the construction of a new fire station, beautiful new City Hall, and Snoqualmie Community Center.
Like you, I am profoundly excited about reopening our local economy in the months ahead. Working with the City Council and staff, I will do all I can to secure a smooth and successful transition by the end of the year. Thank you for your past and continuing support for me and this amazing community.
–Matt Larson, Mayor
[Announcement by Mayor Matt Larson – Snoqualmie, WA. Candidate endorsement is that of the author, not the Living Snoqualmie website. You may submit letters of support for your candidate to info@livingsnoqualmie.com]
Comments
Thank you Mayor Larson for your 16 years of service. Managing a city during its hyper growth stage, as you have, is a bit like raising a teenager; never boring, ultimately rewarding, but your not sure you would want to do it again! Having lived here 10 years, from my perspective, you’ve done an admirable job, and wish you success in your future endeavors.