Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke received a standing ovation after her final State of the City address on Wednesday afternoon at the ShoWare Center’s second-level meeting room.
Cooke, who is completing her third four-year term and decided not to seek re-election, spoke to a full room of people at the Kent Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
The mayor recalled how she came to Kent in 1975 to direct the Kent Parks Senior Center when fewer than 17,000 people lived in the city.
“We had two acting landfills, Midway and Kent Highlands on the West Hill,” Cooke said. “East Hill farms consisted of cows, horses and sheep. …the Kent Boeing plant developed for the lunar rover, attracted daily protesters against them also building cruise missiles.”
She then pointed out how the city now has 125,000 people and is the 10th-most diverse city in the United States with 138 different languages spoken.
“We truly are bringing the world home,” Cooke said in reference to the city’s slogan.
Cooke, first elected as mayor in 2005, spoke proudly about the city’s Neighborhood Councils program, where residents form groups to improve communication and livability in neighborhoods by providing opportunities for residents to participate in the civic process.
“Probably the initiative that is closest to my heart and I think will have the best return value for this community is the one I established with the neighborhood program,” she said about the councils that began in 2006. “After doorbelling (campaigning) throughout the city it became clear that we needed an incentive to get to know each other for personal safety, maintenance and beautification, and simply for fun.”
The program now has 31 Neighborhood Councils. Cooke gave much of the credit for that growth to Toni Azzola, the program coordinator. The mayor also praised the work of other people on her staff.
“This has been quite a journey but I have not walked it alone,” she said. “You have a great team of people working for you committed to humble service for the public’s good.”
Cooke named Michelle Wilmot, communications and government affairs manager; Derek Matheson, chief administrative officer; and Patrick Briggs, executive assistant to the mayor, for their work.
“We are only as good at what we do as those around us,” she said.
Cooke thanked Renton Mayor Denis Law, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner for attending the speech.
Others at the luncheon included Kent mayoral candidates Jim Berrios, Dana Ralph, Elizabeth Albertson and Andrew Swansen.
The mayor wrapped up her address with the following comment.
“Folks it’s been a real privilege to live my dream of being your mayor,” Cooke said. “As I transition the reigns of authority and responsibility over to the next mayor in nine months, I simply hope that my efforts have helped you realize your dreams. This is your city, stay engaged and make sure we continue to be the best city.”
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