Jan. 23, 2009
Former Vice Mayor bids farewell
By Former Vice Mayor Lowell Huggins
It’s hard to believe that I’ve reached the end of my fourth term on the City Council. Much like my first two terms on the Council (1988 to 1996) the last eight years have gone by so fast, and I have enjoyed every minute. It has truly been an honor to serve the people of Chandler a total 16 years on the Council. It was also an honor and privilege to have been chosen to serve as your Vice Mayor on three separate occasions.
In my years on the City Council, thousands of residents have shared their thoughts and concerns with me and many have become very close friends. That has been one of the greatest parts of being on the Council and those relationships will be valued for the rest of my life. Helping residents navigate the local system of government is one of the main reasons I chose to run for office more than two decades ago.
In helping those folks out, it has been great to work with the City staff over the years. Chandler is really blessed to have the City employees it has in place working for them. They are true professionals who have a real passion to serve the people of this community, and I appreciate their service. As a former police officer for close to 20 years with the Chandler Police Department, I have a good understanding of the work and sacrifice it takes to serve in government.
It has also been gratifying to see our public safety departments grow and mature. Both our Police and Fire departments are nationally accredited and have become models for the rest of the nation to follow.
Looking back at the last 20 years, it has been a great ride and several things stand out in my mind. It was really fulfilling to be a part of Chandler recycling program as we moved to curbside pick-ups and other services. It was truly an honor to have State Senator and then-Mayor Jay Tibshraeny refer to me as the father of Recycling in the City of Chandler.
We have also added so many amenities in the community during my time on the City Council from city pools to Tumbleweed Park and the Tumbleweed Recreation Center to the wonderful new Environmental Education Center.
We’ve seen businesses like Intel, Wells Fargo, Verizon, Avnet and Orbital Sciences grow their businesses here. And we witnessed the emergence of the Chandler Fashion Center mall in the fall of 2001 that opened the way for new retail revenue streams in our City. I personally witnessed the transformation of the Chandler Municipal Airport from a crop duster field to a dynamic employment center that includes businesses like CDW, Covance and Cardinal Health.
Chandler’s character as a family community and great place for kids has gotten us national attention and a number of awards like the 100 Best Community for Young People, one of AARP’s Best Places to Retire, Prevention Magazine’s Best Walking City and a Bike Friendly Community.
With so much happening, it is little wonder the years have flown by. Your new City Council, led by Mayor Boyd Dunn will continue to do a great job for Chandler and keep your best interests in mind. And I leave knowing that Chandler will continue to be a great community, just as it has been for the 50-plus years I have been proud to call it my home. |