Happy 17th Lakewood; Doug Richardson Appreciation Day

WHEREAS, Douglas G. Richardson’s service to the City of Lakewood since 2005 predated incorporation and demonstrated the highest levels of dedication and excellence; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Richardson served as mayor during seven of the seventeen years he was on the Lakewood City Council; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Richardson guided the City and the region through the darkest period of Lakewood’s short history after four of Lakewood’s finest police officers were murdered; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Richardson demonstrated caring leadership and strong vision as he helped orchestrate a number of policy priorities from conception through completion such as the redevelopment of the Pacific Highway corridor; the extension of sewers to Tillicum and Woodbrook; the construction of Lakewood City Hall; the establishment of the Lakewood Police Department; major improvements to Fort Steilacoom “City” Park; and the arrival of Sounder commuter rail service to Lakewood; and

WHEREAS, It is no coincidence that the Seattle Seahawks have been undefeated at home since Sounder commuter rail arrived in Lakewood; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Richardson performed his duties on the City Council concurrent with demands of family and other employment obligations such as his service to the Northrop Grumman Corporation and the United States Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Richardson deserves particular recognition for his efforts in further developing relationships with Lakewood’s military neighbors such as the incomparable Community Connector partnership with the 4th Stryker Brigade of the Second Infantry Division, the 62nd Airlift Wing, the new 7th Infantry Division, the 1st Corps Headquarters, and the Washington National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Richardson was instrumental in the creation and leadership of both the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership and the South Sound 911 organization; and

WHEREAS, Mayor Richardson was a friend to the local business community as he supported economic development initiatives while keeping Lakewood beautiful; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the Lakewood City Council hereby proclaims February 28, 2013, the City’s seventeenth birthday, as

MAYOR DOUG RICHARDSON APPRECIATION DAY

in the City of Lakewood and encourages all citizens to remain committed to a vision of Lakewood as the best place in the Puget Sound area to live, work, visit, and conduct business.

PROCLAIMED this 4^th day of February, 2013.

Donald Anderson, Mayor

 

Category: Government, Lakewood