Amazingly, my stint is drawing to a close. It has been my distinct privilege and honor to serve as chairman of this tremendous organization is since January of 2000. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

These three years have been a difficult but successful period for the League. At the end of 1999 we were asking ourselves if we should continue to exist. Our membership roles and revenues were falling. Our Board of Trustees had become inwardly focused and discouraged.

But you don’t just throw away a legacy of almost 90 years without a fight, and that is what we all did - fought for the survival of the League. The Board got down to the hard work of rebuilding the organization, starting with itself. Members and supporters answered the call, giving their money and time. We reorganized and re-energized ourselves. We reestablished member-based study committees, and standing committees overseeing all League activities. We embraced the Internet as an administration and communication tool. We renewed our commitment to empower local citizens in their cause of citizenship.

It hasn’t been easy, but we have come a long way.

Our candidate rating effort (CEC) is stronger and more effective than ever. This year we rated judicial candidates for the first time in over 10 years. Our study committees are alive and well too. We engaged members and others early on with our ‘Taking the Pulse’ effort. We carefully examined the initiative process in our state (‘Do You Want a Free Pony?’), asked some hard questions of Seattle City Light (‘Seattle City Light and the Storm’) calling for an independent audit, and have just launched an effort to shape the future of King County Government. Civic Awards is healthier than ever, with the 2002 luncheon our best and most successful in years.

Coming in to 2003 we are well poised, clearly focused, and ably led by our Trustees under the keen leadership of incoming chair, Put Barber. The Municipal League of King County is continuing its legacy of effectively empowering local citizens in their cause of citizenship. 1999 sure seems like a long time ago.

I would like to offer my most sincere thanks to all of the members, volunteers, contributors and Trustees who have provided so much support to the League over the years, including these last three. I especially want to recognize this years outgoing Trustees. Each has done an incredible job and will be missed on the Board: David Bangs, Jim Greenfield, George Scott, Deborah Dollard, Gary McLean, Bruce Bradburn, David Thompson, and Deryl Brown-Archie.

Thank you and farewell.