<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Leavitt, Burkman celebrated at City Hall gathering

Vancouver honors years of service of outgoing mayor, city council member

By Katy Sword, Columbian politics reporter
Published: December 11, 2017, 9:12pm
4 Photos
Vancouver City Councilor Jack Burkman, left, and Mayor Tim Leavitt, right, are recognized for their years of service during a reception at City Hall in Vancouver on Monday evening, Dec. 11, 2017.
Vancouver City Councilor Jack Burkman, left, and Mayor Tim Leavitt, right, are recognized for their years of service during a reception at City Hall in Vancouver on Monday evening, Dec. 11, 2017. (Alisha Jucevic/The Columbian) Photo Gallery

The City Hall lobby was filled with palpable joy and sadness as the city celebrated two of its longest-standing council members, Mayor Tim Leavitt and Councilor Jack Burkman.

Leavitt and Burkman finish their terms this month, serving a total of 15 years and 12 years on the council, respectively. The two city representatives were celebrated Monday evening with a reception in-between council meetings.

City Manager Eric Holmes listed the numerous accomplishments the city has enjoyed while Leavitt and Burkman served, including the Tower Mall purchase and the new City Hall building, that pushed Vancouver forward.

“Each of those steps forward for our community were made with a longer stride and surer footing because of the contributions from Tim and Jack,” Holmes said.

Leavitt and Burkman received proclamations read by Mayor-elect Anne McEnerny-Ogle before the spirited crowd.

“(Burkman and Leavitt have) created a lasting legacy as a champion of the prosperity of Vancouver and all its citizens,” McEnerny-Ogle read.

When it was Burkman’s turn to speak, he kept things short, thanking the community, city staff and family. As to what’s next, “That’s the most common question I get,” Burkman said. “The short answer is I have no plans, but I have seven grandkids.”

Leavitt spent a little longer addressing the crowd, his frequent lack of brevity acknowledged before giving a 10-minute speech.

“We’ve come together to this event, from my perspective, to celebrate the progress and success realized in our community over at least the past decade,” Leavitt said.

The mayor also thanked Burkman for his service to Vancouver.

“Jack Burkman’s leadership in our community, on our city council, has been nothing less than exceptional,” he said. “His preparedness, reasoning and articulation of the many complex issues we have faced is unparalleled.”

Leavitt also dwelled on the city’s accomplishments and his gratefulness toward the community for allowing him to serve.

“Eventually, you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it,” he said. “At the fresh age of 32, I was initiated into this business of elected office and politics. Here in 2017 — at nearly 47 years old and with a few gray hairs, and about an additional 30 pounds — I bid you adieu.”

Loading...
Columbian politics reporter