Whew - what a summer it has been! 100 years looks so good on you Longview! This community is blessed to have such a vibrant, active playground with incredible family-friendly activities.
Here is a short list of some recent events and tremendous efforts happening around the city:
o Centennial Gala - It’s not every year you see folks donning 1920’s garb and swarming the Historic Monticello Hotel, no - at least not in 100 years. Longview’s 100-year Centennial Gala, September 8-9 was a smashing success, including cameos from Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Long stand-ins, Peter and Julie Ouelette. The dinner was exquisite, the décor perfect, and the music and Tapestry Northwest dancers divine. Following the dinner, a spectacular drone show was held at Lower Columbia College David Story field, and a beer garden and music festival were enjoyed by many in R. A. Long Park. The following day began with a lovely Founders Day parade and more activities including a historic Rolleo log rolling competition, food vendors, and a repeat drone show at Lake Sacajawea. A rousing applause to Reed Hadley and the Centennial Team for a job well done.
o Divert, Inc. - The ground has been BROKEN! Divert, Inc., a food digester and technology company that takes food waste from grocers and turns the waste into a valuable technology resource, also lowers the carbon footprint of our local landfill and uses the gasses from the waste to contribute to our natural gas pipeline in Longview. A triple WIN for Longview and the community. This site is being prepared and engineered by Longview business leaders JH Kelly and Gibbs and Olson at the Mint Farm. Way to go Divert, Inc., and welcome to Longview!
o Fishers Lane - All but GONE! This massive city-owned land and structure, the former Fishers Lane Water Treatment Plant, has had shoreline and SEPA approved permits and is being demolished using Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City will work with the Council to decide the next plans for the development of the property.
o Metropolitan Parks District - A junior taxing district will be voted on by citizens to provide dedicated and sustainable funding for Longview Parks and Recreation programs and facilities. That’s right, voters in the City of Longview will have the opportunity in 2023 to vote for this enhancement for our city. If approved, a three-year short-term priority list would be: restroom replacements at John Null, Archie Anderson, and 17th Avenue/Nichols Lake Sacajawea parks, Mint Valley Golf Course irrigation system replacement, and Roy Morse Softball light pole replacements. A 10-year long-term list includes Cloney Skate Park and BMX updates, Gerhart Gardens Park asphalt replacement, Martin’s Dock replacement, Sustainable Playground Replacement Funding, and Mint Valley Racquet Complex Renovation. Learn more here: https://www.mylongview.com/885/Metropolitan-Park-District
As the fall season settles in and we begin to turn down the lights on our centennial celebration and move on into our next 100 years, it is wise to remember that the manner in which we proceed will continue to make all the difference. In the midst of the challenges and joys of growing our community, universal principles like courage, humility, integrity, respect, trust, and honesty, are a sure foundation for personal and community success. While we all fall short of these ideals, I believe recognizing them and striving for them is important. I have shared in many of my written and public comments that I believe in the leadership principles taught by business icon Stephen Covey: 1. Be proactive. 2. Begin with the end in mind. 3. Put first things first. 4. Think Win-Win. 5. Seek first to understand and then to be understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the Saw.
These principles, when practiced, move people and communities forward in a positive way. I see good things happening all over the community - Longview is in good hands.
Bless you all for a happy, healthy, and safe September and beyond!
Mayor MaryAlice Wallis