Hello Longview!
A few years ago, I found myself eager to refine a personal skill - to make a change, so to speak. I’d had a recent birthday, and having a plan to master something new seemed exhilarating even if a bit daunting. I labeled the plan “Kindness 365”, and the basic tenets of the plan included finding opportunities to cultivate kindness for 365 days.
I can report that this experiment did not cause any undue stress, nor did it put me in debt even one penny. It did, however, present me with more and more opportunities to engage peaceably (most of which were right beneath my nose), and stretched my desire to be kinder and more empathetic. I also re-realized that in most instances, change, while difficult, is rewarding and beneficial not only to the giver, but also the receiver.
As the Longview City Council makes a new transition after this election season, I would like to express sincere gratitude to our outgoing councilors, Chet Makinster and Steve Moon, for their many years of service and thoughtful contributions to our council and city. I would likewise offer congratulations to newcomers Angie Wean and Spencer Boudreau, and warmly welcome them both to the city council team.
Change should be the healthy part of the growth in the City of Longview, and interestingly, the city’s continued stability depends on it. As city councilors that make public policy, change is what we are hired to do, and through the unique lens of our council initiatives, we do so for the betterment of the community.
The following list represents some of those changes approved by the Longview City Council in 2021:
Homeless encampment within the city is allowed now for one year with 100 people.
- A Homeless Pilot Project partnership was established with Cowlitz County.
- Crosswalk signals will be updated and installed at Civic Circle.
- A $4.7mil grant was acquired for resurfacing Washington Way.
- Multiple city roads that cross schools and parks have speed reductions.
- Two Behavioral Health Specialists will work fulltime with Longview Police for mental and behavioral health calls.
- A $133k grant was acquired to help reestablish the Longview Police Officer Bicycle Patrol.
As we wind down the year 2021 and reflect upon the future of 2022, let us give each other grace to grow in change. Let us be that change that makes the difference for ourselves and for each other.
A very happy Thanksgiving to all of you,
Mayor MaryAlice Wallis