Hello Neighbors,
On October 27, near the end of the Longview City Council meeting, Mr. Kurt Sacha, Longview’s City Manager announced with “immense gratitude and a heavy heart “his intended retirement from employment for the City of Longview for the past 45 years. With all the hub-bub, intensity and ongoing discussion of the council meeting, I had selfishly wished for a moment of silence in that very instant, simply to reflect upon that very proclamation from a man who spent his entire career, and nearly every waking moment, concentrated in some manner on the betterment of the City of Longview, and to celebrate the success of this man, Mr. Kurt Sacha.
Following college graduation with a degree in finance, Kurt made his way back to his home in Kelso, and in July of 1977, he began his career for the City of Longview in the Street Maintenance Department. In 1978, Sacha transferred to Traffic Engineering. Shortly thereafter, in 1980, he was appointed as Assistant Finance Director, and then Finance Director in 1999. He served a dual role as Finance Director and Assistant City Manager from 2015 to 2018, and was then appointed as Longview City Manager.
What truly makes a person? For Kurt, his intentional hardworking nature and exceptional genuine character have made him the logical successor for each and every position at the City. Of course, Kurt’s loving companion Shirley, and his family and friends have all been equally supportive throughout the years. He is THAT guy. What a blessing for the City of Longview to have enjoyed Kurt’s wealth of knowledge, dedicated work ethic, and success driven manner for over 45 years. For all of Kurt’s vast contributions to the City, his humble closing comment was, “Longview’s best years lie ahead.”
I have stated before that personally working alongside Kurt as a city councilor and now mayor the past five years has been a true pleasure. Kurt’s genuine consideration of others is unparalleled. I reflect on my blessings often, but an especially intentional emphasis during this season of Thanksgiving, and I am grateful each day that our city, our council and the city staff of Longview have been led by this remarkable man, Kurt Sacha.
Each and everyday is a gift to everyone, and we can choose at the beginning of each day what contributions we will add to it, as we put our best foot forward, for ourselves, our family and our community.
What brings you gratitude when counting your blessings? Family, friends and faith, and a healthy community are what I am most grateful.
May we all find joy and love in this season of Thanksgiving,
Mayor MaryAlice Wallis