Miller closes chapter as mayor

The new year marks the close of an era with Matt Miller serving as the city’s mayor. At the final meeting he presided over earlier in the month, Mayor Miller offered this statement.
“Serving as Mayor of Anacortes has been a great honor and privilege. This is a community that shows up, for its neighbors, for tough conversations, and for the long work of making a great place even better. I’ve seen that spirit in this room again and again, even when we didn’t always agree on the path forward.
“To the Council—past and present—thank you. This job isn’t easy, and it isn’t supposed to be. You wrestle with hard issues, limited resources, and passionate public input, all while trying to do what’s right for the entire community. I would encourage more of my fellow citizens to throw a hat into this ring as an opportunity to serve.
“To our city staff: you are the steady hand behind everything we do. While elected officials come and go, you are the consummate professionals who keep the lights on, the streets safe, the water running, and the plans moving forward. Any success credited to this council, or to me, rests squarely on your shoulders. I can’t thank the Staff enough for the support over the last four years. And while I did say no fanfare tonight, I suppose some cake can’t hurt.
“To the residents of Anacortes—my boss—thank you for trusting me with this role. Thank you for your emails, your testimony, your encouragement—and yes, even your criticism. It all comes from caring deeply about this place, and that’s something I will always be grateful for.
“Anacortes is special. Not because we’re perfect, but because we care enough to keep trying. My hope is that long after tonight, this council and next administration will continue to lead with integrity, curiosity, and teamwork.
“Finally, a famous general once said that soldiers don’t really retire, they just fade away. I think the same should be true in political life. We are meant to serve for a time – not forever. We serve, we do our best, and then we step back so the institution, and the community, can keep moving forward.
“As for me, I’m not leaving this community. You’ll still see me around, probably offering unsolicited opinions, especially if you really screw something up.”