Today’s mayor race in Anacortes has rekindled memories of Jim Rice, the first person to serve this community after voter approval of the “strong mayor” system in November 1981. City residents that year approved transition away from the “hired gun” system of  city manager supported by a part-time mayor and council. If the expression “strong mayor” refers to character, Jim truly fit the bill. He played a critical leadership role as the community shifted gears away from decades under the city manager system. I took this photo of Jim in his carpenter shop (familiar pencil behind the ear), shortly before the vote to return to a strong mayor system. I believe Jim served as a city council member at that time.