Councilmember's Column (Feb 16 - Feb 22)

On my Mind
I apologize for not having written a blog post last week, but decided to take the long weekend away from the computer and email. The big event coming up this week is the Annual State of the City Address given by our City Manager Michael Frank.  The event is hosted by the City and the Chamber of Commerce.

In thinking about the State of the City address, I often recall the State of the Union address. Not sure how many tuned in, but there is one common word used by several Presidents over the past few decades to describe the State of our Union. It also tends to be the most recognizable and memorable part of the speeches: “the State of the Union is strong”. When that short phrase is proclaimed, everyone stands to their feet to clap. Even in good times and trying times, as long as I can recall, the State of our Union has always been declared to be strong.

So what about Novato? What is the state of our city? While I don’t know what our City Manager Michael Frank will share on Tuesday morning, I do know that the state of our city is strong. I am not just saying that because it sends a good message, but now in my 4th year on the council, I truly believe that this is the strongest our city has been in the past several years. A tremendous thank you goes out to an engaged community, dedicated staff, and committed group of commissioners and fellow councilmembers for getting us to this point. There is still much work to be done, but I hope many will attend Tuesday morning to hear Michael Frank look back at some accomplishments and look forward to what this year has in store.

The address will begin at 8:15 a.m at the Novato City Hall and is free and open to the public. A $10 continental breakfast is available beginning at 7:30 a.m. Click here to register for the breakfast or for more information.

Around Town
Novato Garden Club Luncheon – Back on February 11th, I was a guest at the Novato Garden Club’s annual luncheon. The garden club, founded in 1934, is one of the oldest in our community and even predates the incorporation of the City of Novato. Pictures

Remembering Officer Steve Cogan – On February 12th, Novato lost a great officer and selfless individual, Steve Cogan. He had recently retired after 30 years of service to the city of Novato, but had come back to work part time as a retired annuitant. While attending to his vehicle on his way home from work, Steve went into medical distress and passed away. This past Saturday, I joined hundreds of others to celebrate his life at a packed church in Santa Rosa for his memorial. Steve, you will be greatly missed.

The Week Ahead
Tuesday (February 24)

State of the City Address – 7:30AM (City Hall)

City Council Meeting – 6:30PM (City Hall)