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HomeMy WebLinkAbout39_Mayors Newsletter_051817MAY 18, 2017 This Week from the Mayor Denis Law, Mayor VOL. II, NO. 16 Mike Lowry...a valued Renton resident Many years ago, early in my publishing career, I had the opportunity to have lunch a couple times a year with Mike Lowry, then a member of the King County Council. We met at a popular Italian restaurant in South Seattle and talked more about the community than politics. A few years later, Mike was elected to Congress and I really enjoyed having dinner with him when visiting the other Washington. And then it was on to the Governor’s Mansion. There have been few politicians I admired more than Mike Lowry. While his views and positions on some topics were more liberal than mine, Mike never equivocated from what he felt was important for the people he served, and his demeanor and style earned him the respect from both democrats and republicans. Mike, and his wife Mary, have been Renton residents for several years. After leaving office, Mike could be seen walking throughout the Kennydale neighborhood nearly every day. He continued to volunteer his time for a host of nonprofit organizations he supported, and remained involved in Renton issues. I joined Mike on a number of early morning “one-night counts,” to better understand the impact homelessness was having on our community. Mike was an honorable public servant and a valued member of the Renton community. He will be missed. Former Gov. Mike Lowry was a regular visitor to the Renton Farmers Market. Mr. Lowry passed away on May 1 and a memorial service is scheduled at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, May 30, at 10:30 am. Congratulations to Dutch Bros. Coffee who opened their first Renton location earlier today. You can find them at 735 Hardie Ave. SW. Dutch Bros. is the country’s largest privately held, drive through coffee company, with over 270 locations in seven states and over 7,000 employees. They are headquartered in Grant’s Pass, Oregon. They annually donate over $2 million a year to its local communities and nonprofit organizations. Congratulations Feedback Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in the city, please email me. Thanks for reading. Celebrate King Parker’s life A Celebration of Life for King Parker is this Sunday, May 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Renton Pavilion Event Center, 233 Burnett Ave. N. King was a three-term city councilmember, who passed away on May 2. Several areas of Renton that we enjoy today - the Highlands, IKEA, auto row, Southport, The Landing, and the Seahawks headquarters - are a reality due to his civic-mindedness. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the Parker Family Memorial Fund at rentonfoundation.org. Honoring those who protect and serve This week flags on all city buildings have been at half-staff in honor of National Police Week , when we pay special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Renton is fortunate to have a police department that is not only dedicated to upholding the law, but also in working to make a difference in our community. Whether it’s working directly with numerous community groups or taking part in events to connect with all areas of our community, they take a proactive approach to making Renton a great place to live, work, learn, and play.