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Letters to the Editor: Former Creswell mayors speak up

A ‘thank you’ to Mayor Knudsen

To The Editor: 

I’d like to take a moment to stop and say “thank you” to Mayor Amy Knudsen for serving the people of Creswell the past five years. Amy Knudsen was appointed to the Council in 2016 to fill a vacant seat – in fact, I had the privilege of appointing her in my role as mayor.  

Councilor Knudsen was quick to learn her duties and role representing the people of Creswell. She asked probing questions and got up-to-speed fast on the many aspects of our city government. During her first term on the council, Amy served as the chair of the Administration Committee. In addition, Amy was a member of the Public Safety Committee and worked tirelessly on our “Year to Prepare” campaign, helping all of us learn about emergency preparedness in case of a natural disaster. Councilor Knudsen was instrumental in putting on the first Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Cobalt Building in 2018. I found Amy to be an outstanding city councilor.

The past two years have been anything but easy for those elected to public service. Our nation has been torn apart by the political divide, the health crisis and the racial strife. 

I’m reminded of basic truths I learned as a child: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” and “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” Difficult enough to live by as a child; no less difficult to practice as an adult. High ideals for sure, but they are not beyond us.  

We can treat with kindness those we disagree with. We can have serious discussion and debate on topics of great importance. We can make good decisions about what’s in the best interest of the citizens of Creswell.

It’s happened before, and we can do it again.

In January, I began to pray a simple prayer that would last the whole year. It goes like this: “Dear God, help me to make the best decisions I can for my health and well-being in 2021. Help me not to judge others who make different decisions. And help me to be kind and compassionate to my neighbors along the way. Amen.”  

Would you consider joining me in that prayer for the remaining months of 2021? And would you take a moment to say “thank you” to Mayor Knudsen for her service to Creswell?  

– Dave Stram, former Creswell mayor: Jan. 2013-Dec. 2018

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‘Full support and respect’ for Mayor Knudsen

Dear Editor:

I would like to express my full support and respect for former Creswell Mayor Amy Knudsen. I read her letter of resignation and completely understood the situation she was in. I support the decision that she made in the best interest of her and her family.  

I served with Amy on the city council for four years, nearly two of those years with her serving as city council president while I was mayor. Amy was and is a consummate professional and served the citizens of Creswell with great commitment and pride. She was always fully prepared at all city council and committee meetings. Amy served as the chair of the Finance and Administration committee and the Public Safety Committee. We also worked together on many policies, procedures and master plans, all in the best interest of all the citizens of Creswell. 

It saddens me to see that, because of recent events, Creswell has lost such a wonderful young woman who served Creswell with such pride, dedication and heart.

 – Richard Zettervall, former Creswell mayor: Jan. 2019-Sept. 2020

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