Celebrating Chelan civic leader Bob Goedde for 30 years of service

Chelan city councilman and former mayor Bob Goedde.

Celebrating nearly 30 years of civic service, the Chelan City Council and citizens gathered at city hall to applaud councilman Bob Goedde Wednesday night.

Goedde retires from the city council at the end of the month.

"He has taught me so much," said Chelan Mayor Erin McCardle. "I don't think I've met anyone who is more intelligent in the ways of government (and municipal operations)."

The mayor says Goedde taught her to listen and have an open mind when conducting city business.

"One thing I will always treasure about Bob is that his bark is louder than his bite," added McCardle.

Goedde's family moved to Chelan in 1946. He worked in various jobs with the city and Chelan County PUD before being elected to the city council in 1996.

"The mayor that was running at that time was my science teacher," recalled Geodde. "He had problems with city hall and I had problems with city hall. My 17-year old daughter said, dad, the constitution says everyone should do it (run for elected office) once, so I ran and was elected."

"Over the years, Goedde would serve 10 years on the city council and an additional 12 years as mayor..

He had hoped to have participated in finally getting water to the airport and returning the Woodin Avenue bridge to two-way traffic.

"We need to perhaps pick up a few more things that visitors can do," thought Goedde when pondering diversification of the city economy. "There are some good hiking trails, maybe the city can make a push on that."

Goedde opted not to seek re-election this year. He attended his last city council meeting Wednesday night and will officially relingquish his seat to councilman-elect Agustin Benegas with the certification of the general election Nov. 25.

He was applauded and toasted by the city council and city staff Wednesday, with many wearing t-shirts emblazoned with a caricature of the longtime public servant, recognizing Goedde's 30 years of service..

In retirement, Goedde says he’ll focus on his auto hobby and work at getting a Charger and Roadrunner running and driving. He confessed that he’ll keep a keen eye on city business.