As Centralia Mayor Norm Chapman’s final city council meeting wound down Tuesday night, his seatmates recognized him for his service to the city, including five years on the Centralia Planning Commission and over a year on the council.
Chapman announced during the Feb. 10 council meeting that he would be stepping down from his District 1 seat and his position as mayor effective Feb. 28 due to personal reasons. He was reelected to his seat during the November 2025 election after being appointed to a vacant seat in September 2024.
Deputy Mayor Chris Brewer will fill in as mayor in an interim role, and the council will vote to appoint the next mayor during its next scheduled meeting on March 10.
The council gave Chapman a plaque that read: “Presented to Norm Chapman, in grateful appreciation for your years of outstanding service and devotion to the citizens of Centralia. 2019-2026.”
Each councilor gave their goodbyes to Chapman during the city manager reports section of the meeting before the mayor offered his final thoughts during the city council reports segment at the end of the meeting.
Brewer told Chapman that his service to the city has “not gone unnoticed and won’t be forgotten” before sharing highlights from Chapman’s years serving Centralia, including helping choose the city’s next manager, adopting the 2023 Housing Action Plan, the 2024 Parks Plan, and the 2025 comprehensive plan update.
Brewer also acknowledged Chapman’s work with the Office of the Chehalis Basin Local Actions Non-Dam Alternative, where he helped advance flood protection options for the community. Chapman also advocated for the bill protecting Centralia’s critical drinking water aquifer at the state Capitol.
“Mayor Chapman’s legacy will help guide the city and will improve quality of life in Centralia for all of us for many years to come,” Brewer said. “I have seen in your time on council, and also your time on the planning commission, the incredible thought that you’ve put into everything. You had a level-headed approach, and you’ve been approachable to everybody, as well.”
Councilor Kelly Smith Johnston acknowledged Chapman’s service in the U.S. Coast Guard as well as his service to the city and Centralia College, noting that he “represents a life of service.”
“That really represents, for me, the best of us in the United States, those of us who answer the call to public service. You’ve done it repeatedly,” Smith Johnston said. “We’ve all benefited, and I’m very glad that your family is now going to benefit from your time with them. I will miss you.”
During his final thoughts, Chapman said his family has “suffered” when he has been away at different points in his life and that the family sacrifices “do catch up.”
“As I look at trying to wire myself into the next chapter, I leave council sincerely with the comfort knowing that we’ve got a great council. A diverse council of differing opinions,” Chapman said. “[We have] a great city staff, knowing that the city staff has got their heart into doing what they’re being charged to do, that is to help make this a good place to love where you live.”
Chapman said he will still be involved “at some level” and asked the council to have compassion for all citizens when considering budgets and other items.
“I remember Councilor [Mark] Westley made a passionate plea in one of our council discussions about the cost of a gallon of gasoline for somebody when it comes to taxes,” he said. “City councilors, when we set budgets and city staff run the budgets, realize what it’s like at the very bottom. The people there need help, and when we impose taxes or ordinances or whatever it is, how is that affecting those people at that bottom rung? If we forget that, then we really lose as a city or as a society.”
He stated once again that he will stay involved with city matters but “on my terms” before making one final joke about his next move.
“People are asking me, ‘What am I going to do?’ I’m probably going to be a gym rat, and I’m going to get myself all buffed up and be in the next ‘Terminator’ movie. Council adjourned,” Chapman said, mimicking a mic drop after his final words.
