After first being elected to the Chehalis City Council in 1987 and serving for more than 36 years, Councilor Isaac Pope was honored with a farewell ceremony during his final city council meeting on Monday, Dec. 11, at Chehalis City Hall.
Pope announced his intention to retire earlier this year, informing the council he was not seeking re-election. Approximately 40 people showed up an hour before the meeting for a reception hosted by the city to thank Pope for his service.
Mayor Tony Ketchum spoke about Pope’s accomplishments during his time on the council.
He cited the renovation of Recreation Park, the creation of a new sewer district for Napavine, the founding of the Chehalis Foundation and the creation of the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team — now known as Experience Chehalis — as examples of projects Pope assisted with.
Ketchum said Pope’s guidance, vision and advice were vital to ensuring involved organizations flourished along with the city.
“For 36 years, Councilor Pope has provided a steady voice on the city council as a visionary yet practical leader, demonstrating appreciation for the contributions of his city council colleagues and the work of city staff while advocating strongly for what he believes in,” Ketchum said.
He added that during his time as a councilor, Pope founded Pope’s Kids Place, a nonprofit that cares for infants, children and young adults with special needs.
Pope thanked his fellow city councilors and city staff for their support, along with those in attendance. He also thanked the residents in Chehalis along with the residents within his district for allowing him to represent them.
Prior to becoming a Chehalis city councilor, Pope lived in Seattle. He told those in attendance he was advised not to move to Chehalis when he was initially considering it.
“This is not for anyone here, (but) for those people in Seattle who told me that if I came to Chehalis, I would be mistreated, wouldn’t be treated fairly, that they probably would not use my practice,” Pope said. “They were all wrong. This has been a wonderful place to live and raise my family. So I thank you very much.”
Pope will be replaced on the council by Jody Kyes, who beat Karen Laufenberg in the November general election.
