It was nine years ago that Tim Navarre took his first oath of office at Borough Hall as an elected public servant. During those years Navarre became a fixture of local government, traveling to Juneau and Washington D.C. on numerous occasions to represent the issues of the Kenai Peninsula and Alaska. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Counties (NACO) and was able to gain a national presence for local issues and programs at NACO meetings.

Navarre was elected twice by his colleagues to serve as president of the Assembly, a commitment requiring numerous additional hours of personal time and dedication. He also served as the Assembly's liaison to the Kenai River Special Management Advisory Board.

Navarre was replaced on the Assembly by Betty Glick in the October elections and chaired his final meeting last Tuesday. At that meeting Assembly Vice President Grace Merkes presented Navarre with a golden gavel plaque in appreciation of his service and dedication. During his closing comments Navarre reflected on his nine years of service and promised to stay involved in community affairs and make himself available to help whenever needed.

The newly elected Assembly members were sworn in at last weeks meeting, and will officially begin voting on local issues at the October 22nd regular meeting. At that time the Assembly will organize, electing by secret ballot, members to serve for the next year as Assembly president and vice president.