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November 28, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
After three successful terms, Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz will soon be retiring from city service. Having first been elected mayor in November of 2011, I have worked closely with Frank Kuntz over the years in my roles as a State Representative and State Senator. I have greatly appreciated his dedicated service to my hometown of Wenatchee. Many of you will remember that he inherited a very difficult city financial situation during his first months in office following the Great Recession and the potential bond default of the Town Toyota Center. Mayor Kuntz and local partners, however, were successful in navigating through those difficult circumstances and helped the city regain both its financial stability and local government credibility.
Kuntz built trust among local leaders
The cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee have grown a strong partnership during Mayor Kuntz’s terms in office. This collaborative approach among our valley’s local governments is critical to improving services and infrastructure for all. Earlier this year, Mayor Kuntz and Mayor Crawford travelled together from Wenatchee to the State Capitol to advocate for regional issues.
Strong leadership and many successes
Following the financial struggles and the renewed stability Mayor Kuntz helped realize, the City of Wenatchee eventually entered into many years of positive economic growth. During his years as mayor, many exciting developments occurred.
With the support of the community, local organizations and other partners, the city enjoyed celebrating the finalized purchase of Saddle Rock from the state, the opening of Pybus Public Market, completion of new apartment complexes, expansive waterfront developments, Wenatchee Foothills preservation, multiple new trailheads, key transportation improvements, coordinated homelessness response, a newly located and renovated city hall, and more.
I was proud to work alongside Mayor Kuntz during his service as mayor and we built a trust with each other through shared honesty and a connection to the community. Frank Kuntz is a very hard worker, a man of action, and someone with a deep love for Wenatchee and all it represents. I’m sure we’ll all see him around in the coming months and years. When you see him, please remember his steady leadership for Wenatchee.
Confluence Parkway…“Kuntz” Parkway
 Thank you to Mayor Kuntz and partners for many years of planning and advocacy for Wenatchee’s Confluence Parkway. The project will provide a much-needed second bridge across the Wenatchee River, a widened pedestrian bridge, and a roadway with a direct connection to the U.S. 97A/US 2 Interchange and Odabashian Bridge. I hope the city will consider eventually renaming this project “Kuntz Parkway” in honor of Mayor Kuntz’s service.
 Mayor Kuntz looks on proudly during a speech by Congresswoman Kim Schrier and our federal representatives, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited Wenatchee in October 2023 to celebrate federal matching funds for the city’s Confluence Parkway project.
What others are saying
Working as Wenatchee’s mayor puts you in touch with many government leaders, businesses, and local organizations. While there are numerous people and officials who appreciate Mayor Kuntz’s service, here are just a few that I wanted to share with you:
“It has been a true pleasure to work with Mayor Kuntz over the past 5 years. His North Star has always been how best to serve the people of Wenatchee. We have shared this goal and worked together with Senator Brad Hawkins - Republicans and a Democrat teaming up! - to finally make the Apple Capital Loop a reality. Mayor Kuntz and I have also worked together to address crime and our fentanyl epidemic, prevent catastrophic wildfires, and support agriculture, rural economies, and local healthcare. I will miss Frank Kuntz as mayor but look forward to continuing our friendship and wish him all the best.” Congresswoman Kim Schrier, Washington’s 8th District
"Wenatchee owes a debt of gratitude to Mayor Frank Kuntz, whose dedicated service to our community over the past decade has been truly exceptional. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in expanding the city's boundaries, strengthening its financial stability, and fueling the growth of our local economy. Under his guidance, we've seen Wenatchee become a more vibrant place to live. Frank Kuntz should be proud that he is leaving city in far better shape than when he started the job, contributing to a lasting era prosperity." Mike Steele, 12th District State Representative
“I appreciated Mayor Kuntz’s mentorship when I began my first term as mayor of East Wenatchee. Over the last four years, we’ve shared ideas, collaborated on big projects, and supported each other through challenging times such as the COVID pandemic. Mayor Kuntz is a great leader and I’ve learned a lot from him.” Jerrilea Crawford, East Wenatchee Mayor
“Mayor Frank Kuntz is a valuable leader in our community, his dedication, passion and commitment to the Wenatchee valley has been respected by all who truly knows Mayor Kuntz. A great leader makes it hard to follow, but with guidance the follower will prevail. My journey with Mayor Kuntz has made me a better person. Thank You, Frank.” Mike Poirier, Wenatchee Mayor-Elect
“Under Mayor Kuntz's stewardship, Wenatchee has flourished, blossoming into a vibrant hub of progress and innovation. His visionary initiatives and forward-thinking policies have paved the way for growth, economic prosperity, and an enhanced quality of life, for Wenatchee and the entire region.” JC Baldwin, Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority Commissioner
“Mayor Frank Kuntz, thank you for your positive leadership, financial acumen and vision for the fire service in our valley.” Brian Brett, Wenatchee Valley Fire Department Chief
“A Big Thank You to Mayor Kuntz for his ongoing support of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival during his 12 years as Mayor. His commitment to all community events was appreciated and did not go unnoticed!” Darci Christoferson, Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Administrator
Thank you, Mayor Frank Kuntz!
 Mayor Kuntz and I discuss Confluence Parkway in 2017. The project has been one of the region’s top transportation priorities for over a decade and has received support from many local governments and stakeholders. Thank you to the many local officials and staff who have dedicated efforts to this project. I would especially like to thank Mayor Kuntz for his tenacity and leadership all these years!
 Mayor Kuntz has been very active and supportive of expanded trails, park improvements, and recreational opportunities in the Wenatchee Valley. Shown here is him alongside East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford, providing key committee testimony in February on my Regional Sports Complex bill.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you
As Mayor Kuntz knows, it is a high honor to be selected by you to help lead our community. Representing our region in Olympia is a great honor, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve. If you ever have any questions about state legislative issues, please contact me at senatorbradhawkins.org. When the legislative session begins in January, you can also contact our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 at any time. Please like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins for my latest updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
 Brad Hawkins
State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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