King Fitch to retire in 2012….

Just heard that King Fitch is stepping down after 24 years as Town Administrator for the Town of Friday Harbor. He has asked the Mayor to consider his retirement effective June 30, 2012…here’s more, from a Town press release:

Mayor Carrie Lacher annnounced today that King Fitch, town administrator, will be retiring during the 1st half of 2012. Mr. Fitch informed the mayor and council members by personal phone calls. “There just doesn’t seem to be a good time for difficult news,” noted the mayor. “Mr. Fitch’s dedication, knowledge, and expertise have been critical to ensuring the well-being of this town. His daily presence will be sorely missed.”

Mr. Fitch was selected as town administrator 24 years ago by then-Mayor Jim Cahill when King was a building inspector for the town. Among Mr. Fitch’s many significant accomplishments for the town include securing water rights for the town’s future growth, facilitating implementation of the growth management act, merging the island fire departments, and overseeing several major public works projects, including the recent replacement of the submarine sewer line.

“Council members, residents, local business owners, staff and crew all have benefited from and rely on King’s steadying hand at the tiller,” noted Mayor Lacher. “Mr. Fitch can be proud of his achievements and legacy of his tenure with the town.”

By town ordinance, the administrator is appointed by and serves at the will of the mayor. The mayor and administrator are currently working on a strategy and timeline for the upcoming transition period.

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