In response to Ryan Ryals’ commentary (in the Nov. 6 edition of the Reporter), I say he needs to look at more than just Council meetings before making a judgment about our mayor (Laure Iddings).

She works very hard to lead our city. Maple Valley has been a city for 12 years and the population has grown greatly in that time. There is indeed a conflict between new Maple Valley and old Maple Valley. The mayor needs to be someone who everyone likes and can trust, and who can lead our city. It would be hard to be the person stuck in between two groups of people with opposing ideas and I think Mayor Iddings has done a good job of walking the fine line between them.

For those of us who have lived here several decades, it takes time and a lot of effort to gain our trust. Mayor Iddings has been mayor since the city became incorporated and she has shown that she truly cares about our city and the people who live here. It is not all just banging the gavel, calling for motions, reading proclamations and cutting ribbons. Proclamations are a big part of the city culture and it helps bring awareness to city residents of what is special in our city. Our mayor and City Council are doing their best to lead our city and it is a lot harder than it looks. They have to make difficult decisions and know that someone is not going to be happy no matter what they do. By showing up at events and listening to people the mayor has shown that she is passionate about leading our city and doing what is best for the city and its citizens. She is always willing to listen to suggestions and concerns, even though she may not be able to do what everyone wants. Maple Valley has always had a feeling of community and family even as we grow and it is a difficult balance to keep that feeling while trying to encourage the economic stability of the city.

She is an inspiration and a role model to me and I am grateful for the hard work she does for our amazing city.

Rose Borden

Maple Valley