A fond farewell | Frisinger presides over last city council meeting as mayor

It was a bittersweet moment when retiring Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, addressing the city council and many citizens, said although she doesn't express emotions publicly, she loved them all.

By Linda Ball • December 18, 2013 4:20 pm

It was a bittersweet moment when retiring Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, addressing the city council and many citizens, said although she doesn’t express emotions publicly, she loved them all.

“I get maudlin after half a glass of sparkling cider – probably because I’m part Scottish,” she joked while looking as though she was about to tear up.

Prior to the meeting, a reception was held in her honor with cake, coffee and sparkling cider, attended by her family, city staff, council, citizens, police and fire representatives.

Mayor-elect Fred Butler read a lengthy proclamation outlining her 16 years as mayor and all that has been accomplished. Butler said she has successfully managed one of King County’s fastest growing cities, which has seen a 214 percent increase in population since 1998 when she was first elected.

Frisinger is Issaquah’s longest serving mayor. Butler praised her for retaining open space in the city, and her commitment to sustainability.

“She is vest-wearing docent at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, an expert on salmon policy and a leader for the Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. She deeply loves Issaquah, its people and the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Butler read from the proclamation.

Several citizens took their turn at the podium to thank her for her years of service. Robin Kelley, the director of festivals for the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, specifically Salmon Days, thanked Frisinger with a presentation of a large gift basket from the festival office.

Greg Tryon, deputy chief of operations for Eastside Fire and Rescue, thanked her on behalf of Chief Lee Soptich for bringing Eastside Fire and Rescue together, saying he’s had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of elected officials over the years, and Frisinger was in the top five.

Retiring Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger with mayor-elect Fred Butler at the Dec. 16 city council meeting. Butler read a lengthy proclamation outlining all that has been accomplished during Frisinger’s 16-years as mayor.