After 12 consecutive years on the Sammamish City Council, Nancy Whitten said it was time.

Recognized for her years of service, advocacy work and dedication, the City Council and community members alike shared kind words during Whitten’s last council meeting Dec. 8.

Don Gerend, one of the longest-serving councilors, shared a doggerel, defined as “comic verse of irregular rhythm” or the “technical term for bad verse.”

Describing her Chicago roots, a “stint in law school then honed by real life and community activism,” Gerend said this background prepared Whitten to handle “issues not so cool with diligence and insight, plus a large dose of sarcasm.”

He quoted her throughout the years: “‘Stormwater runoff will certainly destroy Pine Lake,’” and “‘Use green techniques and show developers no pity.’”

“So, three terms on council, it’s been quite a ride, looking back on the record with a true sense of pride,” Gerend read. “In retrospect we can think of a term that’s quite fittin’: We salute you this day, hard hittin’ Nancy Whitten.”

Whitten, as described by Councilmember Bob Keller, was one of the city’s “most active environmental activist that we had in the city,” he said.

“She was one of the most ardent defenders of Pine Lake and she still is today,” he said.

It was a privilege, Keller said, to have the opportunity to learn from her, especially during the council’s most recent revision of the comprehensive plan.

Whitten announced she would not run for re-election in May 2015. She’s been on the council since 2003. Incoming councilor-elect Christie Malchow will fill Whitten’s seat in position 2.

Whitten is positive about the incoming City Council and hopes the environment remains a major focus in council decisions.

“I wish you the best of luck and for me it’s ‘zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-day,” she said.