Cooney announces he will run for re-election for mayor

CHELAN - Last week, Chelan Mayor Mike Cooney announced his intent to run for re-election later on this year as his term comes to an end.

“I ran determined I was only going to do it one term and now I am on my fourth year,” Cooney told the Lake Chelan Mirror in a May 1 interview. Cooney mentioned that he had a couple of opportunities presented to him, however more.  On top of that the people he works with make the job more enjoyable. “They are responsive, they’re customer oriented, they’re team oriented and they help each other out tremendously,” he added. In his term as Mayor, Cooney mentioned that “you never hear whispers of people working against each other” at City Hall.

“In a small town you can have projects, a vision of how things get done and what’s important for the city and the best thing I like about my job as Mayor is seeing results,” answered Cooney. Cooney emphasized that “no one person can get it done.” The Mayor just sets the vision while working hand-on-hand with “a dedicated council and a dedicated staff.” From his perspective, Cooney sees that council meetings run well and business get done.

If re-elected, Cooney mentioned that he will continue his work on the following:
• Build a network of bike passes and trails
• Acquire lower levels of the Chelan Butte
• Affordable homes in the valley
• Employee dedication to customer service
• Improve downtown area
Some of the items on the list are tangible and others intangible, however community members tend to receive those items well.

During the interview, Cooney told the Mirror that he will not purse a third term as Mayor if he were to be re-elected.