December 10, 2008

From the Mayor’s Desk

A fond farewell

By Mayor Donald R. Burr
Special to the Times

This is my last article as your Mayor. After 52 years with the city of Campbell, I am finally retiring from the City Council.

Looking back as one of your Police Officers, Police Chief, councilmembers and as your Mayor is exhilarating and very satisfying.

The city employees that I had the honor and pleasure to serve with as a staff member were outstanding. Also, I was very fortunate to have worked with a great bunch of councilmembers, and to have known councilmembers and mayors from the past that contributed greatly to making this city a great place that it is today. My experiences in the city will be cherished every day of my remaining years.

I’ve seen my family grow from two children to three children; to 10 grandchildren to 10 great grandchildren, with three more great grandchildren on the way.

To my sweetheart, Darlene, my wife, who I look at as a “Superwoman”, all of the successes that I have had were due to you and your qualities of patience, understanding and support.

Campbell has gone from an agricultural place to one with bustling freeways, expressways and shopping centers. If I could take you back in history, it’s nothing like it is today.

The biggest memory for me was the establishment of our current City Hall, the Library and Ainsley House. Back in the day, we worked out of a 10 foot by 10 foot room in the back of the old firehouse [today’s Historical Museum]. After that location, we moved to the church building on Central Avenue.

Another proud moment for me was when the city procured the old Campbell High School and how we’ve transformed the complex into a world-class community center that offers an array of classes, programs and trips for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Key development projects that come to my mind include the Pruneyard Towers, the Prometheus project, as well as the Downtown loop streets.

Last but not least, the citizens that we have in Campbell showed their quality and character in the last General Election when the voters overwhelmingly passed Measure O which will enable the city to protect existing services.

In closing, 2008 has been a banner year for me and, as I step down from the City Council one last time, please know that I am thankful for all of the good people, visitors, constituents, merchants and city staff I have come to work and serve with over the years.

I have been very lucky that Campbell became my home.