I have known Maple Valley City Council member and Mayor Noel Gerken for over 10 years. We met when we served together on the very young city of Maple Valley’s first Economic Development Council. Noel’s service to the city was outstanding then as it was when we later served together on the City Council and his current service as our mayor.

Noel has consistently proven his dedication to the best interest of the city and to all residents. Noel has the courage and professionalism to take the tough vote and not knuckle under to the lobbying pressures of special interest groups. Councilman Gerken also has an outstanding record in all parts of his personal life. His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington.

He’s worked 30 years for Boeing, most recently in project management. These accomplishments plus his personal handling of his family’s finances and family life are a reflection of the leadership he has provided to our city.

Our city has achieved a proud record of accomplishments during its short life of 14 years. The Family Circle magazine’s selection of Maple Valley as one of the top 10 cities for families in the nation is a tribute to us all, not the least of which is our wise choice of council members. There’s an old adage that I hold important in life. Don’t try to fix it if it isn’t broken. Maple Valley is a top city – let’s keep it that way by keeping Noel Gerken working for all of us.

Marge and I will vote for Noel – I hope you will, too!

Chuck Hardaway

Maple Valley