After some soul searching and reflection I’ve decided not to run for another term on the Maple Valley City Council. It’s time for a new voice. It has been a joy and honor to serve the great residents of Maple Valley for the past 12 years.

Highlights, in which I take pride, include annexation of the Donut Hole for the new high school; new businesses, shops and restaurants at Maple Valley Town Square (Fred Meyer, etc) and the expanded Four Corners Square (Johnson’s, etc); preservation and upgrades for Lake Wilderness Lodge; the new Ravensdale ball fields; increased police protection; expanded recreation programs and community events; parking lot improvements and a new dock at Lake Wilderness Park; transportation improvements to Maple Valley Highway, Kent-Kangley Road, Witte Road, the regional trail and local streets and building the Den at the Community Center for our youth.

It has been a pleasure working with my fellow council members, city staff and citizen committees to accomplish these good things. I’d also like to thank all the incredible organizations in the community for helping make Maple Valley such a great place to live – including the Tahoma School District, Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety, Greater Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, Greater Maple Valley Community Center, Maple Valley Food Bank, Lake Wilderness Arboretum, Vine Maple Place, Maple Valley – Black Diamond Rotary Club, and the Lake Wilderness Preservation Association.

I plan to stay active in the community – we’ll see you soon.

Take care,

Noel Gerken
Maple Valley
Council member, Position No. 5