WASHINGTON, Ill. – Washington Mayor Gary Manier will be leaving office May 1, but well wishers and supporters got a chance to say goodbye and thank you.
An official thank you reception was held Friday at Washington’s Event Center.
Manier has served the City of Washington for 24 years. While in high school he once joked that he would run for mayor some today, Manier told 25 News it’s turned out to be a job that has meant the world to him.
“Your heat and soul are into it. Being born and raised here made a big difference in making sure Washington kept growing and was the type of community I grew up in,” Manier said. “I always wanted to make it just a little bit better, and I think we’ve done that.”
Manier said he is most proud of the way he care for his constituents, especially after the devastating EF-4 tornado in 2013. He said the community’s resilience brought attention and business to Washington, which he believes made the city stronger.
Manier, 70, worked 42 years at Caterpillar and served eight years on the Washington school board and 24 years a mayor. Now, he say, he’s ready to hand over the keys to the mayor’s office.
“I’ve got seven grandkids, so that will keep me busy,” Manier said. “I missed a lot of activities because of meetings and things, so I’m anxious to make sure I don’t miss anything anymore.”
Among notable guests Friday were former Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis and current East Peoria Mayor John Kahl.
Manier’s advice to Mayor-elect Lilija Stevens is to continue the city’s strong finances and enjoy the great staff.
“I Just hope she does well.”
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