‘Retiring’ Morgan Hill mayor leaves behind 30 years in public
service
Morgan Hill – Friends and city officials are hosting a farewell party for Mayor Dennis Kennedy, who’s stepping down Dec. 6 on his own accord after five straight two-year terms as mayor.
Tickets are required, and space is limited, but organizers say there still might be time to reserve a spot. The party is scheduled for 6 to 10 pm, Nov. 18, at the Hiram Morgan Hill Room of the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center.
The party celebrates Kennedy’s all-star track record in public service, which spans 30 years and includes two successful city council bids, three terms on the planning commission and two terms on the general plan update committee. In 1996, Kennedy became Morgan Hill’s first directly elected mayor, since then the retired IBM engineer has won each subsequent contest.
“He’s been in public service for 30 years, donated so many hours to the community in so many ways, that we couldn’t let him bow out quietly,” said Lisa Lewis, an office assistant at City Hall who belongs to the group of people planning Kennedy’s “leaving office” party. The event is not sponsored by the city.
It’s not everyday city officials and citizens organize a “farewell” party for an elected official. Kennedy said it’s an unexpected honor.
“I’m totally amazed and grateful … and thankful … for everyone who’s putting this on,” Kennedy said, finding it hard to pick the right words to express his feelings on retiring from life as a public servant. “It’s an amazing feeling … it’s hard to summarize 30 years in a short comment.”
Guests who RSVP in time have to pay an entrance fee of $32 to cover the cost of renting the room and paying for a buffet dinner to be supplied by Mama Mia’s Restaurant of Morgan Hill. Complementary wine and beer from El Toro Brewery and Guglielmo Winery will also be served. Organizers expect upwards of 250 people to attend, equaling the venue’s maximum occupancy.
“He’s been very involved in the community … He always shows up for community events like Art Ala Carte and the Fourth of July parade. This is a chance to celebrate his years of service,” said Laura Brunton, former events coordinator for the city of Morgan Hill, and this year’s Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the year.
In addition to dinner and hobnobbing, guests will be treated to prepared remarks by Kennedy and others and, yes, live music, including a performance by Deputy Director of Public Works Mori Struve and his wife Ione Struve.
For more information on Kennedy’s farewell party, call Lisa Lewis at 779-7259.
Community members also have the opportunity to attend a free reception honoring Kennedy and other elected officials after the swearing in of a new mayor and two city council members at 7pm, Dec. 6, at City Hall.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or tburchyns@morganhilltimes.
