Morgan Hill mayor’s race is up for grabs
Morgan Hill – For the first time ever, voters here will not pick Dennis Kennedy for mayor in the next election for the simple reason they won’t be given a chance.
The longtime local politician is stepping aside after five consecutive terms in office, announcing Wednesday he will not seek re-election in November.
Conveying a tone of gratitude to all his supporters over the years, Kennedy, 67, issued a statement Wednesday of his decision to bow out after “soul searching” and “heart-to-heart” talks with his wife, Eileen.
Kennedy, a former employee at IBM, is now looking forward to spending time with his family and friends and, according to his statement, “enjoying the things we had to put off for so long.”
“I am proud of what I have accomplished in my nearly 30 years of public service to Morgan Hill,” he said in the statement. “There are so many wonderful people who have contributed so much, I can’t begin to appropriately give credit where credit is due and to thank so many who have done so much and who have helped me throughout those years. It truly does ‘Take a village,’ not only to raise a child, but to build a wonderful community.”
Kennedy could not be reached for additional comments before press time Friday.
The mayor’s announcement means Councilman Steve Tate is now the only one seeking the mayor’s seat. But it’s early in the ballgame. The nomination period for candidates for mayor and the two open city council seats begins July 17 and ends Aug. 11.
However, a longer nomination period now appears likely. When an incumbent chooses not to seek re-election the filing period is extended five additional days under state law.
So far Tate is the only one who has expressed his intent to file papers.
Kennedy is the only directly elected mayor Morgan Hill has ever had. Ten years ago voters established the mayor’s position as an elective office by passing Measure D. Before 1997, the mayor was a rotated position within the city council.
While praising Kennedy’s leadership in office, city council member Larry Carr said Friday he believes the mayor is stepping aside “at what is probably a good time.”
“It’s a stable time,” Carr said. “We have a veteran council now … I don’t think there’s going to be a void.”
Morgan Hill Police Chief Bruce Cumming said he was surprised to hear of Kennedy’s decision, but added “it makes sense to me that the mayor wants to stop and smell the roses a little bit.”
It’s been a long haul in public service for Morgan Hill’s mayor. Kennedy entered local politics in 1977, the year after he moved to Morgan Hill.
In addition to serving more than 11 years as mayor and five years as a city council member, he has served three terms on the Planning Commission, two terms on the General Plan Update Committee and was chairman of the South County Regional Wastewater Authority. He has also served two-year terms on the Board of Directors for the Valley Transportation Authority and was formerly president of the Santa Clara Cities Association.
“He’s given so much of himself and his time to this community,” said Councilman Mark Grzan. “There’s much we should be thankful for. He’s provided outstanding leadership during some difficult times. He’s been an excellent mayor.”
Grzan said he admires Kennedy’s advocacy of using Redevelopment Agency funds for public projects such as the new library and community center.
Asked whether he is relieved he won’t be facing popular incumbent Kennedy on the campaign trail, Tate said obviously a win might be easier now, but he would not have shied away from lively debate.
Tate said he greatly respects Kennedy’s legacy in Morgan Hill, and though he himself would offer a different leadership style, he said he would seek Kennedy’s counsel, if elected.
Morgan Hill Unified School District Superintendent Alan Nishino knows firsthand how rough life in public office can be. Nishino said his father spent six years as a city council member and eight years as mayor in Hemet, Calif.
“Many people don’t realize how hard they work,” Nishino said, adding he understands Kennedy’s desire to retire and spend more time with his family.
