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Dan Mork isn’t sure why he’s the only mayoral candidate in the city of Millwood this fall.
Not acknowledged as a self-promoter, Mork tells people he’s not certain if the void of challengers translates to a vote of confidence in his ability as a leader or simply the possibility that no one is interested in taking over a post he has held since January 2006.
“It could be that nobody wants to be mayor,” he said.
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| Since being elected as mayor of Millwood in 2005, Dan Mork has spearheaded a number of improvement projects including the renovation of City Hall and an extensive upgrade of Argonne Road. Prior to his role as mayor, Mork served on the Millwood Council for 26 years. |
If, for some reason, Mork is called upon to recount a list of municipal achievements in his cakewalk to re-election, listeners might want to clear up some time on their schedules.
Mork wasted little time in charting a course for change after taking office nearly four years ago. In February 2006, he sent out a community survey, with help from the Association of Washington Cities, asking residents about their priorities for the town. The idea made it clear from the outset that Mork would be a leader who would listen to citizens and develop the city’s agenda accordingly.
“The survey was utilized in City Council discussions,” said Council Member Glenn Bailey. “It provided us with some constructive community input. I think people understood right away that Dan was going to gather facts and help residents understand what was going on.”
After citizens expressed concerns about the condition of Argonne Road, Mork made the renovation of Millwood’s main thoroughfare a top priority. The city secured a $1.3 million grant through the Spokane Regional Transportation Council and procured additional funding through the state Transportation Improvement Board. The extensive upgrade began in early May and was completed at the end of August.
“I think people were happy with the way it turned out,” Mork said. “The goal was to make Argonne safe for motorists and pedestrians.”
Mork has deferred credit for the new and improved corridor, applauding the contributions of the City Council, citizens and the Millwood Better for Business group. There are plans for future improvements to Argonne, including a bike lane on the west side of the street, the addition of period lighting and the shift of utilities below ground.
The transformation of Millwood’s main street came after several innovations in the city under Mork’s guidance including the formation of a Tree and Beautification committee, the establishment of Millwood as an official Tree City and an update of City Hall. In 2007, he brought back the town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a holiday festival that had been abandoned for decades.
Eva Colomb, Millwood’s city clerk and treasurer, said Mork’s work on the City Council – his tenure on the governing board began in 1981 – provided him with an informed perspective when he took over as mayor.
“He cares about this town,” Colomb said. “When he took over as mayor, he already understood how things worked here.”
Mork’s family moved to Millwood in 1959 when he was in grade school. His grandfather, Ed, worked as an accountant for the town’s primary employer, the Inland Empire Paper Co. and also served on the Millwood City Council in the late 1950s. When Dan was elected to the City Council at the age of 23, Ed was the proudest grandfather in town.
“You’d think he’d been elected,” Mork said.
Mork graduated from West Valley High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in biology from Eastern Washington University. Despite his fulltime job with Hollister-Stier, Mork still puts in about 50 hours a week in his mayoral duties.
Mork has been married to his wife, Kathy for 32 years. The couple has two grown children, Sara and Seth.
Mork ran track at West Valley and remains an avid tennis player. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and creating abstract art out of metal. His ornamental sculptures adorn several yards in the area.
After the next four years, Mork said he will most likely not run on another ballot.
“It’s good to have some turnover and some new ideas,” he said.
Mork is quick to acknowledge the efforts of the municipal staff and City Council, describing how he “trusts people to do their job.”
“He’s not a micro-manager,” Colomb said. “He listens and asks how he can help us.”
When the renovation of City Hall emerged as a priority last year, Mork incorporated feedback from the Millwood Historical Society in the design, keeping many of the Mid-Century Modern components instead of opting for a more generic contemporary approach.
Longtime Millwood resident Bobbie Beese, who is a member of the historical society and the Millwood Better for Business group, said the project typified Mork’s policy of collaboration.
“When you talk to him, you don’t get the standard political answer,” Beese said. “He is genuinely trying to help.”
The overhaul of City Hall also included a new speaker system and overhead projector, intended to improve the quality of presentations at City Council meetings. Mork said the upgrade was all part of an emphasis on “ensuring that citizens realize they matter.”
“I think the people feel that the council cares about what they think,” Mork said. “It all goes back to communication. We’re representing citizens here, not just a bunch of streets.”
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By
Craig Howard
