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Al Ogdon

"I was born 57 years ago on March 13, 1932 at Snoqualmie Falls, WA. My parents are Elmer Ralph (Hap) Ogdon and Eudora Ethel Eastman.

Most of my elementary schooling was on the west side of the state, moving to the Yakima Valley in the mid-forties. I graduated from Grandview High School in 1950. I received an AA Degree from Yakima Valley College in 1952 and a B.A. Ed Degree from Eastern Washington College of Education in 1954. In 1962 I received my M.A. Ed Degree from Eastern Washington State College. Additional graduate work was taken at Washington State University, University of Idaho and, eventually, Oregon State University. When I terminated at Oregon State I was at the ABD level....all but the dissertation!

I moved to Cheney in 1952 as a student athlete on a football scholarship. Although I was heavily involved in teaching, coaching and counseling during the seven years following graduation (1954) I found 'excuses' to return on a yearly basis. For the most part, my return was surrounded around course work. In 1961 I accepted a one year appointment in the Office of Student Services to fill in for a gentleman who had taken a year's leave of absence to work on his doctorate. He never returned and I never left!

When I arrived in 1961 two things happened. Eastern broke 2000 in enrollment and the legislature changed the name, effective in October, to Eastern Washington State College. Although I have worn many hats in the Student Service area, probably the best description would be a Dean of Students. When we became a University the term "Dean" was reserved for the Chairs of the various schools comprising the University. The term "Provost" was invented. Later that was dropped and more generic descriptive titles were applied. At this point in time I now have the longest title at the University. I also have the longest administrative longevity. The title is Student Service Administrator/University Disciplinary Officer/University Ombudsman. I am a professional student services administrator.

As of this writing I am completing my sixteenth year of public office in Cheney. The first fourteen were dedicated to a City Council position with the last two serving as Mayor. In reality, this two year term is simply satisfying the last two years of what should have been the Tom Trulove administration. Tom's resignation was effective 1 February of 1986. Fred Johns was selected by Council to the position. By state law it is necessary to have formal filing at the next regular election. This filing took place in 1986. As Fred chose not to continue in this capacity, I then filed. For the record, once elected I promised staff that I would give them a minimum of six years. Thus, I will be filing again this July for the upcoming fall election.

"Accomplishments" during the past two years would fall in your basic blue collar category. Cheney has been blessed with outstanding Department Heads. They really provide the heart of the city family. The brain that directs the heart is, of course, our City Administrator. In its simplest form, quite possibly my greatest accomplishment is maintaining and enhancing the loyalty of these people toward the continuance of the fine quality of life we have all become accustomed to. I devote a lot of energy toward the continuance of reduction of the town and gown myth. My unique relationship with the University and its various parts provides a catalyst for bringing the community and the university closer together in working toward common goals. Being Mayor during the Centennial has been absolutely exciting. The energy level within the community, particularly as it applies toward our library, has been contagious. Although our library was dedicated during my tenure, obviously it was something I inherited. The real credit goes to both of my predecessors. Our city is running smoothly and I choose to take advantage of that fact rather than initiate change. I do not believe in change for change sake. Cheney is most fortunate in having an outstanding City Council. I also see my responsibility as acting as a catalyst in assisting the appropriate focus on priorities. An example of the level of leadership that has prevailed over the years can best be described through our relationship with the Association of Washington Cities. In 1990 I will become the third President of the Association ..... from the City of Cheney! The President serves for one year, June to June. It is unique for any city to be represented more than once and unheard of for any city to be represented three times. The Association represents one of the strongest voices in Olympia. It is comprised of all the incorporated cities and towns within the state. Needless to say, I am looking forward to the next four years. Through wise management our community continues to provide adequate services which unfortunately is not true for many of our neighbors.

I am very proud of the programs that we have begun since my taking office, again, due in large part to the foresight of our department heads. The Economic Development Plan for Cheney has been instituted and with it a plan for the future. "Steps into the Future" include a comprehensive code compliance program for downtown rehabilitation as well as an updated signage program. Building Safety and Code Compliance are striving to restore the downtown area with a safe and uniform plan."

Mayor Odgon, in his own words