Hood River City Mayor Linda Streich is reflecting back on 10 years of public service with feelings of accomplishment.

Last week, Streich announced that she will not seek a third two-year term as mayor. She has been seated on the council since 1998 and been involved in numerous decisions involving major growth issues. Streich said her priority has always been to facilitate population increases in a way that protected the city’s historic character and promoted economic development.

“I think we (council) have shown that it’s very possible to deal with growth in a way that keeps our small-town feel,” she said.

Streich feels especially proud of council action in these five areas:

• The city’s general fund budget deficit of $1.17 million in 2005 has been reduced to $292,000. Bob Francis, city manager, expects operations to be back in the black within six months.

• Six acres of waterfront property, valued at more than $1 million, was deeded over to the city by the Port of Hood River in 2005 for development into a public park. The change in ownership ended years of divisive debate among citizens and government officials over what uses should be allowed on the shoreline parcel known as Lot 6.

• Commercial buildings within the city limits can now be no larger than 50,000 square feet. The council enacted the size limitation after Wal-Mart announced plans in late 2001 to build a 186,000-square- foot super store on 16 acres just west of the city. The retail giant’s application was turned down by the County Board of Commissioners and Wal-Mart’s subsequent appeals of that decision were rejected by the state’s higher courts.

• City leaders joined with other local agencies in the late 1990s and early 2000s to block the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs from siting a casino on 40 acres of trust land just east of Hood River. That project is now proposed for Cascade Locks, a largely willing community, and has been submitted for federal review.

• Ordinances have been adopted by the city to regulate signage, zoning, and building sizes so new developments would not leave existing neighborhoods feeling crowded.

“On all of these issues the council was flexible and responsible to the community and that’s what I’m most proud of,” said Streich.

She instituted the Youth Council program and encouraged students of Hood River Valley High School to take part in their local government. Her invitation for students to enter the If I Were Mayor Contest produced two state-winning essays — and some “doable” ideas for civic improvements.

“It’s been good for council to hear these young voices. And it’s been good for youth to be involved in the decision-making process,” said Streich.

The overall lesson that she will carry away from years of public service is, “The older and more mature I get, the less impressed I am by my own ideas.”

She said many times when listening to public testimony, she was convinced by citizens that her preferred path would not be in their best interests. She was grateful for the input that allowed her to see things from a different perspective.

“You really do make better decisions when you hear from all sides,” said Streich.

She said, even though the filing period for mayoral candidates is June 4 to Aug. 26, she wanted to get the word out early that she would not be running. She believes that potential candidates should have as much time as possible to gear up for a campaign.

“I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed being mayor of Hood River. This is truly one of the best little towns in the West,” she said.

“But I really think it’s good for the community to have turnover in political offices. I’ve learned from experience that it keeps new and fresh ideas coming in.”