To the Citizens of Garner:
It has been my high privilege and honor to serve the Town of Garner for three terms as a Council Member and one term (as of December) as Mayor. Over the course of these 16 years, I have enjoyed the many opportunities afforded me to work with Council Members, Town staff, and many of you who have served on town committees and in various volunteer capacities.
There has been much growth and change since Faye and I moved here 35 years ago. Together we have been blessed by so many friendships and associations through church, civic groups, sports and athletic programs, volunteer activities, and charitable organizations. Our two children grew up in this town and benefitted from the Wake County School System and all the amenities and services that our town has provided over the years.
I believe Garner is a great place to live, work, and play. I believe the leadership of our current and past elected officials demonstrates a sincere desire to promote and move our town in a positive direction. We have a solid foundation of fiscal responsibility and are attracting new businesses to our town that are increasing the diversity of our economic base. We will soon have new medical facilities that will bring new jobs and enhance the care and well being of all our citizens. As we continue to contend with growth issues, I believe we are in a good position to compete with other Wake County municipalities for our share of transportation, parks and recreation, and economic development monies and opportunities.
As my wife and I have grown older and are now experiencing the joys of grandparenthood, we find our focus to be changing. We desire to spend more time with family, and especially our grand children. Over the course of the past several months we have come to the conclusion that now is the time to “stand aside” and encourage others to take up the call for service. Accordingly, I am announcing my decision to not seek re-election in the upcoming election cycle. This decision will allow us more flexibility to spend time with our daughter and two grandchildren who live in Colorado. We also hope to travel more frequently and explore more of these great United States and other countries. In the meantime, I expect to be fully engaged in the work and responsibilities of my office for the duration of my term.
We look forward, expectantly, to new adventures and new avenues of service for as many years as God provides to us. I am reminded of a quotation from Ellan Goodman who said: “Ultimately time is all you have and the idea isn’t to save it but to savor it.” As Faye and I transition to this new chapter in our lives we expect to learn as much as we can about savoring this wonderful life.
With many memories and warm regards to all,
Mayor Ken Marshburn
Via Town of Garner 6/8/2023