| This message was sent out by City Councilor and LWVN member Andreae Downs last week, and is reprinted with her permission.
Dear Friends: This week Brian Yates, who filled the Ward 5 at-large seat I currently hold, died after a heart attack. He had served the city in this post for roughly thirty years. During my campaign to replace him on the council, Brian was unfailingly kind and honest. His years of service to the city include consistent advocacy for the residents and architecture of his neighborhood of Upper Falls. As I said after my election, his record of service to Upper Falls will be hard to emulate, but I will try. Brian also founded the Friends of Hemlock Gorge, which continues to this day with cleanups and projects to preserve and enhance this lovely park. He worked to create historic districts around the city, and was appointed to serve on the Historic Commission just this year. Brian also had a sly sense of humor, sometimes barely heard in committee meetings, that veered into poetry and Star Trek references. Brian Yates was a pillar of our community in Ward 5 and the city. We will miss him. |