Taylor leaves Spokane Valley for Connell

One of Spokane Valley’s original City Council members, Steve Taylor, took leave of the city at Tuesday’s council meeting and took some ribbing in the process.

Taylor, 33, resigned to become city administrator in Connell, Wash.

“We’re losing one of the fathers of Spokane Valley,” Mayor Rich Munson said, noting Taylor was still in his 20s when he was elected to the new city’s first council. “He’s wearing long pants tonight.”

Taylor joked that he had often been on the losing side of a 6-1 vote, and Councilman Dick Denenny gave him a sign that …

One of Spokane Valley’s original City Council members, Steve Taylor, took leave of the city at Tuesday’s council meeting and took some ribbing in the process.

Taylor, 33, resigned to become city administrator in Connell, Wash.

“We’re losing one of the fathers of Spokane Valley,” Mayor Rich Munson said, noting Taylor was still in his 20s when he was elected to the new city’s first council. “He’s wearing long pants tonight.”

Taylor joked that he had often been on the losing side of a 6-1 vote, and Councilman Dick Denenny gave him a sign that read “6-1.”

Businessman Dick Behm, who frequently addresses the council, said Taylor’s departure “wouldn’t be quite complete” unless he had something to say.

“You’ve gotten the bit in your teeth and you’ve run with it – sometimes in the opposite direction from everybody else – and it’s been hard to rein you in,” Behm said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to know you.”

Others praised Taylor’s abilities as they said goodbye to him, but City Manager Dave Mercier extended a professional greeting.

“It is with great pleasure that I say, ‘Welcome to the profession,’ ” Mercier said.