Thank you.
Saying that I am overwhelmed with all the emotions I feel right now would be an understatement. While I won't keep you for hours, the depth of my gratitude could easily fill a lifetime. I wish I could hug and personally thank every person who has made this life experience what it was, one of my greatest blessings.
First, I want to thank you for gathering to be part of this very special, but also bitter-sweet, occasion. A special thank you especially to Kandie and each of you who helped in arranging such a grand farewell party. And thank you to the Sister Cities for providing the beverages. Your efforts have made this experience as memorable and special as you have through all the moments of these past years that I have had with you. Thank you to Mike Frizzell for volunteering to capture the pictures and video of this day. I am sure I will look through them many times over the years to come.
Thank you to Crystal, Dawn, Gavin, Mitch, Kate, Julie, and video speakers
Most importantly I want to thank my daughter, Jeydan, who was just 7 months old when I was first elected. She has since turned 18 and has never known a mom who wasn’t serving in office. Honestly, Jeydan has served as much as I have because she has spent so much time with me volunteering for the city or sitting through meetings. I do not know any other young adult that has as much knowledge about their city and local government than she does. Your support has been invaluable and I could not have done this without your support, Jeydan. I love you.
I also want to thank my parents for always being there - whether to babysit the puppy when I had a long day of meetings, by donating their time and talent to help us raise money for the mayors Christmas tree fund, or helping put together trivia games. Their support has meant everything to me.
I have spent my entire life in this city that I love. With almost 18 years on the council, and close to 9 of those years serving as mayor alongside so many of you, I have lost count of the number of meetings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, proclamations, coffees, speeches and other duties that I have packed into almost 2 decades. BUT I will never lose count of how many times you made me feel appreciated.
Having never seen myself in politics, I often wondered why I felt the powerful push from God to serve. As a matter of fact I would often ask, “Why me, God?!” But I know now that He gave me this opportunity so I could be blessed to work with each of you. This is what will resonate in my heart over the coming decades – the great memories of shared times, friendships forged, and the incredible successes we have enjoyed. These have been an extraordinary part of my life. I hope, in return, that you have always felt the love and appreciation I have for each of you. It was you, and the quality and care that you put into your work, that has made this a great city for all of us.
I remember early on Mayor Jeff Meyers advising me to surround myself with good people and I am proud to say that I feel I am the luckiest mayor in the world when it comes to the staff during my terms. I have been surrounded by rockstars the entire time and it meant so much to me to work with professionals for the betterment of our city. You have loved our city, supported complete transparency, and have always put the residents of Shawnee first, and showing up at almost every event interacting with our community.
The many projects we tackled together and the amazing things we accomplished for Shawnee make me so proud of how we brought to life the vision I had for our growth of our beautiful city. Thank you, everyone, for your heartfelt words. We did not always agree on everything but at the end of every day we knew we cared about our city, each other, and we loved one another. We felt like a family that was only slightly dysfunctional. You all gave me strength in the areas of my weaknesses, and Julie gave me personality. Well, she tried.
And the admiration and love I feel extends to every member of our staff. How many mayors can say they have complete trust in the integrity and professionalism of their police department? Complete trust in the integrity and professionalism of their fire department? Of the quality of work in their public works department? Of the inclusive recreation of their parks department? Of the thoughtful standards of their planning department? Of the kindness and fairness of their codes enforcement department? Of the care and consideration of our future by the chamber? How many mayors can say these things of all of their city departments? I was once naive to think this was commonplace and have since learned it is not. Thank you for allowing me to be a mayor that could have such unrelenting faith in all of you, from each department head down through the entire staff. Each of you has a true heart for our city.
Some of my favorite memories are shadowing the folks in public works, parks, police, and fire. And as I always mention in my state of the city’s…while not jobs I shadowed, but just as important, are all those in the background that keep our city running like IT, finance, HR, and community development. To have an entire organization that not only works so hard, but cares so much, blessed my years as mayor and is something that is unique to the city of Shawnee. You have built, and continue to serve with honor, a world class city.
A couple of my funniest memories, well ones I can share publicly, were one, while attending a veteran’s event one of the veteran’s approached me and said, “I know who you are! You’re the wife of the mayor!” I just smiled and shook his hand. Then there was that time I was unfortunately the first medical call out of our new fire station 74 and when the paramedics arrived at the ER to transport me to the main hospital I heard the nurse in the hallway tell the paramedics that I am the mayor and the paramedic responded, “Is she REALLY the mayor or does she just think she’s the mayor because I have transported Jesus Christ before.” And of course any ride alongs with Gillum would have me laughing so hard I would cry and my abs would hurt for days. Thank you all for giving me so much laughter over the years.
During my tenure, I had opportunities to learn life lessons that have helped me both professionally and personally. I met and made many friends who have had my back in good times, and hard times. We achieved so much by working collaboratively and in harmony. And, while my time in office has been both rewarding and challenging, it has only been possible due to each of you. Every single time I talk to people and they tell me they love Shawnee, it’s all of you that they love. You make Shawnee the unique wonderful hometown with heart that it is. All of you…staff, businesses, the faith community, volunteers, and the residents - you care and make our city a better place.
Any of my Mayoral accomplishments would not have happened without the herculean efforts and egoless contributions of so many who serve our Hometown with Heart. So many dedicated and trustworthy people raised their hands to be chosen to do hard things so Shawnee can continue to be the best place to live. You show up every day and put in the sweat and tears it takes to do what is right. I hope you are proud. I am proud of you.
I would be remiss not to also mention those we have lost over the years, those I wish were here today. While I am left heartbroken, they live on through their contributions to our city that will carry forward to our future generations.
In closing, I want to express my deep and abiding appreciation and love for allowing me to serve alongside you. These shared memories and experiences will be what I miss the most, being able to work alongside each of you. I will miss you encouraging me, especially when things were quite challenging. I will miss being beside you in the coming years.
As I move on to the next phase of my life, I am excited to explore new volunteer opportunities with the city, spend some time traveling, and spend more time with my family and friends.
Walt Disney once said “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Just as Walt Disney envisioned creating a wonderful place, it was your commitment and hard work that made our dream for Shawnee a reality. You make the dream of our Shawnee a reality and I cannot thank you enough for your incredible love, loyalty, and friendship.
I wish you all the best and I look forward to seeing the continued success you bring to our city through your hard work. I will miss you.
Each day. I have served my God, my family, my Shawnee, and all of you with all my heart. I have given all that I could. But even then, you have given me more than I could ever express.
My heart is forever woven into the fabric of this community, and my love for each of you is boundless. I love you.
Thank you.
Saying that I am overwhelmed with all the emotions I feel right now would be an understatement. While I won't keep you for hours, the depth of my gratitude could easily fill a lifetime. I wish I could hug and personally thank every person who has made this life experience what it was, one of my greatest blessings.
First, I want to thank you for gathering to be part of this very special, but also bitter-sweet, occasion. A special thank you especially to Kandie and each of you who helped in arranging such a grand farewell party. And thank you to the Sister Cities for providing the beverages. Your efforts have made this experience as memorable and special as you have through all the moments of these past years that I have had with you. Thank you to Mike Frizzell for volunteering to capture the pictures and video of this day. I am sure I will look through them many times over the years to come.
Thank you to Crystal, Dawn, Gavin, Mitch, Kate, Julie, and video speakers
Most importantly I want to thank my daughter, Jeydan, who was just 7 months old when I was first elected. She has since turned 18 and has never known a mom who wasn’t serving in office. Honestly, Jeydan has served as much as I have because she has spent so much time with me volunteering for the city or sitting through meetings. I do not know any other young adult that has as much knowledge about their city and local government than she does. Your support has been invaluable and I could not have done this without your support, Jeydan. I love you.
I also want to thank my parents for always being there - whether to babysit the puppy when I had a long day of meetings, by donating their time and talent to help us raise money for the mayors Christmas tree fund, or helping put together trivia games. Their support has meant everything to me.
I have spent my entire life in this city that I love. With almost 18 years on the council, and close to 9 of those years serving as mayor alongside so many of you, I have lost count of the number of meetings, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, proclamations, coffees, speeches and other duties that I have packed into almost 2 decades. BUT I will never lose count of how many times you made me feel appreciated.
Having never seen myself in politics, I often wondered why I felt the powerful push from God to serve. As a matter of fact I would often ask, “Why me, God?!” But I know now that He gave me this opportunity so I could be blessed to work with each of you. This is what will resonate in my heart over the coming decades – the great memories of shared times, friendships forged, and the incredible successes we have enjoyed. These have been an extraordinary part of my life. I hope, in return, that you have always felt the love and appreciation I have for each of you. It was you, and the quality and care that you put into your work, that has made this a great city for all of us.
I remember early on Mayor Jeff Meyers advising me to surround myself with good people and I am proud to say that I feel I am the luckiest mayor in the world when it comes to the staff during my terms. I have been surrounded by rockstars the entire time and it meant so much to me to work with professionals for the betterment of our city. You have loved our city, supported complete transparency, and have always put the residents of Shawnee first, and showing up at almost every event interacting with our community.
The many projects we tackled together and the amazing things we accomplished for Shawnee make me so proud of how we brought to life the vision I had for our growth of our beautiful city. Thank you, everyone, for your heartfelt words. We did not always agree on everything but at the end of every day we knew we cared about our city, each other, and we loved one another. We felt like a family that was only slightly dysfunctional. You all gave me strength in the areas of my weaknesses, and Julie gave me personality. Well, she tried.
And the admiration and love I feel extends to every member of our staff. How many mayors can say they have complete trust in the integrity and professionalism of their police department? Complete trust in the integrity and professionalism of their fire department? Of the quality of work in their public works department? Of the inclusive recreation of their parks department? Of the thoughtful standards of their planning department? Of the kindness and fairness of their codes enforcement department? Of the care and consideration of our future by the chamber? How many mayors can say these things of all of their city departments? I was once naive to think this was commonplace and have since learned it is not. Thank you for allowing me to be a mayor that could have such unrelenting faith in all of you, from each department head down through the entire staff. Each of you has a true heart for our city.
Some of my favorite memories are shadowing the folks in public works, parks, police, and fire. And as I always mention in my state of the city’s…while not jobs I shadowed, but just as important, are all those in the background that keep our city running like IT, finance, HR, and community development. To have an entire organization that not only works so hard, but cares so much, blessed my years as mayor and is something that is unique to the city of Shawnee. You have built, and continue to serve with honor, a world class city.
A couple of my funniest memories, well ones I can share publicly, were one, while attending a veteran’s event one of the veteran’s approached me and said, “I know who you are! You’re the wife of the mayor!” I just smiled and shook his hand. Then there was that time I was unfortunately the first medical call out of our new fire station 74 and when the paramedics arrived at the ER to transport me to the main hospital I heard the nurse in the hallway tell the paramedics that I am the mayor and the paramedic responded, “Is she REALLY the mayor or does she just think she’s the mayor because I have transported Jesus Christ before.” And of course any ride alongs with Gillum would have me laughing so hard I would cry and my abs would hurt for days. Thank you all for giving me so much laughter over the years.
During my tenure, I had opportunities to learn life lessons that have helped me both professionally and personally. I met and made many friends who have had my back in good times, and hard times. We achieved so much by working collaboratively and in harmony. And, while my time in office has been both rewarding and challenging, it has only been possible due to each of you. Every single time I talk to people and they tell me they love Shawnee, it’s all of you that they love. You make Shawnee the unique wonderful hometown with heart that it is. All of you…staff, businesses, the faith community, volunteers, and the residents - you care and make our city a better place.
Any of my Mayoral accomplishments would not have happened without the herculean efforts and egoless contributions of so many who serve our Hometown with Heart. So many dedicated and trustworthy people raised their hands to be chosen to do hard things so Shawnee can continue to be the best place to live. You show up every day and put in the sweat and tears it takes to do what is right. I hope you are proud. I am proud of you.
I would be remiss not to also mention those we have lost over the years, those I wish were here today. While I am left heartbroken, they live on through their contributions to our city that will carry forward to our future generations.
In closing, I want to express my deep and abiding appreciation and love for allowing me to serve alongside you. These shared memories and experiences will be what I miss the most, being able to work alongside each of you. I will miss you encouraging me, especially when things were quite challenging. I will miss being beside you in the coming years.
As I move on to the next phase of my life, I am excited to explore new volunteer opportunities with the city, spend some time traveling, and spend more time with my family and friends.
Walt Disney once said “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Just as Walt Disney envisioned creating a wonderful place, it was your commitment and hard work that made our dream for Shawnee a reality. You make the dream of our Shawnee a reality and I cannot thank you enough for your incredible love, loyalty, and friendship.
I wish you all the best and I look forward to seeing the continued success you bring to our city through your hard work. I will miss you.
Each day. I have served my God, my family, my Shawnee, and all of you with all my heart. I have given all that I could. But even then, you have given me more than I could ever express.
My heart is forever woven into the fabric of this community, and my love for each of you is boundless. I love you.
Thank you.
April 7th. April 7th is the deadline I gave myself to make a decision.
I recently saw a quote by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that I felt an immediate kinship to and it said, “If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself. Something to repair tears in your community. Something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That’s what I think a meaningful life is - Living not for oneself, but for one’s community.”
Eight years ago today, April 7, 2015, you elected me Mayor of Shawnee - and four years after, you did it again. In these past two terms, I have learned so much. I’ve never aspired to be in politics nor driven to pander or comply to be accepted. Like you, I’m a hard-working and devoted mother, employee, friend, and citizen who loves our Shawnee more than any other place. I stood on stage a few weeks ago, delivering my State of the City address to my Shawnee neighbors, and was struck by just how incredible the work is that we have accomplished. I am immensely proud of how far we have come in the last eight years.
These advances could not have happened without the herculean efforts and egoless contributions of so many who serve our Hometown with Heart. Many dedicated and trustworthy people raise their hands to be chosen to do hard things so Shawnee can continue to be the best place to live. They show up every day and put in the sweat and tears it takes to do what is right. I am proud of them. They are a big part of why I have consistently put in over a thousand hours a year over the last eight years to stand up for Shawnee and work for Shawnee’s prosperity.
This dedication to our great Shawnee community drove me to run for a second term, even as the city government became more and more politically polarized. I knew that the role of Shawnee’s Mayor needed to remain nonpartisan. I feared the factions that were attacking me personally would be able to complete the goal of making Shawnee less welcoming for others - other thoughts, other beliefs, other lives, other family structures, all the ‘others’ that don’t fit in their tiny box. With a heavy heart, we have watched so many dedicated people leave our city in recent years.
To quote Leslie Knope, “I care. I care a lot. It’s kind of my thing.”
Many have asked me about running for a third term as Mayor, which has weighed heavy on me these past ten months. I am blessed and grateful for your support and I have spent many hours praying for clarity and strength to continue the excellent work we have accomplished, often despite the efforts to stop us.
While my heart remains focused on service to this city, it cannot bear another four years of the divisive politics I see happening. As such, I will continue my life of service, working amongst others for the betterment of my beloved Shawnee, but I will not be running for a third term, ending my 17 years of faithful elected service to my hometown.
Reflecting on the decision to run for Mayor in 2015, I was naive about the political forces that pressure and attempt to bully the position. As we worked to broaden the business opportunities in Shawnee, the ability to remain neutral politically was made very difficult by individuals focused on exclusion rather than inclusion; on the negative rather than the positive. They focused on issues that do not have a place in local government and on a stubborn adherence to the status quo instead of the possibilities of Shawnee’s future.
I have strived to give a voice to the people, all the people, in every decision I faced as Mayor. This position must be about service to one’s local community, focusing on resident and business engagement, public safety, infrastructure, recreation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
My leadership was about not thinking alike but thinking together. Unfortunately for others, it has become a political “me” movement, not a Shawnee “us” movement of growth and acceptance.
Just as our police officers, firefighters, public work professionals, parks and recreation folks, and all other city department employees serve the entire community, so should we as elected officials.
Some wish I had been more vocal against the attacks on my good name, integrity, and life. Citizens who know my servant heart, my deep dedication, and my honesty have counseled me to fight back against those who have worked hard to break me. My refusal to do so lies in my unwavering belief that the office of the Mayor is about the work needing to be done for which the people of Shawnee chose the person.
I lie down every night, knowing I have always led with integrity. Any mistakes I have made have been just that, honest mistakes for which I have always taken responsibility. No amount of shaming or fabrication of the facts can change my knowing that my integrity is intact.
Being the Mayor of Shawnee has been a great honor, and I am proud of all we have accomplished. Sadly, the regressive politics at play are beyond my ability to stay the course of running for a third term. Truth be told, I can no longer bite my tongue, a skill required of a good Mayor who needs to be a peacekeeper and an equitable servant voice.
Our city faces real challenges in the coming years. Continued responsible economic growth, a focus on public safety and infrastructure, and moving forward as a community for everyone are vital to the future of our city. The work needed to continue the successes we have seen in the last eight years will be immense. It requires a focus on what the vast majority of the community wants, forward-thinking and accepting leadership who can do the roll-up-your-sleeves work needed to take Shawnee into the future.
I do hope someone will raise their hand to serve who is willing to bridge the divides that have been created. Someone who will continue to serve our ‘one’ Shawnee in a nonpartisan way. Someone who puts every current and future Shawnee resident before their own limited belief systems, political aspirations, or party. That person is out there. And I can’t wait for them to raise their hand to lead.
I have served my God, my family, my Shawnee, and all of you with all of my heart.
Thank you for your support and love over the years.
MayorD23
I recently saw a quote by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that I felt an immediate kinship to and it said, “If you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself. Something to repair tears in your community. Something to make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That’s what I think a meaningful life is - Living not for oneself, but for one’s community.”
Eight years ago today, April 7, 2015, you elected me Mayor of Shawnee - and four years after, you did it again. In these past two terms, I have learned so much. I’ve never aspired to be in politics nor driven to pander or comply to be accepted. Like you, I’m a hard-working and devoted mother, employee, friend, and citizen who loves our Shawnee more than any other place. I stood on stage a few weeks ago, delivering my State of the City address to my Shawnee neighbors, and was struck by just how incredible the work is that we have accomplished. I am immensely proud of how far we have come in the last eight years.
These advances could not have happened without the herculean efforts and egoless contributions of so many who serve our Hometown with Heart. Many dedicated and trustworthy people raise their hands to be chosen to do hard things so Shawnee can continue to be the best place to live. They show up every day and put in the sweat and tears it takes to do what is right. I am proud of them. They are a big part of why I have consistently put in over a thousand hours a year over the last eight years to stand up for Shawnee and work for Shawnee’s prosperity.
This dedication to our great Shawnee community drove me to run for a second term, even as the city government became more and more politically polarized. I knew that the role of Shawnee’s Mayor needed to remain nonpartisan. I feared the factions that were attacking me personally would be able to complete the goal of making Shawnee less welcoming for others - other thoughts, other beliefs, other lives, other family structures, all the ‘others’ that don’t fit in their tiny box. With a heavy heart, we have watched so many dedicated people leave our city in recent years.
To quote Leslie Knope, “I care. I care a lot. It’s kind of my thing.”
Many have asked me about running for a third term as Mayor, which has weighed heavy on me these past ten months. I am blessed and grateful for your support and I have spent many hours praying for clarity and strength to continue the excellent work we have accomplished, often despite the efforts to stop us.
While my heart remains focused on service to this city, it cannot bear another four years of the divisive politics I see happening. As such, I will continue my life of service, working amongst others for the betterment of my beloved Shawnee, but I will not be running for a third term, ending my 17 years of faithful elected service to my hometown.
Reflecting on the decision to run for Mayor in 2015, I was naive about the political forces that pressure and attempt to bully the position. As we worked to broaden the business opportunities in Shawnee, the ability to remain neutral politically was made very difficult by individuals focused on exclusion rather than inclusion; on the negative rather than the positive. They focused on issues that do not have a place in local government and on a stubborn adherence to the status quo instead of the possibilities of Shawnee’s future.
I have strived to give a voice to the people, all the people, in every decision I faced as Mayor. This position must be about service to one’s local community, focusing on resident and business engagement, public safety, infrastructure, recreation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
My leadership was about not thinking alike but thinking together. Unfortunately for others, it has become a political “me” movement, not a Shawnee “us” movement of growth and acceptance.
Just as our police officers, firefighters, public work professionals, parks and recreation folks, and all other city department employees serve the entire community, so should we as elected officials.
Some wish I had been more vocal against the attacks on my good name, integrity, and life. Citizens who know my servant heart, my deep dedication, and my honesty have counseled me to fight back against those who have worked hard to break me. My refusal to do so lies in my unwavering belief that the office of the Mayor is about the work needing to be done for which the people of Shawnee chose the person.
I lie down every night, knowing I have always led with integrity. Any mistakes I have made have been just that, honest mistakes for which I have always taken responsibility. No amount of shaming or fabrication of the facts can change my knowing that my integrity is intact.
Being the Mayor of Shawnee has been a great honor, and I am proud of all we have accomplished. Sadly, the regressive politics at play are beyond my ability to stay the course of running for a third term. Truth be told, I can no longer bite my tongue, a skill required of a good Mayor who needs to be a peacekeeper and an equitable servant voice.
Our city faces real challenges in the coming years. Continued responsible economic growth, a focus on public safety and infrastructure, and moving forward as a community for everyone are vital to the future of our city. The work needed to continue the successes we have seen in the last eight years will be immense. It requires a focus on what the vast majority of the community wants, forward-thinking and accepting leadership who can do the roll-up-your-sleeves work needed to take Shawnee into the future.
I do hope someone will raise their hand to serve who is willing to bridge the divides that have been created. Someone who will continue to serve our ‘one’ Shawnee in a nonpartisan way. Someone who puts every current and future Shawnee resident before their own limited belief systems, political aspirations, or party. That person is out there. And I can’t wait for them to raise their hand to lead.
I have served my God, my family, my Shawnee, and all of you with all of my heart.
Thank you for your support and love over the years.
MayorD23
Paid for by Elect Michelle Distler
Michelle Distler, Treasurer |
The City of Shawnee is a growing, vibrant community. With growth, comes many challenges. As a lifelong resident of Shawnee, with a family business that was established in the heart of downtown Shawnee for 29 years, the welfare and happiness of our community, as well as the economic health of Shawnee are things I take seriously. Service as a city councilperson and mayor has prepared me to deal effectively, openly, and responsibly with the challenges we will face as we move into the future.
Through public service, I have learned municipal government works best when citizens, like you, are involved, informed, and participate. I firmly believe, when we work together, through an open exchange of ideas, much can be accomplished. Listening to residents, gathering perspectives, and considering directions my fellow citizens wish to go is what I am here to do! My vision as mayor is to have a positive effect on the people and businesses of the City of Shawnee working collaboratively with you with visibility and accountability. Great things are on the horizon for this community and we are in this together to make it happen! In my view, public service is not a stepping stone. Shawnee is my home and where I wish to serve. I am committed to our community. There is no other place I will call home and no other city I love more than Shawnee. I am excited about its future! It has been my distinct pleasure to have worked with and gotten to know so many of you over the years. Your involvement and views on important matters addressed by the City Council has been extremely valuable to me as well as an integral part of our community's development. I thank you for your participation and civic commitment. Sincerely, Michelle Distler My devotion to Shawnee drives my desire to represent and serve. It is a natural continuation of not only my City Council service, but of all my other service in the community. Because of my deep association and familiarity with Shawnee's past, I feel I have a unique perspective on issues that have shaped our city. We have accomplished a lot over the last few years but there is more to be done to continue that momentum! It is a blessing and honor to serve you. 2023 State of the City 2022 State of the City 2021 State of the City 2020 State of the City The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. —Max DePree 
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