Lakewood honors outgoing mayor and deputy mayor amid mixed public praise and criticism
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Summary
At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Lakewood City Council presented proclamations honoring Mayor Jason Whelan and Deputy Mayor Mary Moss. Public comments ranged from gratitude and praise to sharp criticism over land-use decisions and police conduct; council members and staff offered tributes and reflections.
Mayor Jason Whelan and Deputy Mayor Mary Moss were honored with proclamations at the Lakewood City Council’s final meeting of 2025, which the council held Monday evening. The proclamations cited many years of public service, regional collaboration and volunteer leadership.
The recognition drew a mix of public reaction. Several speakers offered thanks and personal tributes: former City Manager Andrew Niedetz praised the council’s collaborative change after Whelan and Moss joined; Ria Johnson of Tacoma Sister Cities lauded their leadership and community partnerships; retired Police Chief Mike Zaro phoned in his appreciation. Resident Larry Woods and other attendees also expressed gratitude for the pair’s service.
Other public commenters used the occasion to deliver harsh critiques. Resident James Dunlop criticized the council’s past handling of police misconduct and settlements, citing the Leonard Thomas and Saeed Joaquin cases and reported large settlements; Dunlop said the council should have insisted on firings or resignations. Christina Monetti of the Gary Oak Coalition delivered an extended condemnation of the council’s land-use record, alleging that decisions favored warehouses and developers over preservation of Garry oak trees, local landmarks and restoration of waterways, and that mitigation payments did not compensate for ecological loss. Ibrahim Mirjalidi raised a separate permitting dispute, alleging inconsistent treatment of surveys and permits across neighboring properties.
Council members responded with personal reflections and thanks. Councilmembers described Whelan and Moss as collaborative leaders who helped shape infrastructure, parks and volunteer engagement. No formal policy action was taken in response to the critical public comments during the meeting.
The meeting proceeded to routine business after the public comment period; councilmembers closed the evening with additional tributes and adjourned.
The council will reconvene in January 2026, with Councilmember Pearson appointed to preside at the first meeting on Jan. 5.
