36.4 F
San Benito
March 29, 2024

Hollister Councilman Friend says goodbye after 10 years

After nearly 10 years, Hollister Councilman Ray Friend is stepping down from his position and his last meeting was Monday.

Council members and other city officials became somewhat emotional while saying goodbye to Friend, first elected in November 2018 when he succeeded Brad Pike. Friend is resigning more than two years early to move to Spokane, Wash.

Council members will need to appoint a new council member for the District 1 council member to replace Friend because he made his decision too late for the position to be on the November ballot. Officials are still considering details on moving ahead with that appointment.

Council members and others like the city manager had several positive anecdotes to share about Friend.

Added City Manager Bill Avera: “I don’t know if I’ve actually worked at the city without you being here.”

Friend was emotional and initially had difficulty talking after receiving high praise.

“I just want to thank the staff,” he said. “Everybody talks about it being difficult up here. It’s time consuming. Sometimes when you’re up here at mdnithgt, it’s tiring. But it’s rewarding too.

 

Several council members praised Friend for his forthright nature.

“You go with what you think your heart says,” Friend said.

Look back for more.

SOCIAL MEDIA

5,035FansLike
272FollowersFollow
1,077FollowersFollow