Former Bellingham mayors Ken Hertz, Tim Douglas, and Mark Asmundson shared stories about the challenges and successes they experienced during their terms at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center on April 21, 2025. The program was organized by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County and videorecorded by BTV; it can be viewed
here.
Moderator and League member Kirsten Barron started the conversation off by reviewing some of the world--and local--events of each mayor's tenure.
The mayors' stories reminded viewers of how much Bellingham has changed in the last forty-five years. Mayor Hertz was mayor from 1976-1983. In Hertz's opinion, the most important event of his tenure was Bellingham's transition to a strong mayor system with department leaders selected on the basis of merit. Also during his term as mayor the Bellingham Mall was constructed, leaving many empty storefronts downtown.
Mayor Douglas, who served from 1984 to 1995 and again, briefly, in 2007, oversaw the transition of the Alaska ferry from Seattle to Bellingham. He pointed out that "Bellingham, through that [effort], really awakened to the fact, if you want to do something and put you effort into it, you can accomplish something."
Another recurring theme was the importance of planning and infrastructure. "None of the things that are good in Bellingham happened by accident," said Mayor Asmundson, who served from 1996 to 2006. Asmundson's term was also significantly impacted by the Olympic pipeline explosion, which inspired him to lobby successfully for national pipeline safely legislation.
The League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County thanks the mayors and moderator for their participation in this fascinating look back at how the struggles of past leadership have led to much of what Bellinghamsters love about their community today.