Greg Thornton, the mayor of La Center, resigned from his position on March 22.
Before Thornton’s election as mayor, he served as a councilmember from 2010 to 2015 and was a planning commissioner from 2007 to 2010.
“Mayor Thornton successfully led the City of La Center through major organizational restructuring processes, policy updates and staffing changes,” stated a news release from the city. “Under his leadership, the city streamlined internal practices to better serve the community.”
The city noted Thornton established “excellent relationships” with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, staff at ilani, and developers interested in the La Center community.
During Thornton’s time in office, La Center experienced “tremendous growth” as the population grew by over 25% and expanded the city’s incorporated areas to include large tracts of land at the Interstate 5 La Center Junction for future development.
The city stated Thornton’s leadership “positively impacted La Center’s vision and sense of place as planning efforts were undertaken to grow the city’s economic base at the La Center Junction, the Historic Town Center, and Timmen Landing areas, as well as expanded access to parks, open space, natural areas and recreational amenities.”
Under his leadership as mayor, the city stated it saw significant progress in infrastructure investment, which included federal and state grants to fund the Brezee Creek Culvert Removal and East Fourth Street widening project, and the NW Pacific Highway Shared Use Path project.
Thornton also led the acquisition of the new La Center City Hall building and obtained state grant funding for its remodel. He also helped obtain state grant funds to remodel La Center’s Community Center building, which the city said provided and enhanced important community gathering locations.
“Mayor Thornton asks for privacy while he focuses on his health,” stated the release.
Councilmember Liz Cerveny is currently serving as mayor pro tem.
