Original release courtesy of the League of Oregon Cities
BEND, Ore. – The League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) prestigious Mark O. Hatfield Statesmanship Award was presented to Independence Mayor John McArdle during the LOC’s 99th Annual Conference in Bend. The award is presented to a deserving “statesman” who has provided lasting benefits to the quality of life for Oregon citizens.
One of the longest-tenured mayors in Oregon, Mayor McArdle is a selfless leader who convenes, leads challenging conversations, then generates momentum for achieving goals. Throughout his 26 years leading Independence, Mayor McArdle has advocated for community-led initiatives, which include broad vision plans and citizen guidance.
Mayor McArdle has also led the completion of numerous downtown enhancements, including construction of a new library, an amphitheater, an eight-screen cinema, and the redevelopment of the downtown streetscape. Twenty years ago, recognizing the importance of connectivity to his city’s future, Mayor McArdle guided a partnership with the neighboring city of Monmouth to create MINET, bringing high speed internet to every home and business in the two communities.
An enthusiastic ambassador for local government, Mayor McArdle has worked tirelessly to help educate, prepare and connect elected officials throughout the state. He frequently hosts city officials to exchange ideas and travels across the state to help city councils overcome differences and work together.
Mayor McArdle has been an outstanding ambassador for the League of Oregon Cities and Oregon Mayors Association, serving each as a board member and president. His LOC service includes numerous policy committees, testifying at the Legislature, and overseeing the LOC Foundation.
About the Mark O. Hatfield Statesmanship Award
The Hatfield Award is presented to a deserving “statesman” who has provided lasting benefits to the quality of life for Oregon citizens. Applicants must be held in high esteem by the public due to their unselfish devotion to the call of public service. Hatfield began his political career in 1950 as a member of the Oregon Legislature, and in 1956 became the state’s youngest Secretary of State at age 34. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1966 and became the longest-serving Senator from Oregon in 1993.
Previous Hatfield Award winners include: former Redmond Mayor George Endicott (2022); former Pendleton Mayor Philip Houk (2017); former Nehalem Mayor Shirley Kalkhoven (2015); former Oregon Senator Betsy Johnson (2013); former U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (2011); former
Oregon Senator Brady Adams (2007); former Oregon Senator Cliff Trow (2001), former Oregon Governor Neil Goldschmidt (1997) and former Oregon and U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield (1996).
About the League of Oregon Cities
Founded in 1925, the LOC is a voluntary association representing all 241 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The League helps city governments serve their citizens by providing legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical assistance, and publications.
# # #