Oak Harbor Mayor Ronnie Wright proclaimed his success in making the city a great place to work in a recent speech.

During the State of the City address during the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Thursday, Wright began by highlighting the city leaders, especially City Administrator Sabrina Combs, City Clerk Julie Nester, Communications Officer Magi Aguilar and Executive Services Coordinator Macalle Finkle.

“It’s a privilege for me to work with these folks every single day,” he said. “I’m also very proud to see strong women in leadership roles in our government.”

When Wright first took office in January, morale among city staff was at an all-time low, he said.

“We have over the last 11 months changed that culture,” he said. “People are happy and excited to get up and come to work every day. People want to stay in their jobs, and that’s what I want for our community.”

Wright said changes he made since taking office were targeted at creating a high-morale culture.

In the fire department, for example, eliminating the paid on-call firefighter program and investing in full-time staff has bolstered spirits in the firehouse, he said.

In addition, the mayor pointed to major projects that the city has taken on, including the Seventh Avenue and Regatta Drive construction and the capital improvements plan.

Wright emphasized the business community and the city’s partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Oak Harbor Main Street.

“Helping businesses stay competitive and grow within our community is a big priority for me as a business owner myself,” he said.

On Tuesday, the city council approved the biennial budget. Wright said of the $62.9 million in capital projects for the next two years, $26.3 million is covered by grant funding.

Despite criticism over the city’s public records process and general communication by members of the city council and the public, Wright said transparency is one of the core principles of his administration.

The city has hosted open houses, involved the public in decision-making and posted real-time social media updates.

“I don’t like this,” he admitted, “but I’m not a social media person.”

One of the biggest projects looking to Oak Harbor’s future is the marina, he said, which will take reinvention to draw visitors and boost the economy.

Ultimately, he said his vision is a community effort.

“We can do everything we’re doing, but it requires all of you to be involved as well,” he said. “Please attend meetings, use your voice, be heard, be a part of the process, because it only makes us better in the end.”

Oak Harbor Mayor Ronnie Wright addresses Chamber of Commerce luncheon attendees with a State of the City address on Thursday. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)