04/17/2026
Last night, April 16, 2026 was my final council meeting for this almost ten-year run! I served for four years on the Citizen Finance Committee starting back in 2012. You first elected me ten years ago, in 2016, to a partial term. In 2018, you re-elected me to a full term. In 2022, you re-elected me again. That’s almost ten years straight on City Council, which is very unusual. My kids will tell you I’m unusual anyway. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost ten years! I have been coming to this beautiful building now for 14 years in a row---not even a month off! I am termed out in a few weeks!
In a recent article about local politics, I was described as being ‘cited as a conservative, but who always seems to be a fairly independent, fair-minded thinker’. You know what, that’s close enough for government work! To me, being a Council Member means just that—open-minded to listen to all sides of a story so as to make a good decision for Kirkwood. I have seen much change over the past fourteen years in my service to this city, and there have been many issues we’ve all faced.
Do you remember Magic House parking, Aberdeen, Sugar Creek, Geyer and Big Bend, North Ballas, Horseshoe, Bach, The James, and assisted living downtown? I do, I remember them well as well as your comments, and I always felt it was important for me to represent you and listen to your perspectives. Many ideas have changed, city employees have changed, citizens have changed, and city councils have changed. But one thing has never changed, not in the past ten years serving you as Council Member and Deputy Mayor, and that’s me--keeping my promises to treat citizens and employees with respect, listening to everyone even when we disagree, not grandstanding meetings but doing my homework beforehand, not having hidden agendas or ulterior motives, always being honest and fair with you, being your voice and your representation. I always made the effort to be a Council Member that I would have wanted—professional, approachable, and working for you.
First, I must say thank you to all the lovely residents who’ve supported me during this decade of service to Kirkwood. I also want to thank all city employees who have been such a big help. The Council simply couldn’t do this without you! Thank you to all the former Council Members I have served with previously for your past service to Kirkwood. Thank you to our current council members for your service and all you do, and congratulations and welcome to our recent councilmembers elect! Thanks to former Mayor Art McDonnell, who chased Katy and I down on Jefferson fifteen years ago to encourage me to get involved! Thank you to my wife, children, and family for your constant love and support. This job takes a lot of time, effort, and time away from family and events.
Many decades ago, when I was a young boy, we visited Kirkwood often, dining at the former Massa’s restaurant, and we would see the trains, and our historic station which is becoming new again. Katy's family has been here since 1951! Our love for Kirkwood started many years ago, and continues to this day. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve you, the citizens of Kirkwood. My wife and I thank you for all your support over this past decade. Thank you for the wonderful experiences and memories, and let’s keep in touch!
Mark Zimmer
Deputy Mayor-Kirkwood
