It was a record turnout Sept. 21 for a Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

The reason for such interest in what are already popular and well-attended luncheons? City of Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak’s final address to city business leaders.

A variety of regional elected officials and business leaders were among the 190 people in attendance at the Heritage Inn to hear Manjak’s parting words – with many stating they were eagerly anticipating the speech, having heard in advance that it would be a good one.

And Manjak did not disappoint. He opened with a humorous slide show, reflecting upon the city’s current situation and his outgoing status, before he sidled over to noting where the city is at and where he sees it going.

Manjak seized the opportunity to inform people that rumours of him leaving politics because he can’t take the heat any more, simply aren’t true and that he was leaving office because he and his wife Raeleen had discussed things long and hard as to where they’re going in life and timing was right to step aside, he said.

Raeleen is now the District of Sparwood’s director of corporate services and the couple are in the process of moving to the Elk Valley town.

Manjak also fired a broadside at the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook. While noting that opposing ideas are good thing for democracy, he criticized the group, which led the successful charge against the East Hill expansion, for not coming up with tangible, useable options or ideas in their opposition to city hall or development in the city.

Manjak also criticized environmentalists for the same reason and told the luncheon gathering that he is proud of the city’s environmental record.

“I think that will be our legacy,” he said, noting the city always keep an eye to the environment but pragmatically so, and always considers what is good for people, too.

Manjak also paid tribute to past and present council members and city staff, as well as other elected officials and to institutions and organizations in the city.

Adding great colour and humour to the event was a song performed by Mary Schatschneider, daughter of Coun. Liz Schatschneider.

The up-and-coming comedienne tweaked the words to Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire,’ to a constant howl of laughter and loud applause at the end. (See end of story for the full lyrical content).

She opened by pointing out Manjak’s “rapier wit” and repeated one of his jokes: “Why are Russian cars so bad? Because they keep Stalin!”

While groans subsided, she suggested Manjak will be beginning a new career as an extreme fighter. “Mayhem Manjak in the Octagon!” She announced.

Schatschneider, a close family friend of Manjak’s, told the crowd “there is much this man can’t do – mostly due to Raeleen!” Again earning a loud ovation, before she began her song.

Concluding the song, Chamber of Commerce president Sean Campbell, noting the mayor’s words were “fantastic,” said “that’s our program. I don’t how to follow that!”

He then presented Manjak with a special gift on behalf of the chamber. “It’s a gift that reflects” Manjak’s time in office, he said, referring to a tree that will be placed wherever Manjak would like, that will have a plaque noting appreciation of his service to Cranbrook.
Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’  – The Scott Manjak edition
Written by Mary Schatschneider

“New Library, Big Airport, Superstore, Wal-Mart
Shadow Mountain, Wildstone, New Developments
Hospital, Spirit Square, Moir Park, Road Repair
Rails to Trails, Backage Road, Many Convenants

Rec Plex built, Skate park too, East Hill Hullaballoo
Winter games, Spirit Tree, Highway finally gets redone
Transit System, Strip in bloom, Baker Park’s new washroom
Cranbrook Ed, Winter Lights, and Olympic torch run

Chorus

Just a little raise in our taxes
And the city’s improving, and the people aren’t moving
Just a little raise in our taxes
And Scott’s much greyer after being mayor

Senior’s Fitness, Pinecrest, Gary’s one time request,
Tudor house, Windsor Arms, holes the size of pots
Fire Hall, MRI, Sixth street north’s new turn light,
Gardens, Bandstand, We’ll really miss our Scott,

OCP, DCC’s, The Ice have got a long lease
Delta’s here, mosquito spray, Deer won’t seem to go away
2 Robs, Kevin, and Marise, 2 Waynes, 2 Debs, and Bernice
Delta’s gone, Carbon’s down, Metric tons of sewage

Chorus

Just a little raise in our taxes
And the city’s improving, and the people aren’t moving
Just a little raise in our taxes
And Scott’s much greyer after being mayor

Bridge
City flag, R-DEK Chair, That can’t be a grey hair
Arches, Hockeyville, You can’t forget about Will
New Bylaws, Land gets sold, it’s not like you’re getting old
Sani-dump, reservoir, Scott’s only thirty-four

St. Mary’s park, Website, 07′ windstorm,
Soccer fields, Home Depot, and an East Side Mario’s
03′ forest fires, new fibre optic wires
Baker park seniors home,  JCI’s new playground

Chorus

Just a little raise in our taxes
And the city’s improving, and the people aren’t moving
Just a little raise in our taxes
And Scott’s much greyer after being mayor

Treaty Talks committee man, Reconciliation
E D O, Banners, Cull goes into action
Mountains of opportunity, museum moves down the street
Dave Wilks, MP, New MLA Bill B
A K B L G, K E and E K  H D
Acronyms need a trim
Just ask UBCM

Not even pets, near the vette, water spots, wouldn’t bet
Chris or Moraya, who gets the keys? Not even if they said please
Two months to go, then there’ll be, a lot less CLC
Calls at home, what a loss, do they have to be so Cross?
Always meeting taxpayers, dealing with the nay-sayers
News paper slander wars, he can’t take it anymore!

Chorus

Just a little raise in our taxes
And the city’s improving, and people aren’t moving
Just a little raise in our taxes
And Scott’s much greyer after being mayor.”

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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