City of Morgan Hill will lower flags in memory and honor of former Mayor Dennis Kennedy

The city of Morgan Hill will lower flags in memory and honor of former Mayor Dennis Kennedy at all city facilities from 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 through 1 p.m. Saturday, April 30.  The city invites local businesses and residents to do the same, said Maureen Tobin, communications and engagement manager for the city.

Dennis Kennedy was a significant leader and visionary for the Morgan Hill community. As Morgan Hill’s mayor, Dennis had a vision to improve Morgan Hill’s quality of life for its residents.  That vision became a reality as he led the city in the development and construction of public facilities that transformed the community.

For more than 25 years, Kennedy demonstrated his effectiveness in the public policy arena serving as a Planning Commissioner, council member and mayor of Morgan Hill from December 1996 to December 2006.

Through his efforts, Kennedy helped this city become a shining example of smart growth. Under his leadership, Morgan Hill created ample affordable housing and has worked to balance jobs, housing, commerce and industry while preserving the areas precious open space and agricultural land.

“Dennis was the heart and soul of Morgan Hill. He put in place his legacy that improved our city over time,” said Mayor Steve Tate in recollection of his friend and political colleague.

Kennedy’s most obvious accomplishment was guiding the visioning process the city went through in the mid-1990s, he said. That resulted in Redevelopment Agency funds being used to build the Community and Cultural Center, the Community Playhouse, the Aquatics Center, the Centennial Recreation Center, the Morgan Hill Library and do significant upgrades to the Outdoor Recreation Center.

 Kennedy’s family and friends will remember and celebrate his life this weekend with a funeral held at 10 a.m. April 30 at St. Catherine’s Church across the street from City Hall. “The city of Morgan Hill also remembers and celebrates his many contributions that shaped the amazing community we live, work and play in today,” Tobin said.