Town hall was packed with well-wishers on Dec. 21, in honor of Mayor Carrie Lacher, who, after eight years of serving, decided not to run for another term.

“I had a dream last night that I was giving this speech in Market Place, and everyone left before I was done,” said Lacher, opening her comments.

Town Administrator Duncan Wilson presented Lacher with a crystal gavel and plaque, and several attendees thanked her for her service.

“I have always thought of you as a sister,” said Carrie Brooks, with Islanders Bank, commending Lacher for her even-handed approach to governance. “You were exactly what the town needed. Exactly what it needed.”

Lacher is the town’s first woman mayor, and Brooks pointed out that there will only be one woman elected official in Friday Harbor after Lacher steps down, and that is Barbara Marrett, Port of Friday Harbor commissioner.

Both San Juan County Councilman Rick Hughes and former Councilman Bob Jarmon praised Lacher for helping smooth tensions between the town and county. Former town administrator King Fitch was on hand to praise her as well, to which Lacher responded, “You are one of the most ethical people I know, and that is rare in politics.”

“I always knew who was boss,” Wilson said during his comments. “But I also always knew she would listen.”