Dean Maxwell, 20 year mayor.
Original Photo
The original photo used as reference for the mural was photographed by and unknown photographer in 2002.
Born in Shelby, Montana, in 1955, Dean Maxwell came to Anacortes as a young boy when his father came to work at the new Texaco Refinery.
While working construction under Mayor Jim Rice, he qualified as a journeyman in carpentry. Encouraged by Rice, he served on the Anacortes City Council and the Board of Adjustment, and as a reserve police officer.
He served as Mayor of Anacortes for five terms, from 1994-2013, a time that was distinguished by great improvements in public infrastructure -- improvements to streets, sidewalks, and water systems, and the construction of facilities such as new Police Station, Library, Maritime Heritage Center, and Water Treatment Plant. With partnerships, the Wilson Hotel as renovated to provide low-income housing and a family homeless shelter was built. In addition, he encouraged a conservation easement program that created an endowment fund to ensure the preservation of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands.
