People who visit Bothell immediately are drawn into memories of small-town warmth and hospitality. Among its 32,200 residents is Del Spivey, 47, a husband, father of two and a firefighter with the Bellevue Fire Department. He is also one of the seven members that make up the Bothell City Council.

One of many things Spivey loves about Bothell is the close-knit interaction between its residents.

“People would go out for a burger or talk over a cup of coffee about a football game or the school baseball team that their kid plays on,” Spivey said.

In September, Spivey will reach 30 years as a fire-service veteran (six as a volunteer and 24 as a career, with the last 15 at the Bellevue Fire Department), and he has to sometimes excuse himself from meetings.

“My day job is being a firefighter,” he said. “That is why I may miss a session, because that is who I am.”

“His background as a firefighter serves him and the council well when it comes to issues on public service,” said Tris Samberg, a fellow councilmember.

Until 2005, Spivey stated he had no plans on entering politics when one of his friends recommended him to Jeff Merrill, the former Bothell mayor.

“I was volunteering as an umpire for the Northshore Little League,” Spivey said. “Merrill then asked me on whether I was interested in running for a seat on the City Council.”

Since his victory, Spivey and his fellow councilmembers have been discussing new ways, strategies and methods in expanding Bothell. One of those projects is the alignment of the crossroads on state Route 522. The estimated $60 million project, according to the City of Bothell Web site, will allow for a new city hall to be constructed over the existing one, expand the area around the Park at Bothell Landing, decrease traffic congestion around downtown and allow easier pedestrian and automobile access to and from Main Street. The Washington State Department of Transportation mentions the project is expected to be completed by 2012.

Aside from his firefighting and political duties, Spivey tries to ground himself doing what he likes best: volunteering. For instance, he’s an assistant football coach for Bothell High and an elementary school camp counselor.

“Spivey is a great representative and a great servant to our community,” said Joshua Freed, Bothell deputy mayor.

As for Spivey, his future plans are now doing the best job that he can do.

Deni Proto is a student at the University of Washington, Bothell.