ARLINGTON – Bob Kraski, a three-term mayor who championed the Smokey Point annexation and building of the Arlington Boys and Girls Club before stepping down in 2003, died Thursday morning. He was 75.

“On behalf of the Arlington City Council and City staff, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of former Mayor and City Councilmember Bob Kraski on his recent passing,” current Mayor Barb Tolbert said in a statement.

“Bob’s service to the city of Arlington will not be forgotten,” she said. Kraski’s involvement in government started in 1980 when was appointed to the city’s Board of Adjustment, then served for almost a decade on the Arlington City Council before being appointed mayor in 1990. During his tenure as mayor, Kraski oversaw construction of a new water treatment plant and sewer treatment plant. He also initiated the formation of the North County Mayors group with former Marysville Mayor Dave Weiser.

Kraski served on the boards of Community Transit, Snohomish County Tomorrow, and County Department of Emergency Management. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the King County Fire District 4 (Shoreline) in the mid-1960s to early 1970s.

Kraski was a longtime member of Rotary, serving as president of the North Snohomish County (Arlington) Rotary Club in 1992. He was active in the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, including serving a term as president, until he closed his business, Kraski’s Furniture, Carpets, and Interiors.

Mayor Tolbert directed flags at all city facilities to fly at half-staff in his memory through Sept. 20.