One of the most remarkable couples in Auburn is still very active and promoting so many good things for the community. They are Chuck and Leila Booth.

Chuck worked for the Auburn School District as the assistant superintendent for many years. Observing his actions as a teaching colleague, I noticed over the years that when there was a difficult personnel problem, it was assigned to him and it was solved.

When there came a notice that we could spend only 60 percent of the school budget – and it seemed like it happened every year – the district always ended the year in the black.

After Chuck retired from the school district, he ran for and was elected mayor of Auburn. He took a city budget deficit, provided the necessary city services and ended two terms as mayor with the city in the black. When he announced for his second term, no one was willing to run against him.

Leila also has been very active in the community. She has served as president of the Valley Kiwanis Club, president of the Auburn Lions Club and was one of the founders of the Miss Auburn Scholarship program, one of the most successful in the nation.

As long as I have known her, and that is about 40 years, she has worked to support the community. She has a beautiful voice and has sung at countless church and life celebrations. If you have a chance to hear her sing with her daughter, Mary Vargas, it is a beautiful combination.

Both Chuck and Leila have been loyal supporters of the Auburn Food Bank.

If Auburn is “more than you imagined,” one of the reasons is Chuck and Leila Booth.

– Harold Valentine

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