Once upon a time in what was a much smaller and less toney Washington State, there was a fellow from Spokane who served as both the state's insurance commissioner and its fire marshal. He was an elected official and had every intention of retaining his office for as long as possible.

Even in those dark days before the Internet and continual political polling, this Democrat had learned that if the voters remembered his name, he was likely to keep his job. So he had printed hundreds of signs to be posted in public places reminding people when it was not a good idea to smoke.

The No Smoking signs were a wonder to behold. The words "No Smoking" were not the main part of the sign, however. Each of the bright red lettered signs said: "KARL HERRMANN" in huge block letters; then in slightly smaller letters was his title "Washington State Insurance Commissioner" and "State Fire Marshal." Finally in rather small letters was the caution, "No Smoking."

Well, his sign legacy has survived and is alive and well with another Democrat, and this time in Seattle.

Just about every piece of printed matter issued in Seattle's City Hall has a nice, but rather dated big color photograph of our mayor, Greg Nickels. This photo is at the top of every brochure, no matter what department of city government issues it. The photograph, the name and the kind words about his leadership remind the city staff of his honor's vast importance to their future in city government and also makes certain that citizens who have any business at all with the powers that be realize that the big banana is Greg Nickels, Mayor.

The Honorable Greg Nickels is nearing the midway point in his second term. In recent times, another mayor served three terms, 12 years. That was Charles Royer.

Is that what Greg Nickels, Mayor, is hoping for? Some around the city already bandy about the term, "Mayor for life." His other political options, at this point, at least, seem limited.

He could run for governor, but another Democrat holds that office and Christine Gregoire appears set to run for a second term. The United States Senate also appear out of the question, with Patty Murray firmly into her third term and now with seniority in Washington, and Maria Cantwell in office until 2012.

Of course, Nickels could run against Dave Reichert for the Eighth District Congressional seat, but that appears a bit of a come down for a man of his stature.

It is a bit odd that His Honor has offended a lot of his natural constituency and is bound to have some real competition in a third term election match in 2009.

We just hope the mayor leaves a healthy city where business can survive and where citizens retain a bit of the power they once had through neighborhood organizations. We are hoping it will not become all Greg Nickels world to the exclusion of the rest of us.

Above all, remember GREG NICKELS is the MAYOR of Seattle!

- Jack Mayne