Publisher’s note: MyEverettNews.com does not endorse candidates or take a position on ballot measures. We do encourage voting. As a matter of full disclosure it is my voice you hear on the audio ballots in the Snohomish County accessible voting units. I’ve done that under contract with the Snohomish County Auditor’s office for the past 10 years. MyEverettNews.com does accept political advertising at the rate of $25.00 per week for a 300×250 ad on the right side of the page. We only offer candidate profiles for those races contained to the Everett city limits. – Leland Dart, Publisher
Officially election day is Tuesday November 4th but as a practical matter, voting begins Friday. Ballots are going out this week and drop boxes open and vote by mail returns begin Friday. While there are several races locally that affect people in Everett in one way or another including Congress, State Legislature, County Executive, Sheriff and District Court Judge positions, there is only one race on the ballot this year strictly within the city limits. That’s Everett City Council Position 7. Two weeks ago MyEverettNews.com invited both candidates on the ballot the opportunity to present up to 400 words on why they should be elected to the position. Here are the statements as provided by the candidates. A coin flip decided the order in which they appear.
Here is the statement provided by Judy Tuohy:
Judy Tuohy, Everett City Council Position #7I was born in Everett, raised in the Seahurst and Claremont neighborhoods, graduated from both EHS and CWU. For nearly 20 years I have lead the Schack Art Center, quintupled its operating budget, expanded its county wide programs and raised $6M in our community to build the Schack Art Center in downtown Everett. More than 70,000 people participate in our many programs and of that 60% are from outside of Everett. The Schack Art Center is a regional draw for our city and was awarded the 2014 Governor’s Award for State Arts Organizations.
I bring over 24 years of business management, analysis and planning, creative approaches to problems and the ability to work together with a broad diversity of citizens to find the right solutions. And a proven track record of working with people to get things done.
I will bring a balanced, independent voice to council along with my top priorities:
• Public safety: Keeping our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and work places safe by providing the right resources.
• Fiscal responsibility and careful management of our resources: sound business practices are essential to ensure efficient delivery of services and management of our resources.
• Representing the citizens: I will be accessible and listen to you. Addressing what YOU care about most.
My experience and skills give me the ability to see a vision, pull the community together and realize that vision.
I share your vision that Everett is a great place to live, and I will work with you to make it even better.
Vote for Judy Tuohy, and we will work together to make Everett the best it can be. www.vote4judy.com
Join my supporters:
38th Legislative District Democrats, Snohomish County Democratic Party, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, State Senator John McCoy, State Representative June Robinson, Snohomish County Council Member Brian Sullivan, Former Everett Mayor Bob Anderson, Everett Chief of Police Kathy Atwood (ret.), Everett City Council Member Paul Roberts, Everett City Council Member Brenda Stonecipher, Everett School Board President Pam LeSesne, Everett School Board Member Caroline Mason, Chris Adams, Don Carter, Doug & Robin Ferguson, Kris Hausmann, Steve & Carol Klein, Chris & Holly Knapp, Barb Lamoureux, Hugh & Judy Matheson, Deane & Leslie Minor, John Monroe, Si Newland, Myrna Overstreet, Margaret Riddle, Maryalice Salget, Reid Shockey, Barry & Carol Smith, Harry Stuchell, Morrie Trautman, Clay & Hap Wertheimer, Diane Wright & 100’s of Everett voters.
Here is the statement provided by Rich Anderson:
Rich AndersonAs a lifelong resident of Everett I am proud to have been appointed to the City Council last November. I know Everett’s neighborhoods, its parks and the people who live here. As a private business person and CPA, I have been working to create jobs and support economic development in Everett for nearly forty years. The depth and breadth of my experience in working with businesses – small and large – as a trusted advisor qualifies me to provide a well reasoned approach to the financial challenges Everett faces. Community service has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional life. As a community volunteer I have served the young, elderly, disabled and mentally ill through board service for many of our dedicated non-profit organizations, including United Way, Compass Health, Luther Child Center and the Greater Everett Community Foundation. I have also served on the boards of the Everett Public Library and the Everett Public Facilities District, with the responsibility for design, construction and opening of the $54 million dollar Everett Events Center – on time and under budget.
Today, we must focus on basics and provide the essential services our residents deserve and expect. I am honored to have the endorsements of Everett’s police officers, fire fighters medics, and their leaders – past and present – who recognize and appreciate my strong commitment to public safety as a top priority. We must act responsibly in our budget planning to make long-range decisions which avoid broad cuts to essential services, and we must start now. I will continue to work hard to assure your tax dollars are spent wisely and effectively. In the recent budget actions I cast tough votes on difficult decisions to move the City forward with a balanced budget. Cuts to expenditures represent over one-half of the dollars needed to balance the 2015 budget, with additional cuts to come in future budget phases as we make in-depth reviews of the effectiveness and efficiency of our fire, police and all other departmental operations. A thorough review and adjustment of medical insurance and benefits is underway which will prove Everett to be a leader in bringing cost effective practices to the public sector.
We have important work ahead as a City and we must make sound financial choices for the benefit of all our residents. I would appreciate your vote on Election Day!
MyEverettNews.com would like to thank both candidates for their submissions. Voters please remember to have your vote by mail ballot postmarked by November 4th. Here is a list of the various drop box locations if you’d rather return your ballot that way.
October 15, 2014
Everett, Everett Government