Candidate Profile For Everett City Council Primary: Ethel McNeal

Editor’s Note: It is the practice of MyEverettNews.com to offer candidates for office an introduction to our readers. We accept these from candidates who will appear on the ballots within the Everett City limits. They are published as a public service and in the order received. MyEverettNews.com does not endorse any candidates or issues. The profiles are not written by MyEverettNews.com.

This profile received from Ethel McNeal. Candidate for Everett City Council Position 4. She is on the ballot for the primary on August 7th. This is a non-partisan office.

My name is Ethel McNeal. I am running for the Everett City Council, Position 4. I was appointed to this office for one year, when Council Woman, Cassie Franklin became the Mayor of the City of Everett. Now I am running to fill the office.
I was born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. I was born during the time of segregation. Growing up in Meridian, during the time of segregation it was not and easy time. We faced racial hate every day. Black and White labels on everything. I decided at an early age that I wanted to make a difference. I ask my dad if I could participate in the Civil Rights Movement. He said yes, but he made sure my brothers were there to keep and eye on me. My dad was there as well. The three Civil Right workers, (James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner), lived around the corner from our house. Our Community had marched on June 21, 1964 for our Civil Rights. Later that evening we were sitting in their backyard listening to them as they shared that were leaving early before daybreak to go to Philadelphia Ms. We could hear the fear in their voices. When we got the word that they had been killed, I became more determined to make a difference. I felt strongly that I had no right to complain, if I was not willing to be part of the solution. Sadly, we still have racism today. I will not allow racism to stop me. Because I know what hate and racism feels like, I don’t want anyone to experience that. I want to be a voice for making Everett a better place to live for all of us. Our city will not become successful until we learn to live and respect each other. It is ok to agree to disagree, but let’s not stop until we achieve goals that solve our Opioid Problem, Homelessness, Gangs, and School Shootings. We didn’t get these problems overnight and they, certainly will not be solved overnight. I want to be a part of the solution, not the problem. The reason I am running for Everett City Council to make a difference.