Candidate Statement From Ben Zarlingo For Everett City Council District 5

Editor’s Note: On July 7th candidates in the August 3rd Primary for Mayor, Everett City Council District 3 and Everett City Council District 5 were invited to send a statement up to 500 words to MyEverettNews.com introducing themselves to our readers. Not all of the candidates responded but we are publishing unedited statements from those that did reply by our deadline. MyEverettNews.com does not endorse candidates but thinks this is a good way for you to hear directly from the people running. We will do this again prior to the General Election.

Statement from Ben Zarlingo for Everett City Council District 5 covering southeast Everett.

When my family moved here in 1991, we immediately joined the Silver Lake Neighborhood Association and have been deeply involved ever since. I’ve demonstrated a commitment to public service, volunteering as a director of the association for many years. I’ve worked on service projects with United Way and Forterra, both in the neighborhood and elsewhere in Everett and I spent several years as a robotics coach and math volunteer at a public school.

I’ve engaged with the City Council, Planning Commission, hearing examiners, and the Parks Board many times. I’ve provided input on zoning/comprehensive plan changes, road and wetland projects, commercial and residential developments.

Our neighborhood association worked with businesses and developers to help make projects better for neighbors, with local knowledge and community involvement. We have also opposed some projects and zoning changes when they didn’t make sense for the neighborhood.

Voters in my district want our city to provide a good base on which to build the rest of their lives. They are concerned about crime, development impacts, traffic, housing costs, homelessness, and fair taxes and efficient government spending.

My priorities:

1) Sensible programs that combine assistance to those who are homeless with measures to protect businesses and neighborhoods. Housing should be paired with addiction and mental health treatment so that those we help don’t fall back into homelessness and create more encampments.

2) Provide adequate and stable funding and programs for public safety. It’s essential that residents, visitors and shoppers feel safe in Everett. Our police, firefighters, and EMTs deserve our support.

3) Long term budget sustainability—We must address persistent revenue shortfalls with careful spending and a cautious eye on taxes, avoiding tax increases that discourage retail sales and business investment. Instead we should welcome new businesses that create family wage jobs, producing growth that solves budget problems without requiring endless cuts in City services.

4) Promote responsible development and a range of housing choices while protecting homeowners and taxpayers that are the anchors of our neighborhoods. I want to make sure south Everett neighborhoods in district 5 have fair access to parks and City services

5) Support joint efforts to provide housing and services for children and their families, such as the “Baker Heights” project of the Everett Housing Authority and Everett School District. A focus on children is our best chance to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty.

It’s time to take the next step in public service by bringing my demonstrated commitment, energy, and knowledge to our City Council. I’d be honored to earn your vote.

I’m proud to be endorsed by current Everett Councilmembers Scott Bader, Scott Murphy, and Jeff Moore. I’ve also been endorsed by former Councilmembers Ethel McNeil and Shannon Affholter.
Web: www.zarlingo5.com
Email: zarlingo.everettcouncil@gmail.com