Editor’s Note: On September 19th candidates in the November 2nd General Election for Mayor, Everett City Council Districts, Everett School Board and Port of Everett Commissioner 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. All offices are non-partisan.
Ben Zarlingo, candidate provided photo.
If you want to know how I’ll serve Council district 5, you might look at how I’ve served my neighborhood and my community over the past 30 years. When we moved from Holly Drive to Silver Lake in 1991, we joined the Silver Lake Neighborhood Association and have been deeply involved ever since. I believe strongly in public service, volunteering countless hours including as a neighborhood officer and director for many years.
Since 1992 I’ve been engaging with the City Council, the Planning Commission, both City and County hearing examiners, and the Parks Board many times. I’ve provided impact analysis and input on zoning/comprehensive plan changes, road and wetland projects, and many commercial and residential developments. I’ve worked with businesses and developers to help make projects better for neighbors, with local knowledge and community involvement.
Along the way I’ve volunteered with Forterra forest restoration in Silver Lake & two other neighborhoods, and have been a public school volunteer robotics team coach/mentor for 3 years. I’ve also done volunteer middle school math instruction and tutoring. I’ve been part of United Way construction volunteer projects at Cocoon House, Helping Hands Thrift Store, and residential treatment homes. I’m a multi-year volunteer for the Snohomish County/Everett Lake Monitor program, Silver Lake Triathlon, the Everett Parks Kayaking instruction program, and the National Night Out.
My priorities:
1) Bring a responsible approach to homelessness—Offer help to those in need while taking action to protect businesses, customers, and neighborhoods.
2) Ensure adequate and stable funding and programs for public safety—It’s essential that residents, visitors and shoppers feel safe in Everett.
3) Balance the budget with careful spending and avoid taxes that discourage sales and investment—Encourage businesses that will bring family wage jobs and increase the tax base.
4) Promote responsible development and a range of housing choices while protecting homeowners that are the anchors of our neighborhoods.
5) Enhance the quality of life in south Everett—I’ve been working directly with the project manager of the Silver Lake Trail for more than a year and construction is planned for 2022. Before COVID we were discussing a Silver Lake paddleboard regatta with local business owners, and I’ll broaden these efforts as the councilmember for your district.
To the Council I’ll bring my energy, knowledge and proven commitment to Everett and our neighborhoods. I’ve loved living and raising a family here and I know we have a bright future together in Everett.
Endorsements: The Everett Herald, the Affordable Housing Council, Marysville Mayor John Nehring, current and former Everett Councilmembers Scott Bader, Jeff Moore, Scott Murphy, Ethel McNeil, Shannon Affholter, former Snohomish County Deputy Executive Gary Weikel, neighborhood chair Dana Oliver and more.
Web: www.zarlingo5.com
Email: zarlingo.everettcouncil@gmail.com
October 10, 2021
Everett Government