Click to see the proposed ordinance which was withdrawn.
That proposal was brought forward by Everett City Council President Brenda Stonecipher and seconded by councilmember Ben Zarlingo. While it wouldn’t go into effect until after the 2025 election it would directly affect Councilmember Mary Fosse who serves District 1 on the Everett City Council and also is a representative in the 38th District of the State Legislature which covers Everett, Tulalip and Marysville.
More than a dozen citizens spoke against the proposed ordinance. There was not a single speaker in favor of the ordinance. President Stonecipher said her intention was not personal or partisan saying last session was very difficult and it would be more difficult if multiple council members chose to run.
Several speakers called out the attendance record of President Stonecipher and said they felt this was a move against Councilmember Fosse.
After all of the public speakers and councilmembers had their say, Mary Fosse addressed the issue and spoke of challenges faced being a new councilmember looking to make change and facing roadblocks at most every step. She referenced existing Everett City leadership not being ready for change and that it was the leadership who had the most absences calling the action a disservice to the community and her neighbors.
Council President Stonecipher made a motion to withdraw the ordinance which was seconded by Councilmember Vogeli. Stonecipher suggested that if there were supporters of the idea they bring it before the Charter Review Commission which meets in a couple of years.
The motion to withdraw the proposed ordinance passed with a unanimous vote. You can see the entire Everett City Council meeting and all of the comments below on the City’s YouTube Channel. Jump to 2:04:30 to hear Councilmember Fosse’s comments.
December 6, 2023
Everett Government