Editorials

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   HAVE YOUR SAY Feel strongly about something? Share it with the community by writing a letter to the editor. You’ll need to include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) We reserve the right to edit letters, but if you keep yours to 250 words or less, we won’t ask you to shorten it. If your letter is published, please wait 30 days before submitting another. Send it to: E-mail: letters@heraldnet.com Mail: Letters section The Herald P.O. Box 930 Everett, WA 98206 Fax: 425-339-3458 Have a question about letters? Contact Carol MacPherson (cmacpherson@heraldnet.com or 425-339-3472).   Published: Sunday, October 4, 2009 ENDORSEMENTS / SNOHOMISH COUNTY COUNCIL Incumbents lead deep field This year's three races for the five-member Snohomish County Council represent the strongest field in recent memory. The challengers, as well as the seasoned incumbents, all have impressive credentials, pertinent experience and a reasonable grasp of the complex issues that dominate the council's time. While we believe the incumbents are all representing their districts well and deserve to be re-elected, we think the challengers also make compelling cases. Their intelligence and clear commitment offer reason for optimism that Snohomish County can continue to produce capable candidates for public office from a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints. Our hats are off to all six candidates in this year's County Council races. District 1 (north county, from Marysville to the county line, including Granite Falls and Darrington): Two-term incumbent John Koster, the lone Republican currently on the council, has long been respected by members of both major parties and has built good working relationships with Democrats on the council and, previously, during his six years in the state Legislature. The former dairyman brings a strong and consistent voice of government restraint to the council, and has accomplished much, including the successful push to have the county take over the former Wenberg State Park when the state threatened to close it. He's also been a leading force for protecting agricultural land. His challenger, Democrat Ellen Hiatt Watson, cut her political teeth leading the grassroots 7-Lakes organization that has helped fight off large developments in rural areas. She has worked hard to learn the details and nuances of county land-use issues, proving herself a quick study. If she doesn't prevail in this race, we encourage her to remain active in public policy, where she appears to have a bright future. District 4 (areas of south county in and around Mill Creek, Bothell, Brier and Mountlake Terrace): Few dig into the technical details of county codes and policy with as much relish as Democrat Dave Gossett. He served as a council analyst before being elected to the seat eight years ago, and as a city councilman and mayor in Mountlake Terrace. His knowledge and energy have served the district well, particularly on growth and transportation issues. His vision and doggedness have led to better, greener developments than would otherwise have been built, intersection improvements that have improved traffic flow (especially along 35th Avenue SE), and congestion relief through increased use of transit. Gossett is challenged by retired Lynnwood Fire Chief Bob Meador, who currently serves on the boards of Stevens Hospital and Fire District 1. The Republican's broad record of public service makes him an attractive candidate, and we don't doubt him when he says he would work to improve relationships with local governments and look for ways to make county government more efficient. We simply think the district would be better served by another four years of Gossett's work ethic and know-how. District 5 (east county, including the Lake Stevens area and the U.S. 2 corridor): Democrat Dave Somers promised four years ago to keep an open door and open mind, and he has. The former fisheries biologist, accused by opponents in the past of having a too-restrictive environmental agenda, is supported this time by the Master Builders Association — evidence that he has brought a balanced and practical approach to development issues. His Republican challenger, former Snohomish City Councilman and Mayor Steve Dana, is a smart and thoughtful moderate who preaches fiscal discipline and accountability. Against a weaker incumbent, we might well be endorsing Dana. He just hasn't make a convincing case for replacing Somers. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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