Published: Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Herald endorsement / Snohomish County Council, District 2
Sullivan's experience a plus
Glen Sayes, the Republican challenging Democrat incumbent Brian Sullivan for a seat on the Snohomish County Council, says he offers a fresh alternative to a career politician.
Sullivan, by any measure, is that. He was first elected to the Mukilteo City Council in his 20s, then served two terms as the city's mayor, three terms as a state legislator and now, in his mid-50s, is seeking a second four-year term on the County Council, representing the Mukilteo and Everett areas. He also has worked in the county executive's office, at various times serving each of the county's three executives.
In Sullivan's case, all that experience isn't a bad thing.
His varied experience in public office, combined with a business background that includes time owning a restaurant, gives him a deep grounding in the many nuances of county issues. Add his even temperament and obvious passion for public service, and he's a career politician worth keeping on the job.
Sayes is a thoughtful challenger with a strong business background, but is longer on generalities (county government must do more to attract businesses) than specific solutions. That's often the case with first-time county council candidates, reflecting the learning curve they face when it comes to details of often complicated policy issues that come before the council.
To his credit, he's willing to give honest answers even if they might violate party orthodoxy. Asked if he would support putting an increase in car-tab fees before county voters to help pay for road projects, he said he would weigh the costs and benefits carefully, and wouldn't necessarily oppose it.
On the car-tab question, Sullivan said he wouldn't support an increase without asking voters, and added that the council would have to be specific about the projects it would fund, and be able to prove the need for them.
Sullivan is a budget wonk, and he hasn't been shy about challenging revenue assumptions made by the executive's office. It's one of the areas where his experience comes into play, to the benefit of taxpayers.
Another is dealing with state government. He learned how to navigate it as a legislator, a bonus when advocating for or against legislation that affects the county. He played a leading role on conservation issues while a committee chair in the House, and will be an important voice for the county regarding Puget Sound cleanup and in working to find the right balance between farming and the restoration of estuaries.
On such issues, Sullivan's knowledge and experience is a clear plus.
Sullivan, by any measure, is that. He was first elected to the Mukilteo City Council in his 20s, then served two terms as the city's mayor, three terms as a state legislator and now, in his mid-50s, is seeking a second four-year term on the County Council, representing the Mukilteo and Everett areas. He also has worked in the county executive's office, at various times serving each of the county's three executives.
In Sullivan's case, all that experience isn't a bad thing.
His varied experience in public office, combined with a business background that includes time owning a restaurant, gives him a deep grounding in the many nuances of county issues. Add his even temperament and obvious passion for public service, and he's a career politician worth keeping on the job.
Sayes is a thoughtful challenger with a strong business background, but is longer on generalities (county government must do more to attract businesses) than specific solutions. That's often the case with first-time county council candidates, reflecting the learning curve they face when it comes to details of often complicated policy issues that come before the council.
To his credit, he's willing to give honest answers even if they might violate party orthodoxy. Asked if he would support putting an increase in car-tab fees before county voters to help pay for road projects, he said he would weigh the costs and benefits carefully, and wouldn't necessarily oppose it.
On the car-tab question, Sullivan said he wouldn't support an increase without asking voters, and added that the council would have to be specific about the projects it would fund, and be able to prove the need for them.
Sullivan is a budget wonk, and he hasn't been shy about challenging revenue assumptions made by the executive's office. It's one of the areas where his experience comes into play, to the benefit of taxpayers.
Another is dealing with state government. He learned how to navigate it as a legislator, a bonus when advocating for or against legislation that affects the county. He played a leading role on conservation issues while a committee chair in the House, and will be an important voice for the county regarding Puget Sound cleanup and in working to find the right balance between farming and the restoration of estuaries.
On such issues, Sullivan's knowledge and experience is a clear plus.
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