A few weeks ago I attended a Everett City Council meeting. Everett hired consultants to do a review of the Everett Fire Department. As they gave their presentation, I grew more concerned. The council was not privy to the “draft” report beforehand. Thank you, Brenda Stonecipher, for bringing this to everyone’s attention. Mayor Stephenson said he didn’t have a problem supplying them with a copy. Why then, wasn’t it provided to them before so they could be prepared, instead of their hands being tied? They had to keep asking questions that could have been answered beforehand. Were the consultants paid by the hour at the meeting? It was a very long presentation that could have been shortened with information provided beforehand to the council members.
They recommended closing two fire stations, one being Madision and Beverly Boulevard. I remember attending a grand reopening of this station in the recent past.
They also talked about mutual aid with other jurisdictions. Are you kidding me? Everett must accept higher density, therefore there will be more demand of Everett’s services, not less! The fire department staff in the audience didn’t respond nor speak. Perchance they also were not privy to the report.
As a taxpaying citizen concerned for residents’ well being, the public needs to be aware of how the “recommended” changes will affect us all. Personally, I’ve had excellent, professional and fast response whenever I’ve needed them. Every citizen deserves the same.
I’m tired of Everett doing things in secret. When were they going to tell us about buying up property in the pubic works area and tearing down the wonderful Spanish style building that now houses the sewer/water department? When I inquired about it, there was a long pause. They finally said they didn’t know it had been made public yet. Most have to be out by December and move to temporary quarters. The city is looking at some property to buy for the new public works department. I’m tired of our taxes going up as we receive less services. They are “still” working on the Riverfront redevelopment area, with more than $180 million and counting, of our taxpayer dollars footing the bill.
If you are also tired of the way city does business, now is the time to speak up and let your voices be heard. Everett citizens deserve better than this!
Gail Chism
Everett
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
