Candidates for the Snohomish County charter review commission representing council district 4 recently sent their suggestions for reviewing the charter.
Ten candidates are running in the Nov. 3 general election for three positions representing Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Bothell, Mill Creek and the rest of County Council District 4.
Each of the county’s five council districts elects three commission members.
The 15 charter-review commissioners serve one-year terms every 10 years to review the county charter and propose possible amendments for upcoming ballots.
Here are the statements from candidates in District 4, in the order the candidates’ names will appear on the November ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:
Edward “Ed” J. Barton: We should listen to the ideas from staff and citizens. Among those issues I’ve heard during the campaign are: Expanding to seven councilmembers, mandatory biennial budgets, spending caps with reserve requirements, and requiring that a county elected official hold only one office at a time.
Robert Reedy: As a member of the Charter Review Commission, I will recommend a public vote on any county expenditure of $100 million or more. I will also recommend creating regional county offices so that citizens can do business with the county more quickly and easily.
Cheryl Stanford: To increase transparency and accountability, we need more clarity for the role and responsibilities of the Performance Auditor. We also need to adopt gender-neutral language and update the nondiscrimination clause to align with state law.
Herbie Martin: Snohomish County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and reaching closer to 800,000 population.
The surrounding counties have more than five council members, therefore, the council needs to be increased.
Vote for me Herbie Martin Charter Review Commissioner District 4.
Heidi Munson: No response
Nancy Dawson: We should review several areas of the charter. Here are some:
- Replace the word “Nondiscrimination”; instead, promote inclusion in all aspects of government.
- Increase the number of County Council members and look at redistricting to reflect population.
- Mandate open, regular communication in the Development Code.
Rick DeWitt: No response.
Bill Johnson: No response.
Brian Travis: Most of our county’s charter serves our citizens well; as with all things there is room for improvement. I advocate for a review of section(s)
- 2.50.140 — Use of county property
- 2.74.061 — Unclaimed deceased persons
- 2.80.030 — Alcoholism and drug abuse administrative board Membership and qualifications.
Bob Terwilliger: I would like the Charter Review Commission to consider eliminating the 3-term limit for county elected officials currently in the charter.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
