Candidates for the Snohomish County charter review commission representing Council District 3 recently sent their suggestions for issues that they believe need review.
Sixteen candidates are running in the Nov. 3 general election for three positions representing Edmonds, Lynnwood, Woodway and the rest of Snohomish County Council District 3 on the county charter-review commission.
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, in the order the candidates’ names will appear on the November ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:
Randy Hayden: The two issues that keep coming up are: increase Council to seven and make the executive and Council races non-partisan races. I would also like to see considered a simple majority of Council votes to overturn an executive order.
Please vote Randy Hayden.
David Weston: No response
Natalia Fior: No response
Jared C. Karstetter Jr.: I believe the commission should work on that portion of the charter relating to the first power vested in citizens — the power of initiative/referendum. The current charter prohibits initiatives/referendums involving budget, taxes or fees. The people should have the power to affect those subjects.
Mike Arendt: As a watchdog for everyone who suffers from discrimination, my job on the commission would be to ensure they have a voice.
I want to add “sexual orientation” to the charter’s section banning discrimination “because of race, creed, color, sex, age, handicap or other basis.”
Lisa Utter: I make a commitment to:
- encourage wide outreach to gather the best ideas from the community
- listen to proposals with an open mind and fully research possibilities, and
- act as an advocate for government that is fair, efficient and easy to understand.
Brandon Richards: I’m tired of party politics. Many career politicians (several running for this position) have lost sight of what’s best for the community. Therefore, I’m running to help bring an impartial perspective and help put the people’s needs ahead of politics. I ask for your vote.
Carin Chase: All provisions of the charter need authentic and thoughtful review that encompasses input from the community.
I believe mandated term limits weaken and remove our rights as voters, returning your ballot is the best method to limit terms if voters are dissatisfied with an incumbent.
Mike Cooper: I have lived in Snohomish County over 40 years. Being elected to state, county, city office and chair of the 2006 Charter Commission make me uniquely qualified to serve. I’d appreciate your vote.
Mark Young: I look forward to engaging other commissioners and especially the public, for input in moving Snohomish County forward.
Concerns:
- accountability to the public, which has fallen to the bottom of the list
- budget
- development of citizen groups for feedback and neighborhood action
- term limits
- transparency
Jim Smith: With the charter only being reviewed every ten years, it should be considered in whole. Special attention should be given to enhancing the powers and authority of the local citizens, protecting against runaway budgets and spending, as well as limiting excessive taxing by the county.
Justin P. McMahon: I grew up in Snohomish County. In the past two decades I have watched our community grow and thrive, and I want to help it continue into the future. Please vote for me.
Dustin Goodnight: No response
Mike Luke: I believe the county council should be expanded from 5 to 9 districts and council members be shifted to part-time status to reduce their salaries and other expenses by half. Smaller districts provide more local representation and better accountability of county government.
Marko Liias: After a decade of service in state and local government, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I’ll press for needed reforms that focus our county leaders on results, not more political infighting.
Geoffrey Thorp: No response
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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