Let appointment reflect electorate

The Everett City Council is poised to select, on behalf of its citizens, a representative to fill position 7 until the next general election. The council is entrusted with the task of doing so, rather than having Everett residents elect their own member, because the timing of the seat’s vacancy did not allow for it to appear on the ballot.

Do not underestimate the impact of this appointment. When November 2014 rolls around and this appointee stands for election, he or she will possess the power of incumbency. This advantage is earned by voting for projects and policy that benefit potential campaign donors, by speaking at public events where voters see your face and hear your name, by being more informed about issues because you are privy to information related to city business that is difficult to obtain if you are not a councilmember, and by appearing in the various media that circulate among Everett residents.

Next November, this appointee will have name-recognition, talking points, and the ability to raise a lot of money to defend the seat — all achieved as a result of being chosen. So powerful is the ability to appoint someone to an elective office that others (Rod Blagojevich comes to mind) have abused it to their own ends.

As the Council members consider whom to appoint in this vacant position, they are advised to remember that they do not act on their own preferences, but on the preferences of their electorate. Since this council has not demonstrated the ability to be selfless in making such appointments recently, I hope the voters of Everett will be vocal about what they want in their appointee and hold Council members accountable for selecting the applicant who can best deliver it.

Angela Krisinger

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, March 29

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Initiative promoter Tim Eyman takes a selfie photo before the start of a session of Thurston County Superior Court, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Olympia, Wash. Eyman, who ran initiative campaigns across Washington for decades, will no longer be allowed to have any financial control over political committees, under a ruling from Superior Court Judge James Dixon Wednesday that blasted Eyman for using donor's contributions to line his own pocket. Eyman was also told to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Editorial: Initiative fee increase protects process, taxpayers

Bumped up to $156 from $5, the increase may discourage attempts to game the initiative process.

Schwab: Who was Langerhans? And when’s the ferry to his islets?

The Herald’s resident retired surgeon slices into the anatomy of the etymology of our anatomy.

Comment: Cervial cancer treatable; if you’re screened for it

A screening for cervical cancer can detect cancerous or precancerous cells and direct treatment.

Comment: Framers gave us Goldilocks Constitution; let’s use it

It was meant to be resilient, not perfect, but it has to be used as designed toward workable solutions.

Comment: GOP in Congress isn’t fighting crime; it’s arming it

Budget cuts to the FBI and ATF and other riders have made it easier for criminals to get firearms.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, March 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Washington state senators and representatives along with Governor Inslee and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez break ground at the Swift Orange Line on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Community Transit making most of Link’s arrival

The Lynnwood light rail station will allow the transit agency to improve routes and frequency of buses.

Protecting forests and prevent another landslide like Oso

Thank you for the powerful and heartbreaking article about the Oso landslide… Continue reading

Boeing’s downfall started when engineers demoted

Boeing used to be run by engineers who made money to build… Continue reading

Learn swimming safety to protect kids at beach, pool

Don’t forget to dive into water safety before hitting the pool or… Continue reading

An image of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is reflected in a storefront window during the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at thee Everett Mall in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: State of city address makes case for Everett’s future

Mayor Franklin outlines challenges and responses as the city approaches significant decisions.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.