Letter: Prop. 2 won’t incease taxes in Snohomish

This is in response to the city of Snohomish Proposition 2 “con” statement in the Voter’s Pamphlet for the November election, written by three former city council members:

They claim that having eight elected officials instead of the current seven council members, plus one non-elected city manager “will increase taxes.” Quite the contrary, it will lower the cost of city government significantly. Instead of the city manager position costing $197,560 in annual salary and benefits (source: city finance department), the cost of the elected (strong) mayor position will be much lower and more appropriate for a small town, population 9,400 with 48 employees.

Proposition 2 does not propose a radical change in city government. The current “weak” mayor will continue to be a council member. The current city manager can move to Snohomish and compete for the elected “strong” mayor position like any other city resident.

Snohomish has a large talent pool of individuals with managerial experience (some have previously competed for county executive, county council member, U.S. Congress, and Legislature positions) who can run the small town frugally with its current roster of 48 employees.

Snohomish voters will ensure that the most qualified candidate is elected to the non-partisan mayor position.

Don’t be bamboozled or misled by the claims and propaganda from the opponents of Proposition 2, some of whom are entrenched bureaucrats and politicians with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

Morgan Davis

Snohomish

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