Wolken’s Cedar Grove tie needs more disclosure

I received the Snohomish County Official Local Voters’ Pamphlet for the General Election in the mail. Under Port of Everett Commissioner District 2, Mark Wolken summarizes his business experience as owner of a consulting firm and an environmental service company. He further lists his experience and involvement with Asarco Everett development; development of industrial facilities; and Everett Economic Development Director.

He fails to mention his association and representation of Cedar Grove Composting. Further, his “environmental service company” is Environmental Reporting, Monitoring &Solutions, Inc., which is contracted with Cedar Grove to monitor odor complaints related to complaints surrounding Cedar Grove’s operations and alleged odor.

I understand that a Port of Everett Commissioner is a part-time position. A port commissioner is entitled to have outside employment and occupations that are unrelated to his position as port commissioner. But I believe that he should further disclose his ties to Cedar Grove Composting, especially since the issues surrounding Cedar Grove Composting and the odor issues effect the health and welfare of the residents of the city of Everett, the city of Marysville, the Tulalip Tribes and surrounding unincorporated Snohomish County.

Jo Newland

Everett