Council chooses president with new ideas for Everett
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, December 20, 2000
By KATE REARDON
Herald Writer
EVERETT — David Simpson doesn’t believe all of the city council’s business should be done inside city hall. Sometimes, you have to move into the streets.
Simpson, the council’s 2001 president who will be serving his first term, wants to do just that by having the council sponsor citizen forums four times a year.
It will be open-mike time for residents, Simpson said, adding that the meetings will be a time for council members to ditch their suits and ties. Other cities, such as Vancouver, Wash., already do those types of meetings, he said.
The council president is elected by his peers. Frank Anderson, a former council president, will serve as vice president.
Simpson said he also hopes to increase communication among the council members beginning with a retreat on Jan. 27 at a city waterfront hotel. The retreat is open to the public.
"There’s a communication gap," he said, adding that some council members have served for 20 years while others are only in their first terms.
As council president, Simpson will preside over meetings, review travel and expenses of council members, provide leadership and conflict resolution, and approve the council’s weekly agenda.
Simpson also wants the council to focus on economic development, transportation and public safety.
He wants council members to be more involved in recruiting businesses here. As an example, he pointed to a visit a city staffer made to California about a year ago to woo Hollywood to Everett.
Some have credited that visit with Warner Bros. filming "The Fugitive" TV series in Snohomish County and the Seattle area.
In the future, maybe a city council member could be involved in that type of city promotion, he said.
He also hopes to see the city’s fire department start a cadet program similar to the one offered by the police department so young residents can become involved in public safety work.
There’s a lot to do in the next year, Simpson said. Some work is already controversial, such as the proposed California Street overpass and future riverfront project. Another possible project is a downtown events center.
The city’s downtown transportation center, Everett Station, is also scheduled to open in 2001.
In coming weeks, Simpson will also announce committee assignments for council members.
Council members earn about $1,500 per month, while the council president receives about $1,775 per month.
Simpson said he’s ready for the challenge. Simpson, the council’s 2000 vice president, is a Boeing Co. engineer and neighborhood activist.
Before serving on the city council, Simpson served on numerous boards and commissions in Everett. As a six-year Navy veteran, he supports the military in Everett and has served as the council’s liaison to the Navy.
