Two big victories show we have it

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2003

In 2003, the people of Everett and Snohomish County proved they have the intelligence, the creativity and the vision of a first-class community. In a time of challenge, our friends and neighbors showed a relentless determination to rise to the occasion. The results achieved thus far have been brilliant, and lay the foundation for great things to come.

Two examples highlight the strengths of our community: prevailing in the 7E7 competition, and defeating the SBX proposal.

When The Boeing Co. announced that there would be a competitive bidding process to determine the site for final assembly of the 7E7, Everett and Snohomish County immediately recognized the significance of this project to our economy and to our collective psychology. Locally, an amazing coalition formed – labor, business, and political leaders, along with non-profit organizations and civic groups – all with the common goal of winning the future of commercial aerospace for the state of Washington.

Local leadership drove the effort to convince Boeing to build its next generation aircraft in Everett. Local organizations did the heavy lifting to create a regional partnership to support necessary legislation. Local government personnel worked the details until every question from Boeing had a solid answer. And ultimately, the skill and commitment of our local labor force convinced Boeing to stay.

The SBX battle also showcased the creative, determined intelligence of the people who live here. Once again, special interests were cast aside, and a broad-based group of citizen-leaders worked day and night toward a common goal. Ultimately, they convinced the Department of Defense that it was not reasonable to locate a high-intensity radar array in Puget Sound. Without shouting, without protests or grandstanding, but with persistent effort and unassailable facts, the people in our community carried the day.

The City of Everett has adopted a new slogan: “Great Thinking: With A View.” This year our friends and neighbors proved the truth of that catch phrase. We have a bright future in view, and we have the great thinking, hard working people who have shown that they will make that vision a reality.

Everett