Mayors’ public safety campaign poorly timed before election

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Shame on our Snohomish County mayors who pushed the scale so hard they may have broken it! (“Mayors: Enough if enough, we want something done for public safety,” The Herald, Oct. 5)

Talk about bad political optics, these are the worst I have seen in decades around here.The press conference for Mayors and Business Leaders for Public Safety was even picked up nationally by MSN.

With just days until local ballots are mailed for an election next month, I must call shenanigans on this charade. Our public dollars are being spent to further the interest of a very conservative agenda, while our votes are dismissed when our elected legislators are being directly targeted by these special business interests and wayward mayors.

Should I be scared for public safety? Frankly, I’m much more scared of these political fear tactics, which started with a PR teaser campaign from our county sheriff (who is up for reelection next year). This erosion of democracy is part of a larger national scheme and must be stopped cold in its tracks.

Is there a public safety issue? Is there a human services issue? Whatever our answers to these questions may be, the most important question in my mind remains: Why now? Why couldn’t this consortium have displayed their bravado and concern after votes were cast? It is unacceptable that elected mayors will proudly put their thumb on the scale and fain naivety of any consequences. I expect this of our police chiefs as they are not elected, but consistently push to preserve budgets, increase staffing and add unlimited military surplus gear.

I want to thank our state legislators who were elected to do the tough work in Olympia and those who seek to serve. There is dignity in public service, but not in manipulating voters.

Paula Townsell

Everett