An example of damage to a vehicle parked outside Gary Watts’ Z Sport Automotive shop at 36th Street and Smith Avenue in Everett. Watts has taken to installing 24/7 security cameras and has an onsite security guard, as a way to ensure safety for his customers, their property and staff in what has become an unstable neighborhood.

An example of damage to a vehicle parked outside Gary Watts’ Z Sport Automotive shop at 36th Street and Smith Avenue in Everett. Watts has taken to installing 24/7 security cameras and has an onsite security guard, as a way to ensure safety for his customers, their property and staff in what has become an unstable neighborhood.

County council must make high crime rate a priority: District 2 candidate

Women don’t feel safe in the neighborhood around his shop, says Everett business owner

  • by Campaign to Elect Anna
  • Wednesday, October 2, 2019 12:12pm
  • Marketplace

A lot has changed in the last 37 years in Everett.

Just ask Gary Watts.

The operator of Z Sport Automotive has spent decades developing a successful business at 36th Street and Smith Avenue in Everett’s industrial section. In recent years, however, outside elements have chipped away at that success, making it more difficult for him to retain clientele.

He calls 36th and Smith “the epicenter of crime in Everett,” a city that overall is safer than only five per cent of all U.S. cities, as reported by neighborhoodscout.com based on national crime data.

Having an increasingly serious effect on his business, he says, is the location of Everett Gospel Mission just a block down Smith Street under the I-5.

“The Mission attracts a very diverse group of people, heavily weighted toward drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally disenfranchised folks, the chronically homeless,” Watts says. “Certain populations migrate to this area and that brings with it a very strong criminal element.”

Previously loyal female customers staying away

The perception of safety in the neighborhood has been a huge factor in driving women away from his business over the past seven years, Watts says.

“In 2012 – and we track these kinds of things – we had about 62 per cent female customers. That number today is down to 40 per cent,” he says. “Some people are saying they just don’t feel safe in the neighborhood. For some people, it’s just not a place that after dark, or on a rainy or dark morning, you’d want to be dropping your car off.”

Vandalism, thefts from vehicles common

Watts has invested heavily in 24/7 security and surveillance systems around his shop and an onsite security guard patrols overnight. Frequent break-ins and vandalism to cars and trucks left outside overnight forced him to take stronger measures to prevent damage and theft from his customers’ vehicles.

“We’ve had windshield wipers broken off, key marks on the sides of the cars, rocks through the windows, not to mention stealing whatever’s inside,” he says. “We’ve been forced to totally rebuild one of the largest automotive services in the county to deal with it, rather than investing in helping our customers.”

County Council could help attack problem

While he appreciates the work done by Everett police, Watts says they have a hard time keeping up when the justice system releases most petty criminals from jail back onto the street, a mere eight blocks from the Mission. “That’s why the Snohomish County Council District 2 position is so important. You can work the symptoms or you can work the systemic problems, and right now the City of Everett is working the symptoms,” he says.

He calls candidate Anna Rohrbough someone who is “politically motivated to do the right things … she says what needs to be said and is an action-conscious person who gets things done. I think she can influence how the County reacts to this important issue of public safety.”

Says Rohrbough: “As an elected public servant I believe it is our number 1 responsibly to protect the rights of our citizens. We have to make it uncomfortable to do drugs and commit crimes. I absolutely think it is imperative that we stand up for those who are being victimized by criminal activity on our businesses, in our parks and against our property.”

Read about Anna Rohrbough’s background and experience and her stance on the key issues. You can also follow her campaign on Facebook.

PDC – Paid for by the Campaign to Elect Anna (R). For more information electanna.com

The news and editorial staff of Sound Publishing, Inc. had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this sponsored post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Sound Publishing, Inc.

Sound Publishing, Inc. does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products, nor do we endorse any products posted in our Marketplace.

More in Marketplace

Black Snohomish County is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black voices. Photo courtesy of Change the Narrative.
New ownership aims to connect Black community in Snohomish County

Aims to broaden black representation in the community

“We do just about anything from single-story, one-bedroom, to studio single-room backyard houses,” says Kurt Galley, owner of Carriage Houses NWG. Photo courtesy of Carriage House.
Innovating backyard living with accessory dwelling units in Everett

Detached accessory dwelling units are changing lives

m
Best Dissertation Writing Services: A Comprehensive Guide to the 7 Leading Platforms for Quality Research Assistance

Navigating college, particularly at the postgraduate level, can be challenging. With over… Continue reading

m
Alpha 2.0 Test Driver Reviews – Is Performancex Alpha Test Driver Testosterone Booster Legit or Scam?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition affecting many men worldwide. A study published… Continue reading

Best CBD Oil UK – Top Rated Products (2023 Review)

CBD oil is among the most popular wellness trends in the USA,… Continue reading

m
TOP Essay Writing Services: CustomWritings Became The Best

Get the grades you deserve with these top 6 essay writing services… Continue reading

1
Psychic Readings Online: Discover The Best Live Psychic Chat Reading Service [Free Promo]

Are you looking for guidance, clarity, or insights into where your life… Continue reading

image
Best Dream Interpretation Websites That Work

Humans have always wondered what their dreams were trying to tell them.… Continue reading

main image
7 Best Love Psychic Readings Online: Most Accurate Love Readings And Relationship Predictions

7 Best Love Psychic Readings Online And Love Fortune Readings Love psychic… Continue reading

m
High-Quality THCa Flower for Sale – The Closest Thing to Marijuana!

As consumers enjoy more freedom to use cannabis - even in states… Continue reading

Best THC Edibles – What Are They and Where Can I Buy Them?

A quick read on what to know about THC edibles before you… Continue reading

image1
Legal Delta-9 THC Gummies – Where Can You Buy Them?

New loophole makes delta-9 THC gummies legal. Where to buy them and… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.