EVERETT – If anything can help the city’s housing woes, it’s education, both candidates for mayor said Thursday.
But when it comes to the type of education needed, Mayor Ray Stephanson and City Councilman Ron Gipson part ways.
A four-year university – which Stephanson said could be realized if he wins another term – would prepare residents for the jobs the city need to provide a living wage, he said.
Gipson countered that vocational and trade schools are more practical. “It’s nice to have a university, but what about those who can’t afford it?” he said. “Let’s get the children that are left behind.”
The candidates spoke at a breakfast forum hosted by the Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County.
Stephanson and Gipson joined seven County Council candidates at Everett Station and offered a handful of ideas about combating through-the-roof housing costs and homelessness. They agreed the answer must involve everything from a healthy job market to adequate public transportation.
Several County Council candidates touted homeownership as the ultimate solution to housing issues.
Stephanson argued that permanent housing – whether a rented apartment, a private home or a condominium built through Everett’s downtown development plan – would be a workable solution.
Regulations and tax increases should be eased for residential developers, Gipson said.
The Everett Senior Center should provide classes on options such as reverse mortgages, Stephanson said. Homeowners should learn about the Community Housing Improvement Program, a loan program that helps low- and moderate-income families repair their homes.
Housing Consortium President Ed Petersen called Everett a model city in terms of success at solving housing issues, but later told the group: “This issue is not going away. Work-force housing is a huge dilemma.”
Reporter Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422 or kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
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