County faces stormy seas with new executive at the helm

  • By Jerry Cornfield and Noah Haglund Herald writers
  • Saturday, January 2, 2016 4:58pm
  • Local NewsLocal news

EVERETT — It’s a new year and another new executive is settling into office in Snohomish County.

Whether the arrival of Dave Somers ushers in an era of political stability, regional leadership and statewide influence for Snohomish County is one of the most intriguing questions for 2016.

Somers is the third executive in four years for Washington’s third most-populous county, now topping 750,000 people. He inherits a political body suffering from a series of self-inflicted wounds — some of which Somers helped deliver during in his tenure as a County Council member.

When he walks into the executive’s sixth-floor offices Monday, he’ll face pressing concerns such as a potential strike by more than half the county’s employees, a legal fight with the Tulalip Tribes that could siphon millions of dollars from the county treasury and a political scrap over whether light rail will stop near the Boeing plant as it inches its way toward downtown Everett.

In the coming months, county leaders need to figure out what to do about replacing an aging courthouse after they set aside plans for a new $162 million building in downtown Everett. In his new role, Somers will try to shepherd through any alternatives the County Council sends his way while mending relations with Everett leaders with whom his predecessor, John Lovick, publicly feuded.

With new responsibilities as a regional leader, Somers will have a leading role in charting a path for light rail to reach Everett.

He’ll occupy one of Snohomish County’s three seats on the Sound Transit Board of directors that is crafting a multibillion-dollar tax measure for the November ballot to cover another round of expansion. The delegation wants to make sure it pays for bringing light rail to Everett by way of the industrial area around Paine Field and the Boeing Co. plant, though it may require fending off forces wanting new projects in King County.

But Somers’ biggest tests early on — the ones that will establish his style and earn him a reputation for better or worse — will have little to do with policy.

Fences need mending with some members of the Democratic Party who are peeved at Somers for challenging Lovick, also a Democrat. Relations need repairing with union leaders who backed Lovick and are now negotiating a new contract with the county.

And Somers is going to have to make peace with two County Council members, Brian Sullivan and Stephanie Wright, to avoid getting mired in the type of continuous conflict that has consumed those governing the county the past few years.

Somers led a 3-2 council majority that often butted heads with Sullivan, Wright and Lovick on the courthouse replacement project, the 2015 budget and pay raises for some executive office managers.

Remember Sullivan’s missive in December 2014 accusing Somers, then Council chairman, of “character assassination” and blaming him for contributing to a rancorous atmosphere among the county’s elected leaders?

It’s going to be critical for Somers to avoid pitfalls of the past if he hopes to achieve much in the future.

And filling his seat is bound to change the political dynamic in a way that will help.

State Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, is favored to get the County Council appointment to fill Somers’ vacant council seat. A Democratic Party stalwart, Dunshee’s selection would likely tip the balance toward Democratic council members Brian Sullivan and Stephanie Wright, who were Lovick allies.

But Somers and Dunshee are longtime friends, which should keep things calm for awhile and may precipitate better relations between all parties.

Meanwhile, Guy Palumbo, chairman of the county Planning Commission and a county fire commissioner, wants the appointment too. He’s working tirelessly to win enough support from the Democratic precinct committee officers to be the top nominee for the job.

In the meantime, look for Somers to nurture his ties with Republicans who backed his campaign. Such cross-party goodwill could strengthen his ability to govern, especially if disappointed Lovick supporters in the Democratic Party and labor unions are interested in settling political scores.

Amid Somers’ ascension and the council makeover, the county charter is up for its once-a-decade review. That could thrust big changes onto the November ballot.

A 15-member commission could propose enlarging the County Council from five seats to seven and making those and the executive’s jobs nonpartisan. Any revisions would need voter approval.

Meanwhile, if Dunshee gets the county job, the battle for his 44th Legislative District seat is going to attract attention statewide. That’s because the GOP needs to pick up two seats to be the majority in the House of Representatives and this is a district which historically elects members from both parties.

Next fall’s election will be a busy one with every state House seat and about half the Senate seats up for grabs.

Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee will try to win a second term and extend his party’s hold on the office into a fifth consecutive decade. Republican Bill Bryant stands in his way.

And Snohomish County voters will be a critical bloc for those looking to pass ballot measures targeting pollution-causing carbon emissions and hiking the minimum wage.

Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

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.