EVERETT — Jamie Kinion cringes when people bad-mouth the south Everett neighborhoods that feed Mariner High School.
While she was more than happy to send her two sons to the school, she also understands community concerns about gangs and crime in the area.
“I think it is time to step up and do something positive to give the community the resources to show there are things we can do as a community to fight back against crime,” Kinion said.
“I think that the biggest problem in the area is people are afraid to speak up,” she added. “It’s a matter of people stepping up, opening their eyes and getting involved in good community activities.”
A town hall meeting from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Mariner High School is aimed at doing just that. The theme for the evening is “Taking Back Our Streets.” Speakers include Snohomish County Councilman Brian Sullivan and Superior Court Judge Eric Lucas, both Mariner graduates, as well as Sheriff John Lovick, Mariner Principal Brent Kline and student body president Alicia Greinke.
A similar event last year organized by Mariner students and staff attracted more than 500 people.
A grass-roots organization, the Central Affiliate of the Snohomish County Health and Safety Network, is hosting the event this year. There will be more than 25 booths featuring programs offered by youth- and family-oriented organizations in the area. The evening will end with a community brainstorming session.
Greinke, 18, said Mariner is a wonderfully diverse school and students want to improve the public perception of their campus. Many are stepping forward to help with the town hall meeting.
“Everyone I think who goes to Mariner wants people to look differently at our school,” she said.
Kline, the principal, said the fact that the area is in an unincorporated part of the county makes it hard to create a sense of community. All of which makes Mariner a logical venue to unite residents to see the opportunities around them.
“It should be a good event,” he said.
Kinion, who is helping organize the gathering, said it will be a chance for residents to do something positive.
“The goal is to empower people to feel they are part of their community and can make a difference in their community,” she said.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.
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