MUKILTEO — Someone saying they are the city’s three new council members has been sending confrontational letters to prominent city institutions, apparently trying to put the city on edge as it gets ready to make the transition to a new council.
Jennifer Gregerson, Donna Lansberry and Tony Tinsley all said they had no part in writing letters that challenge the relationship the council has with the Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society and Mukilteo Beacon newspaper.
Each said they don’t expect the letters to affect their start as new council members come January. Mayor Don Doran said the same.
"I don’t think the new council members drafted these letters," Doran said, saying that it’s a normal part of city government to have new council members.
"I believe these new council members are way more intelligent than the person who thought this was a good idea."
Attorney Terry Preshaw sent a complaint to the Federal Bureau of Investigations on Friday after as many as four letters were sent over the last week, two to the Beacon, and one each to the Chamber and historical society. Her complaint was filed on behalf of Gregerson and Lansberry but not Tinsley.
As an example, the letter to the chamber said:
"As the new elected City Council members, we have decided that you are completely out of touch with the businesses in Mukilteo. You do not represent them as a whole, and we believe some of your members are given special ‘back room’ deals by the current administration."
Lansberry said it’s unfortunate that the letters were sent out, but she doesn’t think it will affect her.
"I think there’s a lunatic out there trying to stir up trouble," she said. "It’s someone who is trying to viciously undercut us."
She said it won’t stop her from joining the council with an open mind and a willingness to work with existing council members.
Gregerson said she’s "shocked" that someone would try to misrepresent her, but added the letters are "irrelevant."
"I respect everyone on the council and feel like they respect me," she said.
Tinsley echoed her comments.
"It’s a shame that people do this, but my main motivation is to try to work for the benefit of Mukilteo," he said. "My sense is these letters will not have an affect."
Reporter Lukas Velush:
425-339-3449 or
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