SNOHOMISH — Candidates running for office in Snohomish talked Thursday about balancing small-town values with regional growth that’s outpacing much of the country.
The upcoming change in city government may add another complicating factor.
For the first time in decades, people in Snohomish will vote for a strong mayor in August. A bid to replace the current council-manager form of government passed by nine votes in November.
Four candidates vying for the mayoral position spoke during a forum at the Snohomish Library on Thursday evening. A handful of the candidates running for City Council also joined the conversation.
Chairs filled up fast. A couple dozen people stood in the back of the room and lined the walls elbow-to-elbow.
Mayoral candidates discussed affordable housing, marijuana businesses and keeping tabs on government operations — all while preserving the city’s character and history.
Elizabeth Larsen, who works as a senior environmental planner for Snohomish County, wants to launch a neighborhoods committee where representatives from around town can get together to discuss sidewalk repairs, crime watches and other issues.
Councilman Derrick Burke hopes to take a closer look at the city’s economic-development plan and revisit residency requirements for people serving on city boards and commissions. He wants people who live in the city to be leaders in those groups.
Karen Guzak, a councilwoman and former mayor, said she wants to focus on building bridges in the community.
John Kartak, who grew up and raised a family in Snohomish, talked about representing the needs of the community and bolstering government that is more open to scrutiny.
All proposed the idea of hosting town hall meetings.
Meagan Gray, a City Council candidate, said council meetings are not an appropriate time for conversations.
Town hall gatherings would provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and have discussions with local leaders, she said.
An audience member asked the panel about the upcoming advisory vote regarding marijuana. An ordinance from 2014 implemented zoning restrictions that pushed marijuana stores outside of town. Voters will be asked in August whether they would like to lift the ban. An advisory measure is non-binding, meaning the results of the vote alone can’t change policy.
All mayoral candidates agreed to lift the ban if that is the consensus among voters. Several suggested hosting town hall meetings specifically designated to educating people on how the change in pot policy could impact the city and those who live in it.
The top two mayoral candidates selected in the Aug. 1 primary will face off in the general election in November.
Caitlin Tomkins:425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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