All American city should value citizens

Everett as an All American City? We who live here certainly know the beauty of our city, its surroundings and the potential for great things to happen here. We are also familiar with the shortcomings of empty offices, retail bankruptcies, park, recreation and open space shortages, hotel vacancies and job loss.

Demonstrated “consensus building and maximizing community services” is a criteria for All American City status. Everett has, of course, built a consensus with developers and the privileged inner circle, however there remains a continued outcry from the citizenry for their voices to be heard. It’s an outcry that does not convey Everett’s ability to build consensus with the people.

We have a great deal of civic pride here, and deservedly so; our EMS, police, fire, parks and roads serve the people well. But there is more to civic pride than basic community services. Civic pride starts with the citizens -citizens who believe that their government listens to them and responds to them.

“Maximizing community services” does not mean “create more asphalt and underutilized multi-use retail and business space.” It does not mean “use public and government dollars to promote private development.” Services to the community include parks, recreation and usable, adequate, open space where people can find respite and enjoyment. As we pursue the all American dream, let us build consensus among those who live here, let us maximize civic pride and community services by utilizing the wealth of citizen creative genius. Today the hue and cry is about historic buildings and an event center on Hewitt, tomorrow it will be about the sale of city owned property to pave over and build “multi-use business and industry” on the riverfront.

Honor your citizens, Everett – value their opinions, really listen to them. Compromise, build consensus. All American is more than dollars, it is values. Be All American, Everett, value your treasures, without despoiling them.

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

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.