County, tribes endorse wisdom of getting along

“I’d rather mitigate than litigate.”

John McCoy, the state lawmaker and a leader of the Tulalip Tribes, delivers that message frequently, smiling at the irony that something so obvious even bears repeating.

It’s working, though. Last year, the tribes forged a written accord with one of their frequent foes, the City of Everett, agreeing to a new spirit of cooperation that already has paid dividends. On Monday, Snohomish County signed a similar document with the Tulalips, formally declaring a partnership on a variety of issues, and a resolve to settle differences outside of a courtroom.

This Memorandum of Understanding extends an already positive relationship between the county and the tribes, one that blossomed under former county Executive Bob Drewel. Why, then, was it even needed?

Because of history. The famous Boldt Decision of 1974, which gave tribes the right to 50 percent of the Western Washington fish harvest, still fosters resentment, as do tribal gambling rights. Cultural differences that are valued by many are sometimes viewed with suspicion. A public declaration that governments intend to work as partners rather than adversaries helps to bury ill will, opening the door to economic, social and environmental cooperation.

It also builds on the momentum of the Everett agreement. The City of Marysville, with a new mayor committed to fostering a positive relationship with his Tulalip neighbors, could be the next to enter into such an understanding.

Since Everett and the tribes signed their accord, they’ve settled environmental litigation over the city’s planned 41st Street bridge. When future disagreements arise, both sides will be more inclined to sit down and resolve them like friends rather than wasting money in court. It’s to the benefit of all.

McCoy has another favorite expression: “You’re not going anywhere; we’re not going anywhere. We might as well get along.”

With the stroke of a pen Monday, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and Tulalip Chairman Stan Jones Sr. turned that wisdom into policy.

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