I read with interest your Oct. 10 opinion proclaiming Mike McKinnon the best choice for Mayor of Lynnwood, especially the part about the work force that he already values.
Would it surprise you to know that the labor unions representing Lynnwood firefighters, public works, parks and treatment plant employees have been unable to negotiate a fair contract with the current administration? In fact, the Public Works, Parks, and Treatment Plant employees represented by Teamsters Local 763 have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2000.
There has long been a bias among the current administration against unionized employees. Although police, fire and public works employees are always the first to respond to any emergency, they are always the last the receive market adjustments in wages, and annual cost-of-living raises.
A vote for McKinnon represents the status quo, same old, same old as endorsed by the current mayor and other establishment types. If he cares so much about his work force, how come he did not even respond to a questionnaire presented to him by Local 763 recently? Don Gough on the other hand not only responded, but in several meetings with city employees, promised to end the biased treatment of unionized employees and bring what would amount to the first real change in employee relations the city has seen in many, many years.
Mr. Gough is the current president of the city council, and has a degree in governmental affairs, as well as a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. Not only is he well qualified, he would be a great voice for change, in an environment that begs for a great deal of it. He asks questions, and has promised to hold department heads accountable for their actions. Mr. Gough is endorsed by City of Lynnwood firefighters, public works, parks and treatment plant employees. We think that endorsement holds a lot more water than the one given to Mr. McKinnon by The Herald.
Lynnwood
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