In one of the finest examples of political shenanigans that I have witnessed in nearly 40 years in Mukilteo (through five mayors), Mayor Joe Marine and the Chamber of Commerce want to move the chamber’s offices and Visitor Center to the Lightkeeper’s Quarters on the grounds of our historical lighthouse. They would then move the Mukilteo Historical Society (which occupies the quarters) to the current chamber office. The same society, that has worked for years keeping the lighthouse history, cataloguing photos and making the gift shop a welcome place.
Some Chamber members would be paid to staff the lighthouse gift shop. To date that has been the job of volunteers.
When asked by a council member how this plan happened, the mayor hemmed, hawed and said, “it wasn’t ready for prime time.” Really Mayor? The hubris of you and the chamber to plan this move without public input. Either you or the chamber was the catalyst for this plan. I doubt that the Historical Society initiated the conversation.
Mayor Marine began his term by making unilateral decisions. He quickly learned that even the newest members on the council had the moxie to push back when they thought his ideas were wrong. I hope he is not reverting to those days again.
The chamber, despite its political influence, does not belong on the historical grounds of the Lighthouse. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and belongs to all who live here in Mukilteo, and to those who come to see this beautiful place which is so much a part of the history of our city.
Elaine Knapp
Mukilteo
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