Hansen has proven he deserves to lead Everett

Eight years ago Everett was in a financial predicament. Today the city is in solid shape with rainy day reserve funds that might get a tap on the shoulder in the near future due to fallout from the Sept. 11 attacks.

Much of the credit goes to our current mayor and his administration. Incumbent Ed Hansen deserves to continue leading the city in a responsible, effective manner, which balances smart business ventures with keeping a close eye on an uncertain economy.

Four years ago Hansen ran unopposed because, supporters said, he did the job so well no one felt the need to challenge him. This year, he faced three opponents in the primary, no doubt due to some displeasure with the proposed events center and its chosen downtown site at Hewitt and Broadway. This board has never hidden its enthusiasm for an events center which, if additional study supports its financial viability, will bring much needed jobs and an arena that will serve our community for many years to come.

But put this issue aside and Hansen is still the clear choice.

His opponent, engineer and neighborhood activist, David Sherman, is intelligent and thoughtful, to be sure. But he lacks serious experience to run a city of nearly 97,000 people and oversee an annual budget of $91 million. We must also question his ability to select an efficient administration and overcome what would be an overwhelming learning curve.

Everett has made great strides these past eight years and should expect smart, cautious leadership from Hansen in the next four years.

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 Thursday, Feb. 6

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

Curtains act as doors for a handful of classrooms at Glenwood Elementary on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Schools’ building needs point to election reform

Construction funding requests in Arlington and Lake Stevens show need for a change to bond elections.

Lake Stevens school bond funds needed safety work at all schools

A parent’s greatest fear is for something bad to happen to their… Continue reading

Arlington schools capital levy: Say yes to new Post Middle School

Schools are the backbone of the Arlington community. Families want to move… Continue reading

Long sentences not much of a deterrent but serve justice

A recent column by Todd Welch mentions a trope that ignores one… Continue reading

Comment: Trump’s stress-test of Constitution shows it’s up to job

Keep filing lawsuits and the courts will bat down his unconstitutional orders; as long as he follows the rulings.

Stephens: Trump endangers stability of Pax Americana

Discarding the values of a ‘Great Power’ for a ‘Big Power’ will cost the U.S. its standing in the world.

FILE- In this Nov. 14, 2017, file photo Jaìme Ceja operates a forklift while loading boxes of Red Delicious apples on to a trailer during his shift in an orchard in Tieton, Wash. Cherry and apple growers in Washington state are worried their exports to China will be hurt by a trade war that escalated on Monday when that country raised import duties on a $3 billion list of products. (Shawn Gust/Yakima Herald-Republic via AP, File)
Editorial: Trade war would harm state’s consumers, jobs

Trump’s threat of tariffs to win non-trade concessions complicates talks, says a state trade advocate.

A press operator grabs a Herald newspaper to check over as the papers roll off the press in March 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)
Editorial: Push back news desert with journalism support

A bill in the state Senate would tax big tech to support a hiring fund for local news outlets.

Jayden Hill, 15, an incoming sophomore at Monroe High School is reflected in the screen of a cellphone on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Students need limits on cellphones in school

School districts needn’t wait for legislation to start work on policies to limit phones in class.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Feb. 5

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

Comment: Costco’s work to defend its DEI values isn’t over

Costco successfully argued its values to shareholders, but a bigger fight looms with ‘anti-woke’ forces.

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.