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.
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