It’s a funny thing about special interest groups. They have their agenda, and they only want to play ball their way. Take for instance, the Historic Everett group and their unrelenting bid to save the Collins Building. For years they have made it their mission to force the Port of Everett to renovate this old, dilapidated building — at taxpayer expense.
Historic Everett has grand dreams of turning “big red” into a farmers market, or a public meeting place, or artist studios or whatever. They talk about having a vision for Everett (their vision, mind you, not anyone else’s vision). Historic Everett has had many years to secure funding for the needed renovations to their pet project. They couldn’t do it.
The pro-Collins building people say they speak on behalf of the citizens of Everett. They have sounded the rallying cry, yet few join their cause. Could it be because the prudent taxpayers of Everett realize that pouring millions of dollars into a special interest group’s pet project isn’t in their best interest? Could it be that the port commissioners are acting as good stewards of taxpayer money?
Since Historic Everett is impotent in garnering the needed resources and funding (and community interest), they hold out their hands to the Port of Everett, insistently crying “Give us what we want.” I believe it’s time for the Historic Everett group to either put up, or shut up. If their vision for their pet project was so wonderful, there would be a groundswell of concerned citizens behind them. Obviously, their vision is not shared, nor should it be financed with other people’s money. I exhort the Port of Everett to do what is right and to not give in to this special interest group.
Kit Russell
Marysville
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