Regarding Position 5 on the Everett City Council, The Herald’s editorial board recently wrote that David Simpson stands in the race as a voice for open government and that Doug Campbell and Ted Trepanier favor the status quo. True, true and untrue. It is wholly untrue that Trepanier is against open council meetings – period. In fact, anyone who knows Ted Trepanier well knows this – even his opponents.
Furthermore, in addition to secretive council meetings, it should not be forgotten that the city council lawyered and imperiously declared a legally validated arena initiative that was signed by more than 3,000 registered voters to be invalid, thus effectively denying the citizens of Everett the right to vote on the arena location. In a republic like America, and in the “All America” city of Everett, being denied the right to vote is never acceptable. That action has divided the city and citizens to this day. Throughout the historical district review and arena process, in truth, Doug Campbell and David Simpson supported an effort that ultimately thwarted a public vote.
The city council also supports a misguided policy that discourages neighborhood associations from having political candidates appear at their meetings. However, at the same time, it does not exclude incumbents from appearing. Why?
In the end, the choice is simple. If you think our city government is doing just great, vote for Campbell or Simpson. But if you are tired of all the collaborative lapses and controversies, then give Ted a chance. Unlike the majority of current council members, I believe Ted will always remember that Everett is our city, not theirs. Vote for Ted Trepanier.
Everett
EDITOR’S NOTE – During an interview with The Herald’s Editorial Board, Ted Trepanier said that while some city council committee meetings should be open to the public, some committee business – he cited budget deliberations as an example – is better conducted behind closed doors to avoid anxiety on the part of city employees over possible cuts. Closed committee meetings, not meetings of the entire city council, were the issue we addressed in our editorial.
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