Marysville residents soon will exercise the privilege to elect a new mayor. Voters are being asked to determine their community’s future and economic health. Today’s mayor must have expertise as an executive manager charged with the administration of several hundred employees, public safety, utility infrastructure development and future planning for our long-term viability as a full-service city.

Our next mayor will be responsible for the coordination of emergency action plans, transportation improvements with neighboring communities and long-range comprehensive planning through a community process that ensures our stature as a viable corporation in Snohomish County.

It is no secret that Marysville, like other growing communities, is facing economic challenges. Our current City Council and administration, with the assistance of community leaders in business, have creatively drafted plans for implementation this next year. Most of these economic solutions will require a leader capable of guiding several community coalitions, which in turn will attract new business and opportunity to Marysville. This coalition may relieve the citizens’ personal tax burden in maintaining our quality of life.

The best mayoral candidate in this contest is Dennis Kendall. His extensive background in management, international and local business, community and governmental affairs is key towards realization of our community’s needs. He has regularly attended City Council, economic revitalization, Planning Commission and most other city committee meetings. I am voting for the candidate that is involved and has demonstrated his passion as a community servant. Dennis Kendall is the best-qualified candidate to manage a multi-million dollar community business and truly has shown a desire to lead us into the future.

Marysville