Editor’s note: This editorial contains corrected information. The original version incorrectly described Lynn Schilaty as a former land-use attorney. She worked in the Seattle Attorney’s Office Land Use Department while in law school, but not afterward. Schilaty did not represent herself as a former land-use attorney; the misunderstanding was the fault of the editorial board.
The city of Snohomish is on an intelligent, progressive path in dealing with growth. An impressive strategic plan, put together by a team of citizen volunteers working with city staff, has created a blueprint for providing essential services for a growing population while maintaining the city’s rich character, enhancing its economic vitality and maintaining high environmental standards.
With such a blueprint in hand, it will be important for the city’s elected leaders to follow it and measure their performance against it. That will take a commitment to the balanced approach called for by the strategic plan, one that includes economic and job growth, enhancement of Snohomish’s historical identity, better pedestrian and bicycle access, and adequate investment in infrastructure and city services.
In this year’s City Council races, we find three candidates who are committed to those priorities and are open-minded enough to seek the kinds of compromises they’ll require: Lynn Schilaty for Position 1, Karen Guzak for Position 2 and Melody Clemans for Position 3.
Schilaty and Marc Crawford are running for the seat vacated earlier this year by Lya Badgley. The City Council opted to hold the position open until the election, letting voters decide between two non-incumbents.
Schilaty has worked as an attorney for private firms in London and Seattle, and
worked in the Seattle Attorney’s Office Land Use Department while in law school. She and her husband are both Snohomish High graduates who are now raising three children in town, where she is an active volunteer on a number of fronts.
Her knowledge of land-use law would be an obvious asset to the council, and she could combine her mediation skills with the many positive relationships she has throughout town to bridge gaps and forge solutions. We believe Schilaty would be an excellent addition to the council.
Crawford didn’t respond to repeated efforts by the editorial board to schedule an interview.
In the race for Position 2, Guzak is challenging longtime councilman Larry Countryman, who is seeking a second consecutive term after serving two terms in the 1980s.
Both candidates are business owners in town, both are artists and both care deeply about the city’s future. Our endorsement goes to Guzak because we think she better exemplifies the balanced approach to issues that will keep the city moving in a positive direction.
Guzak is well-prepared to serve, having volunteered on a number of city boards and commissions, including the one that drew up the city’s strategic plan. She also serves as chair of the city’s Design Review Board and is an active Chamber member. We think she would strike a reasonable balance between maintaining the city’s historical charm, protecting the environment and encouraging economic growth. She argues, rightly, that the city needs the first two in order to have the third.
Countryman is a capable councilman who deserves credit for helping Snohomish grow well. His style tends toward the combative, though, and we think he gives too little weight to the potential for increased flood danger in his support for the expansion of Harvey Airfield.
Clemans is seeking re-election after a successful first term. One of her key issues four years ago was the restoration of the historic Carnegie Building, and she won approval to move ahead with a capital campaign that aims to restore it to its original glory and become a more useful community resource. As council liaison to the Historic Downtown Snohomish organization and the Planning Commission, she has a thorough grasp of key issues and trends.
Clemans has shown a willingness to listen and thoughtfully consider issues that come before the council. She has the open-mindedness and even temperament it takes to succeed on a seven-person council.
Her challenger, Chris Walsh, declined to be interviewed by the editorial board.
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