Sullivan’s candidacy may be why mayor didn’t run

As a subscriber to The Herald for over thirty years, I enjoy reading viewpoints and occasionally will call a reporter or send an e-mail when I feel especially strong about an issue, particularly if I notice an obvious factual error or injustice.

The July 18 Herald article on Brian Sullivan by Noah Haglund was interesting. After reading the article, I could not toss the paper into recycling without reaching out to The Herald and Haglund.

Specifically, the article states: “The job is opening up because (Everett Mayor Ray) Stephanson, who first took office in 2003, decided not to run for reelection.” First, the fact is that the job opens up every four years. The elected mayor serves his or her term and decides whether to run for reelection when the current term is ending.

In the case of Stephanson, he did not have an opponent for several of his terms, so perhaps that is where the perception that the job was his for as long as he wanted it all started. From my understanding of the facts, Stephanson did announce he would run for reelection. However, once he not only had an opponent, but a very worthy one, he then quickly withdrew from the mayor’s race. I reference you back to the Feb. 2 Herald article about Stephanson changing his mind about running for re-election.

I genuinely learn from and respect the viewpoints of others. I enjoy Haglund’s writing, but this bothered me, and I wanted you to know.

Wendy Iseman

Mukilteo

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