I am 22, and a first-generation college student at the University of Washington. I am a senior in the Community, Environment and Planning program, studying sustainable development of cities. I am a First Nations woman, and a lifelong Snohomish County resident. As I sit in front of this screen typing away — my eyes get heavy, and I find myself daydreaming of the outdoors, and the place I call home.
I think this is a widespread characteristic of living in the Pacific Northwest. There is a quote that always comes to mind when I indulge in this reverie. The late Dian Fossey stated, “When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.”
Our County Council will decide the future of our area on June 10, as it begins adopting a plan for how our county will grow and develop in the next 20 years. I urge my fellow Northenders to speak your mind about the place you know and love! Write or email the council before Wednesday. Let the council know that you want a future that includes a true quality of life for the coming generations. Fight for carbon positive decisions; make transit-oriented development, the form of development we see. Put a stop to unnecessary residential sprawl with homes my generation may never be able to afford, urge for more protection of our wetlands, water quality, wilderness, farms and forests! Keep breathable air, and drinkable water a priority.
My generation sees the importance of answering these problems, and our council needs to hear our voice. So please make your voice heard as well.
I want to see a future as blue and green as I’ve always known it. I want to experience a life worth living, and world worth sharing. See the vision — but more importantly — be the vision
Kelly A. Singleterry
Lynnwood
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