In January 2017, the 38th Legislative District Democrats voted to endorse Everett Districts Now’s proposal to transition from electing all seven Everett City Council members city-wide to election of five by districts with only two at-large. This action was in recognition of the historically disproportionate number of City Council members living north of 41st Street. Such a change would improve representation for citizens in all Everett neighborhoods. Mayor Ray Stephanson was opposed to the measure as was a majority of City Council members. When the 5/2 proposal came to the Charter Review Committee, a committee appointed by the mayor and council, committee members rejected their opportunity to put the measure forward in their recommendations.
The nonpartisan coalition comprising Everett Districts Now persisted despite resistance from city government and now, at last, citizens have their chance to choose improved representation when they vote in November. The measure will appear on the back of the ballot as two questions. We encourage voters to approve Proposition 1 which makes districting possible. Then we urge you to opt for Proposition 2 A , the 5-2 districting plan, which better guarantees improved representation of south Everett residents and was the overwhelming favorite when the city sent out a survey earlier this year. The 4-3 was not favored and could very easily allow the continued trend where five councilmembers reside north of 41st Street.
We thank all Everett citizens who return their ballots and vote to decide this important issue.
Nancy Sosnove
Everett
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