LYNNWOOD — Civic responsibility for some people means casting a ballot and paying taxes.
While important, voting and taxes are not the only ways residents can get involved with city government. Citizens have a right — and some would argue responsibility — to see what government is doing on behalf of the people.
About 40 residents attended a nine-week class, known as Lynnwood University, to see how the city — from the city council to the street cleaners — serves its citizens. Participants met city government leaders, toured city facilities and tried a few things, like operating a fire hose and investigating a fake crime scene, before the class ended last week.
“At a time when people are cynical about the government, (Lynnwood University) puts a face on the city,” said Mike Eckart, 51, a Lynnwood electrician. “You look at it from a different perspective after you take a class like this.
“They (city workers) are people just like us. They are doing the people’s business. You see they are doing the things we ask them to do.”
Sue Andre, a Lynnwood resident who works at Premera Blue Cross, agreed:
“I was able to see my tax dollars at work and you guys are doing a great job,” said Andre. “I am impressed.”
Trudy Dana, who coordinates the program, hopes Lynnwood University is as inspirational as it is educational.
“We hope this is the beginning of your relationships with the city of Lynnwood,” Dana said during an informal graduation and party last Thursday. “Whatever way you choose to get involved, we urge you to get involved. This can be just the beginning and we hope it is for you.”
For the past two years, Lynnwood University has inspired people to join the city’s boards and commissions, parks and recreation department, police department and other departments as active volunteers. But you don’t have to be a Lynnwood University alumni to get involved, Dana said.
Lynnwood relies on citizen advisory boards and commissions to make key decisions about the city’s historical treasures, land-use rules, parks, public art and public facilities, Dana said. The committees and boards are often looking for new members.
Other people prefer a more hands-on job. They can volunteer to tend city gardens or work in city hall. Some volunteers join Citizens Patrol, a highly trained and active group that patrols the city streets and trails with the Lynnwood Police Department. The city of Lynnwood saves hundreds of thousands of tax dollars every year because of those efforts, said councilman and mayor-elect Don Gough.
“There is a role of active citizen,” Gough said. “You don’t have to be an elected official to make a difference.”
Citizens do not need a formal appointment or volunteer position to be involved, Gough said. They can observe city council meetings, review city records and examine the city’s financial plans, including the city budget, at any time.
Citizen oversight is critical to keep cities functioning and city officials in line, said Cathy Roper, 64, a Lynnwood social worker who attended the class. She hopes more residents will go down to city hall and meet their elected officials and city workers in person.
“I don’t think voting is enough oversight,” Roper said. “We only have ourselves to blame. We are not paying attention.”
Some Lynnwood University students, like Elaine Clemensen, 69, of Lynnwood and Marilyn Cramer, 70, of Brier are already involved. Clemenson, a retired Boeing worker, and Cramer, a retired nurse, are members of Volunteers in Public Safety (VIPS), a group that assists the Lynnwood Police Department.
“I find it quite satisfying to do this,” Cramer said. “What is probably the most important, is that we make a presence in the community.”
For their graduation party last Thursday, Lynnwood University students shared stories and sweet treats. Dana presented each student with a certificate, class picture and T-shirt for completing the course. Dana also thanked Cyndie Eddy, Linda Alvar, Debie Cornelius and Clarrice Jack, who helped her organize Lynnwood University, and Connie and Christy Griffiths, who prepared treats every week.
During the ceremony, the city council applauded students for taking the time to learn about the city. Council president Loren Simmonds singled out Dana for a special honor — a certificate of her own.
“We want you to know you are loved and appreciated and we do not take your work for granted,” Simmonds said. “We wanted to make sure you got your certificate too.”
Dana, who has lead the program for three years, laughed. “And it only took me three years to graduate!”
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