MARYSVILLE – Peter Condyles believes “it’s better to give than receive” but he didn’t mind getting at the Marysville City Council meeting Dec. 14.
For six years or more Condyles, 17, and a senior at Lake Stevens High School, has been giving gifts to council members Christmas presents at their final meeting of the year.
Last year he gave them Christmas tree ornaments, but this year he gave them Christmas stockings filled with candy. “I got to eat the leftover candy,” he said.
Condyles started going to council meetings when the late Dennis Kendall was mayor in 2008. “He was so nice to us,” Condyles said. “He took me under his wing. We miss him a lot.”
When Mayor Jon Nehring took over for Kendall, Condyles said it was a seamless transition, and he’s continued to come to council meetings. He also works for council member Rob Toyer so he stays in the know that way.
“When a project is going on I like knowing what it is” before most other people do,” he said. “I like knowing what’s going to happen before it happens.”
Even though he goes to council meetings, he’s not interested in being a politician.
“I hate that title,” he said.
Condyles went to Evergreen Boys State to learn about the political process firsthand last summer. He didn’t particularly like it. “The camp’s a breeding ground for politicians.”
Condyles said he didn’t like the way other campers tried to cram through laws.
“It just didn’t seem right to me,” he said.
He was totally against the budget his party tried to pass. “It was completely irresponsible,” he said.
Condyles stood up to a party leader who got in his face trying to pressure him.
As for his gift, city staff were appreciative.
“Peter, you’re an outstanding citizen,” Police Chief Rick Smith said. “You’re so thoughtful.”
Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen said, “It’s the only stocking I will get this year full of goodies.”
Council Member Michael Stevens said his family always enjoys the gifts from Condyles. “Merry Christmas and God bless,” he said.
For the first time, Condyles in turn received some gifts from city staff.
“That’s pretty cool,” he said. “I can’t wait to open them.”
In other city news:
•The council voted to accept funds to help pay for making pedestrian and bicycle improvements near Marshall Elementary on 116th Street NE. “We love that grant money,” Nielsen said.
•The council also agreed to an amendment that could ultimately end its Joint Operation of Fire and Emergency Medical Protection Facilities agreement two years early on Dec. 31, 2016.
•The council discussed the new Qwooloolt Estuary, with council member Stephen Muller saying people are stopping along Sunnyside Avenue to watch the beautiful sunsets. But council president Jeff Vaughan said there were concerns in the neighborhood of flooding with all the rain and then the high tides last week. “We’re keeping an eye on it,” said Gloria Hirashima, chief administrative officer. Nielsen remains excited about the estuary. “Scientists are going to study it for years,” he said. Regarding flooding, he added, “With erosion we will get bigger channels.”
Smith said there have been a rash of burglaries on the south end of the city, but a suspect has been caught, as has another burglar who hit the Judd and Black store.
Nielsen said he looks forward to the new year when new money comes in for new projects. He said he is working with the state department of transportation to fix the traffic signal at 88th and 36th. “We hear about it every week,” he said.
•Parks director Jim Ballew talked about the holiday lights event doing well despite windy and wet weather causing the first day to be canceled. “Frosty (the snowman) looked like he was doing hot yoga,” when the wind was blowing that Saturday, he said.
•Nehring said, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and I look forward to a great 2016.”
