Break the cycle of incumbents

I recently read Steve Powell’s column in the Marysville Globe. The topic was about the primary elections and his point being the paradox that exists when voters want change and yet the incumbents are sustained by the election. Powell is correct that incumbents are returned to a position even when the public is unhappy with the results of the policies incumbents promote. As I talk to voters, I believe there are more issues than traffic in Marysville. Like much of America, the working people of Marysville are struggling financially. In some cases it is about a living wage with many residents working at least two, if not three or even four jobs. Another aspect is the ever-increasing rent in the city and private home ownership being well-beyond some our citizen’s means.

Yet incumbent Mayor Jon Nehring and the City Council focus on projects like the Cascade Industrial Center, the buildup of the waterfront, and replacing city structures such as the jail, city hall, public works and other such investments. I am not arguing against this development, but I am arguing against the scope of their focus. I would prefer altering the economy of Marysville to be more inclusive of residents. Currently, growth has attracted many chains, franchises and big box stores. We don’t have to resign ourselves to developer-fueled growth. Much like preserves are created to protect animals, we need to build a preserve for locally owned small businesses to guard against future gentrification.

Right now, I believe most of the businesses that will fill the CIC and waterfront will not be locally owned. To balance this, I think a preserve should be built on State from 4th to 80th to encourage locally owned small business and retain a hometown look for Marysville. If we can give tax exemptions to large businesses, spend money on creating a park-like setting for developers, give inmates a new place to sleep, and put up a new building for city employees, we can also keep the financial welfare of our residents in mind. While alternatives can be developed, we need to realize most incumbents aren’t likely to affect these changes. In assessing incumbents I would suggest asking these questions:

•Do you know what you want for your city?

•Is this what the incumbent has done?

•Has the incumbent become a professional politician, by teaming with other incumbents in an endorsement racket where each member is supporting one another?

•For all office-seekers, especially incumbents, where is their campaign money coming from?

•Has the incumbent fallen into the trappings of the office (prestige, pay, power, pomp) and become complacent?

Informed voters can break the cycle of electing incumbents who fail to achieve the results voters want. With the upcoming general election we are again at a point where our votes can change the course of Marysville.

Mike Richards, Marysville mayor candidate

New business already gives back to Arlington

Arlington’s newest food and beverage purveyor, Elemental Hard Cider, has already figured out what makes Arlington tick: Helping out and giving back.

On their grand opening weekend, they made donations to the Arlington Community Food Bank and Cascade Valley Health Foundation.

This kind of generosity makes Elemental Hard Cider a great new neighbor. Experience the warmth of owners Brian and Christina Callahan and the whole Elemental crew at 6015 180th St. NE #101.

Carla Gastineau, food bank

Heather Logan, foundation