Vote before May 20
I wonder what motivates the 25 or more people who are working so tirelessly on the Committee for a New Arlington Library. They obviously realize how important a new and expanded library is for the Arlington community. I am thankful for their dedication to this very worthwhile cause. Our time at committee meetings, work parties, telephoning, various community organization presentations and distributing information to the voters is time well spent and shared by many on the committee.
I also wonder where our energy might be spent if we all were not so passionate about building a new library. What other organization(s) might we all choose to support with our time and talents? Several committee members worked tirelessly to see the Performing Arts Center finished. Several of us worked tirelessly to plan and enjoy the Grand Opening of the new Olympic Avenue in Oldtown Arlington. Several of us, over the years, have supported the school and hospital expansion projects. The list goes on. Have any of these projects or events made Arlington a better place to live? Of course, but their completion did not come without a price tag on them. We all benefit collectively, whether we live within the city limits of Arlington or not. We can all share in the benefits.
We all give of our energy without ever expecting applause or recognition for succeeding at any particular project. What we do expect is the voters support and passion we all have to make the Arlington Community the best place on earth to live and raise our families. I urge you to vote Yes for a new Arlington Library and the Library Capital Facilities Area. Mail-in ballots will arrive soon after May 1. Mark the ballot Yes in two places and mail it before May 20.
George Boulton, Chairman
Arlington

Make your vote count
In 2006, the Arlington Library Bond went to a recount. Ultimately, the bond failed by just 28 votes. Sam Reed, our Secretary of State for Washington at the time, was there that day. He handed us a Voter Intent packet which shows the statewide standards on what is a vote. You can find this packet at www.secstate.wa.gov/elections. While observing that recount, I learned a few things about voting that I would like to share because they impacted the vote in 2006:
Consistent Pattern. A consistent pattern on voted ballots is when the same marks are used for every office or issue on the ballot for which the voter has recorded a choice. A consistent pattern is required only when referring to marks made outside the target area.
Target Area. The oval, square, or arrow corresponding to a candidate, write-in line, or choice on the ballot where the voter is instructed to mark his or her vote. This is the area on the ballot that the tabulation system reads. Overvote. The situation in which more candidates or responses are voted for than is allowed. Undervote. A ballot or race on a ballot with no valid votes marked. Valid Vote. A vote which should be counted.
At the recount, it became clear that two of the voter intent items hurt us: the Undervote (not voting for or against) and the Overvote (voting both for and against). The upcoming bond election on May 20 for a new library here in Arlington has two measures that need to be passed. One, the Library Capital Facilities Area (LCFA), which forms the taxing district to pay for a capital project, and two, the capital project in this case is a new library.
So when voting on any election, here are a few suggestions to make your Voter Intent clear:
n Remember to use the same color pen throughout the whole ballot.
n Remember to be consistent throughout the whole ballot: if you start making check marks, make check marks throughout. Or Xs or circles, whatever, just so you are consistent.
n Only mark the targeted area on the ballot whether that be a circle/bubble, a square, or an arrow.
n Do not make any marks outside of the target area i.e. the circle, box, arrows or lines. In addition, do not write your name anywhere on the ballot. Any words or stray marks could invalidate the whole ballot.
n If you make a mistake and need to correct a vote, cross through the mistake with a single X, and then fill in the targeted area with your mark, as long as it is a consistent type of mark throughout the whole ballot. Or, you could also get a new ballot from the County.
Once again, when you fill out your ballot, please make sure your voter intent is clear.
Cheryl Boatman
Arlington


Thank you
U-18 ASA Softball Girls, coached by Jeff Perrine, would like to give a huge thanks to all the many businesses that donated for the April 26 auction. There are too many to print, and we deeply appreciate each one of you.
Margie West
Marysville

Huge thanks
Nearly a year ago we were on Komo TV problems solvers/people helpers for a contractor leaving our home unfinished and stealing our money for our remodel project. We would like to thank all the people of the Marysville community and beyond for all their support, prayers, comforting words and help to help us move on and heal our wounds.
I have lived in Marysville all my life and am so happy that we decided to raise our family here because I feel the heart of our community is as strong as it was 40 years ago.
If it wasnt for our new military friend K-man this wonderful snowball effect of goodwill wouldnt have happened. You have friends for life. We would like to thank Komo TV 4, Maryfest, Inc., The Marysville Globe, AGI insulation, BMC West, Free Methodist Church, Cascade Custom Plumbing and Mechanical, LLC, Advanced Electric, Quilceda Homeowners Association, ABR supply company, Scaup General Contracting and Ask Mac Construction Management. Thank you to Ablemark for helping make great signs for my thank you shrine.
We also give special thanks to Bill and Deanne Lessley, Chip Kruse, Douglas Corbett, Larry Harris, Cascade Elementary school teachers Ms. Angie Cartmill and Ms. Catherine Rosine, my uncle Al Lansing, Ed and Debbie Kitson, our car club friends Neal, Eric, and Jim C., Roy Wilson, and many work friends and neighbors.
We would also like to give special thanks to the Vadset family Dean, Linda, Sheela, Felecia and Jack. There are not enough words to express how grateful we are for your family. If we had our way Dean, Jack and Felecia would receive a humanitarian award. This family has stuck with us and has given us friendship, guidance, and help to get our project where we are today. We have learned so much more than how to build a house; we have learned how wonderful and kind a human soul can be. We have great admiration for Felecia who has donated over 50 hours during rain, snow or shine to help us work on our home. There is no project too big or small that she cant tackle. Her parents should be proud of her desire to help a fellow community member and always has a smile on her face doing it. Thank you for giving up your family time to help our family.
We have come a long ways and just want to say thank from the bottom of our hearts. One wrongdoer isnt as powerful as the love of humanity.
Michelle Zeigler
Marysville


Marysville police
After being appointed by Mayor Dave Weiser as one of three Civil Service Commissioners, I have had the honor and privilege to serve one of the most professional police departments in Washington state, the men and women of the Marysville Police Department. During my nine-year tenure as a civil service commissioner, I have been rewarded with friendships that will remain fondly in my memory for years to come. One could not ask for more. I believe that we have accomplished much during those years and it is my reward to think that I have made a positive difference to all Ive had the privilege to serve.
Fond memories of participating in the Citizens Academy, raising funds for the K-9 programs, the baseball team and Special Olympics are among the highlights of our achievements.
Working together, we developed new Civil Service Rules, set the stage to screen and appoint the best public safety candidates possible to round out the department ranks. Although we were not able to achieve all that we set out to accomplish, I feel good about the endeavors undertaken that did become reality. After all, it takes a lot to kill a good idea, especially one based on sound logic and natural progression.
I have also had the opportunity to work with two outstanding Police Chiefs. Each one possessing sound vision and a solid respect for the organization that they lead. One thing I quickly discovered is the way that the Commanders, Lieutenants and Sergeants support the department mission along with the women and men that they work with.
There have been promotions designed to strengthen the department structure and though these positions are few, it does not diminish the talent, professionalism and dedication of those professionals who must wait for another day. With the rate in which the city is expanding, more promotions are sure to be on the horizon in the future.
I will say again, that the officers and staff of the Marysville Police Department are some of the finest professional people I know.
In todays world you have to be factual and methodical in order to deal effectively with the variety of cultures and personalities that you interact with each day. Please keep up the excellent work you do for all the people in Marysville, as I know you will. You bring great dedication, unselfishness, commitment and sacrifice to help make our land free. It has one of the best parts of my life to serve as one of your Civil Service Commissioners. I remain your friend.
I wish the best to you and your love ones, who remain loyally at your side.
Robert M Lambert
Marysville