Raze to Snohomish County Republicans for not choosing Jesica Stickles as one of three candidates for the County Council. The lack of diversity on that council does not reflect its community. Having another woman on it would have helped.

Praise to Ava Blair Porter for her outsider’s look at homeless in our area. Your ideas certainly merit consideration.

Praise to young entrepreneurs like Mark “Kudos” Dixon who still believe in The American Dream.

Praise to Charles Morgan for his inspirational talk celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Marysville Getchell and Marysville-Pilchuck high schools. There is a lot of work still to be done regarding race relations.

Praise to the Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for its upcoming presentation called, “Be Prepared, Not Paranoid.” What a great event for the community.

Praise for police departments in Marysville, Arlington and Everett for working together to track down a barista bandit.

Praise to Lakewood and Arlington for their informative presentations called, “Not In My House.” It’s so important for parents to keep their kids off drugs, and now they know what to look for.

Praise that a “no left turn” sign is being put up on Highway 531 to improve traffic flow.

Raze that it’s not a left-turn lane instead. People will need to go out of their way to get to Weston High School and the Stillaguamish Athletic Club.

Praise to those brave women who have joined the forces of fire departments locally. We hope you have paved the way for more.

Praise to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs. Too bad more kids can’t be involved in that. Raze that a lack of volunteers has delayed the opening of the new Marysville Museum. Come on service groups, churches, students and other community-minded groups, let’s help get ‘er done.

Praise to Arlington police and K9 Oso for their work capturing a fleeing suspect.

Praise to the Marysville School District for the great job it does blocking students from seeing inappropriate things on their Chromebooks. Taxpayers want them being used for good instead of evil.

Praise to Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington for going on lockdown when a shooting victim was sent there. In this day and age, it’s the best way to keep everyone safe.