Stephanie Wright's Council News

Monday I received a letter in the mail from National Association of Counties. The letter was sent to inform me that my nomination for reappointment to NACo's Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee is now confirmed.

President of NACo, Lenny Eliason, writes, "Committee membership at the national level is a serious committment and a big responsibility, even more so this year with a federal administration engaged in developing policy on a number of issues facing counties."

The key responsibility for committee members is to help develop NACo policy and help in achieving policy goals. Each member is expected to contact Members of Congress on important policy issues, both in Washington, D.C., and in their districts and state. I really enjoy the chance to share ideas with other county officials from all across the country. Working with NACo in advocacy efforts is also a great way for me to maintain strong governmental relationships on your behalf, throughout our region.

NACo is a collection of U.S. county government officials that provides the opportunity for county elected officials to share information and experiences with their peers. NACo hosts meetings and conferences, as well as offering other education and advocacy-based resources and services. Find more information on NACo at www.naco.org.

By Foot or by Segway: Touring the City of Edmonds

Touring Edmonds by Segway, rolling past the new

Sound Transit station at the waterfront.

I love supporting local businesses in our region and am grateful to have the added thrill of watching not only business and development in Lynnwood where I live, but also Edmonds, Woodway and surrounding unincorporated areas. These municipalities comprise Council District #3, which I have represented on the County Council since 2010. When I had the chance to meet Dr. and Mrs. Gregg and LaFon Jantz of Edmonds, and learn more about their downtown business, Edmonds Segway Tours, Tuesday could not arrive soon enough. I want you to hear all about it because it was a great "buy local" experience.

The adventure begins at Edmonds retail store "Running in Motion," owned and managed by resident runner Frank Yamamoto. Frank houses the Segway equipment at his shop for the Jantzes, providing a storefront and meeting place for scheduled customers to meet up with their Segway tour guide on the big day. Mr. Yamamoto also helps provide training orientations, ensuring new Segway users get a good solid start with the gear. The tour group is issued helmets and given Segway demos, they perform hands-on trials, and even have to pass a riding skills test before being allowed on the city sidewalks. We completed our training checklist and then we were on our way.

Dr. Jantz in the lead, we rolled to a nearby paved area to get a little more comfortable with steering and maneuvering these unusual (but fun!) machines. Once we were more confident on the Segways, our tour began by heading downhill along city sidewalks toward the waterfront. The tour ultimately made a big loop, down the south side of downtown, back and forth along the water with a photo stop at Brackett's Landing Park and the underwater dive park, and then back up from the north end of the ferries to Running in Motion. Along the way we heard historical anecdotes of the old mill town, viewed beautiful mural society art, played Edmonds trivia games, and got to be pros (relatively) at riding a strange two-wheeled balance machine.

When we dismounted for the first time back at the shop after 90 minutes of being on the Segway, our feet felt like they were still moving. Almost like regaining land-legs, our feet felt like they were still rolling! Checking back in at the shop is easy and quick, and we were sorry to already be finished with this unique adventure.

Special thanks to Mr. Yamamoto, Dr. Jantz, Mrs. Jantz for her kind welcome, and Gregg Jantz, Jr., now age 12, who devised the initial idea for this local small business.

Stephanie Wright with Dr. Gregg Jantz and Mr. Frank Yamamoto

With Dr. Gregg Jantz (L) and Mr. Frank Yamamoto (R) in front of
Edmonds Segway Tours & Running in Motion, Edmonds, WA

Whether you choose to explore Edmonds by foot (run or walk), or by two small wheels (Segway), you can't go wrong if you start at Running in Motion. Contact Edmonds Segway Tours in advance to reserve your spot, and hope for nice weather because these tours happen rain or shine. Most importantly, have a great time while supporting local businesses!

Find more information online about Edmonds Segway Tours www.edmondssegwaytours.com, or Running in Motion www.runninginmotion.com.

2012 County Budget Process Starts Now

The County Executive's annual budget address happens tomorrow, Friday, September 30th. This is the first step in the County's 2012 budget process, and kicks off the Council's portion of the task, which will begin next week.

County Executive Aaron Reardon plans to present his 2012 budget draft at 10 a.m. TOMORROW on the first floor conference room of the Robert J. Drewel Building (Administration East), 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, 98201. The public is welcome.

I'll plan to write you again next week as follow-up to tomorrow's budget address. Also next week I'll send you the details of three upcoming public budget meetings being held in October. If you want to save the date now, the Monday, October 10th forum will be held in Monroe, Tuesday, October 11 will be in Lynnwood, and Wednesday, October 12 will be in Marysville. Each meeting runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Attendance is not necessary at all three meetings -- multiple options are simply provided for the public's convenience, so you can find a forum most easily accessible from your home or work.

Have a great weekend,

- Stephanie