Stephanie Wright's Council News

On Monday, the Snohomish County Council voted unanimously to approve a fiscally responsible budget for 2012. While this is a difficult budget year, here are some success highlights in next year's plan:

* Nearly $33 million is dedicated to maintaining existing roads and to pay for new projects that will help keep both people and goods moving.

* Funding to construct a new customs facility at Paine Field. Along with additional improvements (some which are funded federally), this new facility further enhances Snohomish County's value as an international aerospace hub.

* Creation of a Mental Health Court pilot project. The program helps reduce crime and saves taxpayer dollars by minimizing referrals to our community jail system.

Many County staff members and their tireless hard work determined the successful completion of this complex and important legislation. Thanks to the Council and Executive's staff for all their work!

Read the entire budget news release here.

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Edmonds Tree-lighting Ceremony
Saturday, November 26th, 4:30 p.m.

Centennial Plaza, 5th & Bell St.

Join the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce for this celebration which includes cookies and cider, entertainment, Christmas carols, and even a visit from Santa.

After the tree is lit, walk to the Edmonds Conference Center for more festivities and photos with Santa!

See the tree-lighting event flyer and get more information on this and "Small Business Saturday" at the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce website.

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La Nina prompts emergency preparedness

The National Weather Service predicts a second season of a La Nina weather pattern, meaning a potentially cold, snowy winter may be on its way. Snohomish County PUD has some suggestions for how to be better prepared in case Mother Nature brings extreme weather this fall or winter.

The following steps are recommended as part of a comprehensive preparedness plan for your home or business:

Create an emergency kit
Plan ahead for special medical needs
Stay informed
Make note of the new PUD outage reporting line

For more information on these suggestions (What should be included in an emergency kit? What do you recommend regarding special medical needs? How can I stay informed in Snohomish County in the event of severe weather?), read SnoPUD's press release online.

To read more about general preparedness for winter weather, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a variety of guidance on its website.

Greetings, friends!

I hope you found this eNewsletter to be informative and useful. You can make it even more valuable by suggesting topics and issues for future editions.

If you have suggestions or feedback about calendar items, this publication, or about my office, I encourage you to be in touch with me. I want to keep lines of communication open between 3000 Rockefeller and our District. Please contact me at 425-388-3494, or e-mail Stephanie.Wright@snoco.org. If you would like to share this newsletter, select the Forward Email link below.

Thank you for being an involved citizen. It is truly a pleasure and an honor to represent you on the Council! I am thankful for your support and friendship, especially at this time of year when we take the time to cherish those who are so important to us.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Wright
Snohomish County Councilmember, District 3