News from Snohomish County Council

Newly re-elected Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett was sworn in for his third term on January 4, 2010. Later that day the Council elected him Chair for 2010. Councilmember Dave Somers will serve as Vice Chair.

"2008 and 2009 were very difficult years for this county and its citizens," said Gossett. "I believe that in 2010 we are in a position to build toward a prosperous and successful future."

Due to the economic crisis in the fall of 2008 the county was forced to make major budget cuts in 2008 and 2009. With previous Chair Mike Cooper's leadership the Council adopted a budget for 2010 that while extremely lean avoided major new cuts.

"We will have to monitor our finances very closely in 2010 but it appears the worst is over," noted Gossett. "I am particularly proud of the role the Council played in establishing financial stability in these very trying economic times."

The Council will continue last year's practice of having monthly reports from each department on whether they are meeting budget targets. These reports will be available to the public.

One of Gossett's goals as Chair will be to continue to improve upon the steps already taken to make the decision making process transparent and available for all citizens to see. He also intends to work closely with all elected officials.

"During the 2010 budget process Chair Cooper and I met on several occasions with the other independently elected officials as a group," said Gossett. "That was a very positive process and I intend to schedule regular meetings during this year."

Gossett has scheduled a Council retreat on January 20. The retreat will give the Councilmembers an opportunity to set a work plan for 2010. Topics will include preserving the county's financial health, promoting the local economy and jobs, and transportation. He noted he believes that the top priorities for 2010 will be related to the economy and jobs.

"I'm excited about next year," said Gossett. "There is a lot we can do to make life better for our citizens."

County Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Tuesday, January 12, people from across the county honored the work and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Several events were held throughout Snohomish County as part of the annual celebration. Event sponsors included Snohomish County, City of Everett, United Way of Snohomish County and YMCA of Snohomish County.

"Dr. King was one of the great leaders of our country," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "We need to honor his efforts and try to live up to his example."

The events were kicked off with an early morning breakfast to honor the winners of the annual "Prodigies of Peace" essay contest. Elementary, middle, and high school students wrote essays based on the theme "Living the Dream: Change." Entries in the contest applied the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to tell a personal story of what he or she would do to change the future of our community.

"This contest is an awesome opportunity to encourage our young people to find their voice," said Gossett. "It was inspiring to hear them read their essays."

All of the essay contest winners received a plaque and a book, Eyes On the Prize, autographed by NAACP Chairman Julian Bond. First-place winners were also awarded savings bonds.

The high school winners were Kim Henderson, Mariner High School, first place; Emily Hie, Edmonds-Woodway High, second place; and Yonas Fikak, Mariner High School, third place.

Middle school winners were Samantha Lundell, Olympic View Middle School, first place; Audrey Clark, Olympic View Middle School, second place; and Andrew Weber, Totem Falls Elementary School, third place.

Elementary school winners were Garrett Kvam, Presidents Elementary School, first place; Jordan Kraski, Pioneer Elementary School, second place; Robert J. Pasmore, Trafton Elementary School, third place.

A rally held later that morning on the Snohomish County campus attracted attendees, who were moved by an inspiring portrayal of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech by Reginald Gillins Jr.

After Mr. Gillins Jr.' recitation of Dr. King's "I have a dream speech" many of those in attendance participated in a MLK march from the Snohomish County Plaza to the Everett Events Center as part of the MLK Snohomish County Community Celebration. Bill Grace, social justice activist, was the keynote speaker at the community celebration at the Everett Events Center.

I hope you found this eNEWSLETTER informative and useful. You can make it even more valuable by suggesting topics and issues for future newsletters. Please contact me at 425-388-3494, or e-mail Dave.Gossett@snoco.org. If you would like to share this newsletter, select the Forward email link below.

Sincerely,

Dave Gossett
Snohomish County Council