Gossett Looks Forward To 2012
As 2011 ends, Councilmember Dave Gossett is looking ahead to what important county developments will take place in 2012. Some of the highlights he sees include:
Transportation Solutions
"Finding solutions to our transportation problems will continue to be a high priority for me in 2012," said Gossett. "We need a strong economy and that means a transportation system that works."
Gossett will continue his involvement in national and state transportation groups. At the national level, Gossett will be a member of the National Association of Counties Transportation Steering Committee. On the state level Gossett will continue to serve on the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Committee.
"Freight is absolutely vital to our trade-driven economy," said Gossett. "Puget Sound ports are major producers of jobs and they are dependent on the ability of customers to move freight. And if aerospace and other industries cannot move parts our region will not be able to compete."
As a member of the Community Transit Board and a supporter of Transportation For Washington Gossett will also work for additional and stable funding for transit. Transportation for Washington is a coalition of labor, business, and environmentalists. Gossett joined Lynnwood Councilmember Mark Smith and Futurewise representative Kristin Kelly on KSER broadcaster Ed Bremer's show earlier this year to discuss the Transportation For Washington proposals.
"Any solution to our transportation problems has to be multi-modal," noted Gossett. "That means more transit, fixing key congestion problems on our roads, and bike and pedestrian projects."
Gossett's primary focus in 2012, however, will be on county roads. There are no funds to build 2/3s of the projects promised citizens when the comprehensive plan was adopted in 2005. The six year Transportation Improvement Plan just adopted either removed or delayed 1/3 of the projects planned just one year ago. Funding for basic road repair and maintenance was also cut.
Following a budget condition which Gossett sponsored the Executive and Council will work cooperatively to comprehensively look at the county's transportation needs. The review will include identifying which projects will not be done if revenues are not found.
"We cannot continue to tell our citizens that projects will be built to solve traffic problems in their neighborhoods when we know there is not enough money available," said Gossett. "We need to give them the option between funding projects or not building them."
Gossett noted that he plans to consult with local business leaders regarding which transportation projects are most important in supporting the county's economy.
"If we have to prioritize between projects let's make sure we know which ones are most important to producing and maintaining jobs," said Gossett.
Human Rights Commission
The Snohomish County Human Rights Commission began its activities in 2011. Under Chair Meg Winch's leadership it has held several organizational meetings. Gossett was the prime sponsor of the legislation which created the Commission in late 2010.
The Commission has the authority to hold public forums, conduct research, hold educational programs, and other activities in support of its advisory role to county government. Snohomish County is one of only three counties in Washington with a Human Rights Commission.
"I have a multi-cultural family so making sure everyone is treated equally is personal to me," said Gossett. "I'm looking forward to the Commission being fully up to speed in 2012."
For more information on the Commission go to:
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Human_Resources/Services/SnoCoHumanRightsComm.htm
More Park Opportunities
"Parks are one of the things people value most about our community," said Gossett. "We need to keep our focus on developing new parks so that when growth comes back we are prepared."
Two major park projects are expected to move forward in Gossett's district in 2012.
Tambark Creek Community Park is a 40 acre site located on 35th Ave SE at approximately 180th St SE. The park will include one large multi-use synthetic turf soccer/baseball field, two restrooms, trails, an off-leash dog area, and a picnic shelter. The park is currently under construction and will open in 2012.
Another 2012 park project will take place at the corner of 228th St SE and 45th Ave SE. The 13 acre site is expected to go to bid in spring with construction starting next fall. The park will feature trails, a picnic shelter, an open field for pick-up games, and restrooms. Depending on the bid basketball and tennis courts may be added.
Aerospace
Snohomish County received an early Christmas present this year with the ratification of the new agreement between the International Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and The Boeing Company. The agreement means that the 737 MAX will be built in the region and tens of thousands of jobs were saved.
"While the decision to build the 737 MAX in the region was great news, we need to stay focused on maintaining and enhancing the aerospace industry in Snohomish County," said Gossett.
A recent competitiveness study initiated by the Washington Aerospace Partnership was released in November. It highlighted the need for continued effort including workforce education, advanced materials research and development, and infrastructure. Gossett intends to keep the county engaged in efforts to implement the recommendations.
"I was at the ceremony last week celebrating the 1,000th parts delivery through the Port of Everett for the 1,000th Boeing 777," said Gossett. "I want to make sure that the ceremony for the 1,000th part delivery for the next major Boeing plane also takes place in Snohomish County."
Mental Health Court
Several years ago the Council adopted the .1% Mental Health/Chemical Dependency sales tax. The additional funding allowed a significant expansion of mental health and chemical dependency services.
"I really focused on this fund during the adoption of the 2012 budget," said Gossett. "Providing services that help people become productive citizens is a much better use of taxpayers' money than throwing them in jail."
One exciting new proposal that was approved as a pilot project in the budget is a mental health court. It provides for a way to divert mentally ill persons from the criminal justice system while still keeping them monitored by the judicial system. The program is similar to the successful drug court system.
"This is a pilot and there are still details to be worked out before the mental health court can be implemented," said Gossett. "I look forward to working with mental health advocates and county officials to make this work in 2012."
