Benevolent or Vindictive?

Forget bureaucracy for a moment and pretend we do things because we're humans and we live with other humans.  Let's also skip the part of people doing monstrous things and concentrate only on co-existence. Neighborly things - sharing, caring... watching out for one another ... a wave, a smile...a helping hand when necessary.  You know what I'm talking about.

Keeping those thoughts, there sits Wellington Hills Park, a nice and beautiful place and, at one time, accessible to People.

I've talked with hundreds of people at the Park and witnessed the good vibes and pleasures People have had there.

There are no "No Trespassing" signs at the Park. You and I can go there, walk or stroll around, take pictures, play with our children and dogs, picnic or sit and soak in the natural calm that permeates the place.

BTW, nothing bad has ever happened at the Park (except for Snohomish County Rangers getting stuck in the soggy ground).

But now, because the County realized Wellington Hills Park was a terrible place for a sports complex, they moved their sports complex plans elsewhere. With that move, they've made it near impossible for People to enjoy Wellington Hills Park.

First the used a lockable gate and permanently locked it ... then they placed "ecology blocks" across the Park's driveway - but there was still a  bit of space for cars to park ... not ideal.

None the less, People carefully parked their cars and the Park remained a favorite place.

More recently, County people came and moved the "ecology blocks" closer to the road, as a sort of "take that" gesture.

Benevolent or Vindictive?

In the past, I would've suggested you write the Snohomish County Council about something such as this.

I've come to understand, they're not interested in what we the People of the Greater Wellington Area need or want.  They have their own plans for us.

So letter writing is optional.

But please remember those "ecology blocks" come election time.

Here are the names to remember: Somers, Ryan, Sullivan, Wright, Klein, Dunshee

Snohomish County Council chooses new representative for District 5

Today, the Snohomish County Council selected Hans Dunshee as the replacement representative for District 5 ... the seat vacated by Dave Somers when he was elected County Executive.

Three men were in the running for the position

• Hans Dunshee (D)
• Guy Palumbo (D)
• Mark Hintz (D)

There were multiple public meetings at which the three candidates spoke, debated and, in general, laid out their visions and solutions for various County problems and issues.

Dunshee, as a State Representative of the 44th District... spoke of his statewide work in committees and across-the-isle efforts to get legislative action in Olympia. His awareness of County issues was tempered by the fact he mostly works in Olympia on State related issues.

Palumbo, as a small business owner, chair of the County's Planning Commission, sited specific problems and solutions. Living in this locale, he has a ground-level POV which was of significant interest to those living in this District.  Palumbo was well prepared and detail oriented.


Somers is a Democrat ... so the PCO's (precinct committee officers) of 1st Democratic District voted for who they wanted as a 5th District representative.

Palumbo won that campaign 17 votes to Dunshee's 11.

Despite the vote made by political party affiliation, the final decision for the replacement is owned by the County Council - which by it's nature and/or whim, includes people of different political parties... in this case there are three Democrats and one Republican.

Today, despite the legislative district's PCO vote, the Council chose differently.

Today's vote: 3 Democrats for Dunshee.

Ken Klein voted "No".  However, he clarified that his vote was not about the person but that he respected the right of constituents to choose their representative.

If you want to read more about the set-up prior to today's vote, here's an Everett Herald article by Noah Haglund

Snohomish County Council interviews Hans Dunshee

If, for any reason you want to contact the Snohomish County Council, go here.

Update.  Just now, in the Herald