I am aware that Sabina “Sabina the Passionate” Popa Araya is running for Lake Stevens City Council as a clear response to recent troubling events where State Senator Marko Liias is attempting to change the state law regarding merging transit agencies via a sole public meeting and a majority of the two transit boards. This legislation, according to Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin at the May 7 Everett City Council, does not have her request or support. So it’s clear Sabina Araya is running to make the future of democratic accountability in Washington State an issue by challenging a current Community Transit member, and I support this brave stance.
Since we do not have directly elected boards or, preferably, a Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation like the Vancouver, BC metro area, where one can vote for Mayor and then the Mayor is on the transit board, an Araya vs. Daughtry race is the next best thing. Mr. Daughtry has given years of noble service to Community Transit and the Puget Sound Regional Council, for starters, that I sincerely appreciate, but recent events require a respectful public debate about the future of transit. Additionally, I think we know that public meeting participation still has barriers, even with the 2022 renovations to the Open Public Meetings Act.
Sen. Lilias’ legislation creates the very real risk of a backlash election like in 2024 over the Climate Commitment Act that Senator Lilias did not want to put to a public vote. As someone who is transit-dependent, I fear the consequences of playing with fire.
Finally, although I publicly don’t agree with “Sabina the Passionate” on everything, I find Sabina an intelligent and headstrong leader from whom I have learned much. I admire Sabina most of all for being brave and backing up her arguments with facts, even when I don’t share the same conclusion.
Joe A. Kunzler, Skagit County
Op-Ed DISCLAIMER: The views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lynnwood Times nor any of its affiliates.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
