EVERETT—As Everett’s political season gains momentum, Mayor Cassie Franklin addresses criticisms about public safety and homelessness, emphasizing her administration’s achievements and partnerships.

“It is disappointing to see a political opponent dismiss the incredibly hard work of our city teams and the strong partnerships we’ve built with organizations like Everett Gospel Mission, Compass Health, Cocoon House and our local faith community partners,” Franklin said, responding to what she calls misleading claims by an opponent.
On public safety, Franklin’s administration has hired over 120 police officers, added 18 new patrol positions, and established a violent crime unit along with a full-time police recruiter and background investigators to hire the most qualified candidates. The city has also adopted technologies like Flock cameras and real-time data systems to enhance law enforcement efforts. Alternative response programs now allow social workers to connect individuals with housing and treatment, freeing first responders to focus on violent crime.
“These endorsements matter — they’re a vote of confidence from those who serve our community every day,” said Franklin referencing support from groups like the Everett Police Officers Association, Everett Police Management Association, Everett Firefighters IAFF Local 46, AFSCME Local 113 and Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility. City data indicates a decline in overall crime rates, she added.
Addressing homelessness and behavioral health, Franklin acknowledged Everett’s role as the county seat, which hosts regional services like the county jail and an emergency room.
“Everett is not alone in facing these challenges. We are the county seat — home to the jail, the E.R., and the lion’s share of regional services. That’s not a failure of leadership. It’s a product of geography, systems, and multiple factors impacting all large cities,” she said.
Everett has connected over 1,800 people to support through the CARE program, added 48 pallet shelter units, and permitted 600+ new housing units in 2024—a 340% increase from the prior year. Franklin’s administration has also secured $4.7 million in federal funding for crisis response and $500,000 annually for a mobile mental health team.
Franklin remarked, “One of my opponents just released a ‘plan’ — a list of ideas we’ve already been executing for years,” highlighting the difference between campaign promises and her administration’s actions adding, “Strong leadership means staying grounded, listening and doing the hard work every day.”
Franklin has earned endorsements from figures like Snohomish County Prosecutor Jason Cummings and multiple elected leaders, reflecting trust in her leadership.
“Everett doesn’t need political theater.,” said Franklin, “It needs a mayor who knows how to govern through crisis, manage real budgets, and fight for what matters most.”

Author: Mario Lotmore
2 Responses
Scott Murphy is too dorky to be mayor. Cassie is classy.
Didn’t she sleep with the deputy mayor?