Snohomish County’s Giant Menorah Lighting celebration for December 29
LYNNWOOD—It is important to highlight and celebrate light and freedom in a world so often plagued with tragedy and hate. Chabad Jewish Center of Snohomish County therefore invites you to celebrate the Festival of Lights with the 13th annual Giant Menorah Lighting & Celebration, celebrating the light and joy of our shared freedoms and the immeasurable value […]
Reader Opinion: Dave Somers wants the Sound Transit gavel back
Joe A. Kunzler, aka Mr. Go Sound Transit, has a few thoughts on Dave Somers being the current only applicant for Sound Transit Board Chair. One can watch the Sound Transit Executive Committee deliberate here – if you can call it deliberation. Kunzler says firmly, “Frankly, 2017 is calling and the Sound Transit community needs to please […]
‘Friday the 13th’ budget protest: County Exec will not sign Council-adopted budget
EVERETT—In a surprising use of his authority, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, known for his reserved and sagacious leadership, announced late Friday afternoon that he will not sign the $3.22 billion 2025-26 biennium Council-adopted budget. “Since receiving the budget from the County Council on November 27, my team and I have been carefully reviewing what […]
Somers appoints Mike Fong as new Executive Director for Economic Development
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—County Executive Dave Somers has selected a new Executive Director for Economic Development. Mike Fong will take over the role starting January 6, 2025. Fong has worked at the local, state, and national level on initiatives to support businesses and invigorate the workforce. He most recently served as Director for the Washington State Department […]
Verizon and AT&T waive usage fees for customers affected by bomb cyclone
Snohomish County cell phone users with an AT&T or Verizon provider could notice a slightly lower-than-expected cell phone bill this cycle as both telecommunication companies waive certain usage in response to last month’s devastating bomb cyclone. For AT&T users who are not currently subscribed to an unlimited plan, all overages on data, whether call or […]
County Council adopts $3.22 billion biennial budget with split vote
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—After months and careful deliberation, the Snohomish County Council adopted its first biennial Budget during a Public Hearing Monday, November 25—a $3.22 billion operating budget for the upcoming 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. “As the Chair of the Council, I am so proud of my fellow Councilmembers who all deliberated both passionately and respectfully […]
County budget talks heated, new questions arise of former sheriff’s residency
EVERETT—Controversary surrounds former Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary after a damning audit report by George Skiles, Partner at Sjoberg-Evanshenk Consulting, on both Executive and Council Office staffing operations, pointed to “duplicative” and “overlapping” staff positions as a contributing factor to a proposed $3.07 billion 2025 Biennial Budget. While the number of core staffing positions has remained relatively the […]
County Executive clears the air and stands firm with $3 billion budget proposal
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—A week after a damning audit report by George Skiles, Partner at Sjoberg-Evanshenk Consulting, County Executive Somers stands firm and clears the air on his proposed 2025 Biennial Budget. Below is a statement by Snohomish County Executive Somers in its entirety: “As budget deliberations continue, my priority remains sustaining core county services that deliver for our […]
County Executive says funds are tight, a recent audit could point to why
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—In Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers’ proposed 2025 Biennial Budget, he said funds are tight for the county driven by inflation, rapid population growth, and COVID relief funds hitting the end of their limits. But a recent county audit, conducted on both Executive and Council Office staffing operations, may point to another contributing factor […]
Liias, Lovick, Sims, Somers among Governor-elect Ferguson transition team
State lawmakers from both parties, lobbyists, local elected officials, lawyers, tribes and unions all have a seat at Bob Ferguson’s table as he moves into the role of governor. Ferguson on Tuesday announced a 53-person team that will help with the transition from Gov. Jay Inslee to the new administration. They’ll assist Ferguson as he […]
