Why I Support Joe Marine for Mukilteo Mayor

Stoicism: courage, temperance, justice, wisdom. Not just ideas—these are values. And Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine lives them, every day he serves the city. When the city’s finances were in chaos—when we couldn’t pass an audit, the finance director walked away, and no clear plan was in place—Joe stepped up. Under his leadership, we didn’t just […]
Joe Marine’s Steady Hand and Proven Heart: Why Mukilteo Needs His Leadership Again

Mukilteo is more than a scenic waterfront town—it’s a community built on trust, resilience, and shared purpose. And few leaders have embodied those values more consistently than Joe Marine. Over the years, Joe has shown what it means to lead with both vision and humility. From revitalizing our waterfront to strengthening public safety and infrastructure, […]
Letter to the Editor: In Support of Ilona Van Duser for Mukilteo City Council, Position 1

It was the summer of 2020, and I had just stepped into my role as a newly appointed member of the Mukilteo City Council. That season was a whirlwind — I was learning the ropes of public service while launching my first campaign to retain the seat I had just been entrusted with. As someone […]
‘Protect what matters, Build what’s next!’ Cho launches historic Lynnwood City Council bid

LYNNWOOD—Scores of residents gathered at Master Cho’s Black Belt Academy to celebrate the historic campaign launch of Lynnwood City Council Position 2 Candidate Ki Seung Cho—a 9th degree Taekwondo black belt (Grand Master), 30-year local businessmen, and 34-year Lynnwood resident—who, if elected, would be the first Korean American (and first member of the Asian diaspora) […]
Mukilteo residents: Vote this fall on boosting our EMS levy to keep fire & medical services strong!

The citizens of Mukilteo will have the opportunity to vote on increasing the city’s emergency medical services (EMS) levy this fall. The projected cost of providing EMS and fire services in Mukilteo in 2026 is $6.4 million. There are two primary sources of funding for these services. Fire protection is funded through general property and […]
Tragic death of aerospace leader Tom Prenzlow in helicopter crash

MUKILTEO—Tom Prenzlow, a prominent aerospace executive and community servant, perished in a helicopter crash on June 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of business growth, team empowerment, and civic contributions, alongside his involvement in property development discussions right here in Mukilteo. “It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of former […]
Endorsement of James Sterba for Mukilteo City Council

I am proud to endorse James Sterba for Mukilteo City Council. James has consistently demonstrated the qualities and values that our council needs. He has an unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, a deep-rooted involvement in the fabric of our community, and an authentic passion for the continued growth and vibrancy of Mukilteo. In a time […]
Thank you for the veto, now let’s squarely address Mukilteo’s challenges

Thank you, Mayor Marine, for vetoing the councilmanic sales tax. Now let’s turn our attention to other pressing matters facing the city. We need 10% cuts immediately – as I outlined in detail last September and October, both at the dais and in op-eds. Here is my 20-point plan for Mukilteo: 1. Rollback non-represented salaries to […]
Mayor vetoes sales tax increase that would have made Mukilteo highest in Washington state

MUKILTEO—Mayor Joe Marine has vetoed Ordinance 1518, a measure adopted by the Mukilteo City Council on June 16, 2025, that would have raised the city’s sales tax to the highest rate in Washington State. “As Mayor, I take seriously the responsibility to balance our financial needs with the realities our residents and businesses face,” said […]
Commentary: Mukilteo Council to residents, ‘Let them eat cake!’

As a councilmember, it is my privilege to spend time understanding city finances and explaining them to our residents who are busy living their lives, assuming we are managing their interests well. We are not. At Monday’s City Council meeting on June 16, the mayor presided over a simple majority of the council that gifted […]