To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my kids and I joined other community members at the Marysville/North County YMCA Day of Service to assemble care packages for seniors in the community. Giving back in this way reminds us all of the power of service and the importance of strengthening our community bonds. Thank you to the YMCA for organizing the event and to each of the volunteers who participated. 

Cold Weather Shelters

When temperatures drop below 34°F, cold weather shelters open across the county to provide a warm, safe place for individuals who are homeless. These shelters rely on volunteers to assist with check-ins, meal service, and providing support to those in need. I had the opportunity to volunteer with one of our local cold weather shelters in early January. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to help those in need. If you’d like to get involved, please consider signing up to volunteer through the County Cold Weather Shelter website linked here.

SCSO Ride-Along

I recently had the opportunity to go on a ride-along with Snohomish County Sheriff’s deputies to gain direct insight into the daily challenges law enforcement faces. In this case, it involved dealing with derelict RVs on county roads. These hazardous vehicles pose a significant public safety risk, and I have been working on a policy to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to remove them from our streets. Experiencing these issues firsthand helps shape future county policy, ensuring that our solutions effectively balance public safety, community concerns, and available resources. 

At the annual Roanoke Conference last weekend, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion on the importance of local government alongside Bellevue City Councilmember Jared Nieuwenhuis, WA State Rep. Stephanie McClintock, and Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney. We discussed how decisions made at the local level impact the day-to-day lives of citizens as well as the importance of working together to move our communities forward. It was a great conversation about civic engagement, leadership, and how residents can make a difference in their communities. 

Stanwood Commerce Alliance Presentation

On January 15th, I joined the Stanwood Commerce Alliance to provide an update on the county budget, public safety initiatives, local project investments, and economic development. These presentations are a great way to share information with local community groups about the work of Snohomish County government. I appreciate the Alliance for the invitation and the warm reception at their meeting. 

Local Projects and Presentations

On Monday, January 27th, I joined the Arlington School Board and Marysville City Council meetings to present ceremonial checks representing county investments in local projects. We partnered with the City of Arlington and Arlington School District to fund a new crosswalk near Post Middle School to improve student safety and pedestrian access for families in the area. We also partnered with the City of Marysville for improvements to the Strawberry Fields athletic complex, creating new opportunities for youth athletics throughout the region. I appreciate the work of these local leaders and the staff who make these projects possible.