Dear North County Neighbors,
This month’s newsletter covers a range of important topics affecting our community and beyond including community events, infrastructure projects, and collaboration happening throughout Snohomish County.
Here’s a summary of this month’s newsletter. For more information, you can read the full newsletter below.
🌐 Civic and Community Reflection: Reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the 24th anniversary of 9/11—calls to reduce political violence and honor our first responders.
🌿 Environment & Agriculture: Spotlight on the Pilchuck River Conservation project and a Joint meeting with the Agricultural Advisory Board on supporting farmers.
🚸 Safety & Community Projects: New crosswalk installed near Post Middle School from constituent advocacy, plus site visit to the Jordan Creek Bridge replacement underway to improve safety and preserve habitats
🎉 Community Recognition & Celebrations: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Everett AquaSox with the County Council, and the successful inaugural Kayak Arts Fest bringing 1,200+ community members together.
Charlie Kirk Assassination
I’d like to begin this month’s newsletter reflecting on the horrific assassination of political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk. Charlie’s assassination was an attack not only on the individual, but on the foundation of free speech and political activism. Political violence is on the rise in our country, and it is incumbent on all of us, elected officials and community members, to tone down the rhetoric around political issues. We can have serious disagreements about significant public policy issues without demonizing “the other side.” For our democratic republic to survive, free speech and the exercise thereof must be maintained without fear of persecution or violence.
Moreover, it is appropriate to both pray for and take action in support of our neighbors in need. I shared additional thoughts on this in a commentary for the Everett Herald which you can read here.
9/11 Remembrance
This year marked the twenty fourth anniversary of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attack on our country. Each year, we honor the lives of those lost and the sacrifice of the brave first responders who rushed into danger to save other innocent lives. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost as a result of the attack. I had the honor of attending the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony hosted by the City of Marysville, Marysville Fire District, and Marysville Police Department. Thank you to all who organized a very touching tribute and to all of our first responders their ongoing sacrifice to keep our communities safe.
|
