Councilmember Nehring's December Newsletter

Dear North County Neighbors,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for and it is great to reflect on that as we head into the holidays and New Year. In this month’s newsletter, I will highlight our 2020 budget adoption, Veteran’s Day, and the 2019 elections.

On November 12^th, the Snohomish County Council adopted its 2020 budget. This was the first $1 billion budget in Snohomish County history. I am proud that, for the third year in a row, the Snohomish County Council did not raise the general property tax levy. Rather than raising the levy, we are working to live within our means and continue to provide quality service while increasing efficiencies and finding savings to balance the budget. We also contributed $1.6 million into the revenue stabilization fund (rainy day fund) bringing the total contributions over the past 3 years to $4.4 million. One of the highlights of the 2020 budget is funding for Prosecutor Adam Cornell’s “Innovative Justice Initiative.” Under this program, Cornell will reverse the “2-gram” policy which refused prosecution of individuals in possession of less than 2 grams of illicit drugs.

I was happy to support this budget and appreciate the County Executive and my fellow Councilmembers for a smooth budget process which resulted in a sustainable budget for 2020.

I hope you all were able to take time on Veteran’s Day to show your appreciation for the brave men and women who make the freedoms we enjoy in America possible. There were many great ceremonies across North County to celebrate and show support for our veterans.

On November 5^th, Snohomish County held its 2019 general election. These odd-year elections are generally held for many local positions including county, city, school district, fire district, and other special district elections. Election results were officially certified on November 26^th, finalizing the 2019 election. Turnout reached 42.9% which is higher than normal for odd-year elections compared to 32.7% in 2017 and 34.8% in 2015.

I would like to congratulate the following county-wide and north county winners in their electoral success:

Snohomish County Executive – Dave Somers
Snohomish County Assessor – Linda Hjelle
Snohomish County Auditor – Garth Fell
Snohomish County Sheriff – Adam Fortney
Snohomish County Treasurer – Brian Sullivan
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge – Anna Alexander
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge – Paul Thompson
City of Arlington Mayor – Barb Tolbert
City of Arlington Council – Michele Blythe
City of Arlington Council – Marilyn Oertle
City of Arlington Council – Mike Hopson
City of Granite Falls Council – Erin Hogan
City of Granite Falls Council – Matt Hartman
City of Marysville Mayor – Jon Nehring
City of Marysville Council – Kelly Richards
City of Marysville Council – Steve Muller
City of Marysville Council – Kamille Norton
City of Stanwood Council – Elizabeth Callaghan
City of Stanwood Council – Timothy Pearce
City of Stanwood Council – Steve Shepro
City of Stanwood Council – Sid Roberts
Town of Darrington Mayor – Dan Rankin
Town of Darrington Council – Kerry Frable
Town of Darrington Council – Billie Burtenshaw
Town of Darrington Council – Reed Rankin
Town of Darrington Council – Neil Richard Comeau

I look forward to working with these new and returning community leaders heading into the New Year. As my next newsletter will not be published until after the holidays, I want to take the time now to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

I send out newsletters on a monthly basis to keep you informed about what I am working on and how I am representing the residents of North Snohomish County on the County Council. Please feel free to reach out to me at 425-388-3494 or Nate.Nehring@snoco.org.

Sincerely,

Nate Nehring
Councilman, District 1

Snohomish County Council 3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609 Everett, Washington 98201   8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building  Phone: 425-388-3494 E-Mail: Nate.Nehring@snoco.org   Russell Wiita, Legislative Aide