I believe that I am not in the minority about all the budget cuts from our city government. Pool closure, loss of jobs, library issues, ad nauseam. The city has always supported (for the last 15 years) the Cruzin Colby event over the Memorial Day weekend. This year the club, with volunteer labor only, was told that the city could not endorse it nor put out the barricades to block off the streets as they have done in the past.
This event is welcomed by most all of the local businesses as it brings people, excitement, and needed revenue into the downtown area. Hotels, motels, service businesses and restaurants all benefit greatly. As a former business owner and sponsor of this event, I fail to see the logic behind these decisions. Every Everett business owner pays a B&O tax to the city based on gross sales, not profit. Shouldn’t at least part of that income stream be used to help rather than hurt our economy?
The Seattle Rodtiques solicit sponsors, which in turn donate money to make this event happen. Any excess goes to assorted local charities. Two thousand dollars that would have gone to these charities now has to go to a contractor, approved by the city, to put up and remove the barricades. This event is so enjoyed by many, please don’t let it be another family event lost.
Marc Owenby
Everett
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