We can’t afford Lovick’s decisions

Regarding the article, “County Council to scrutinize Lovick’s raises as part of budget review”: Can we trust John Lovick? How about this question? Should his friends make more than the governor?

Our esteemed county executive is finally getting the media attention he always seems to be seeking. But this time it isn’t making him look good. Various news outlets and The Herald have run stories about the 10 percent pay raises to county managers that Lovick unilaterally gave without County Council approval.

Many saw the raises as inappropriate and badly timed. County departments were asked to trim their budgets by 6 percent. It’s good to be Lovick’s friend!

These county employees now make more than the governor! For example, Deputy Executive Mark Ericks’ salary is $189,412, plus a $569.32 monthly car stipend. Gov. Jay Inslee, whose pay is set by a citizens commission, makes $166,891. Really!

Who is going to pay for those pay raises? You and me, Lovick wants to raise our property taxes to do just that!!

Snohomish County deserves a better county executive. As far as I am concerned, Lovick is no better than the crook Aaron Reardon who resigned from the executive seat after a series of scandals. Do we really want an executive, who we are supposed to trust to enforce the laws, to be bending or breaking them?

It is time to say goodbye to John Lovick and elect a truly passionate and honest public servant, Carolyn Eslick. I hope all the good citizens of Snohomish County agree with me and vote John Lovick out in November.

Scott Faries

Arlington

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