Characterized as an “already troubled project” inherited from the previous administration, Snohomish County leaders are perpetuating their troubles if they intend to move forward with the courthouse project. Hiring a team of Seattle lawyers at taxpayer expense to come to Everett to wage a legal battle with property owners to the north to force them off their properties, is un-American because the project is not necessary or supported by the public. Judging by the magnitude of the costs, if that premise remains in doubt, a truly representative form of government should have begun by letting the voters decide.
We believe the Everett mayor and the City Council acted wisely in keeping with their firmly held belief this “troubled project” will create a parking crisis in the area. Adding 20 million dollars or more up-front for necessary parking should deem the project null and void as a pledge was made the project not exceed $162 million, even though that is an unrealistic figure.
The existing courthouse has been allowed to decline. Yet, having sound structural integrity, we join with our representative Councilman Ken Klein, who believes it deserves to be upgraded to an acceptable level that would achieve a quality result equal to any existing county building. Based on solid evidence this can be achieved, this approach would spare the taxpayers perhaps a $100 million that could be directed to fund needed schools, for example. Taking a wrecking ball to our courthouse or the historic Mission Building would be a huge mistake.
Lynn and Linda Claughton
Tulalip
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