By Brian Kelly
Herald Writer
MARYSVILLE — A council member’s resignation won’t stop efforts by a group of citizens to change Marysville’s form of government, a spokeswoman for Reform Now said Thursday.
"It’s still full steam ahead," spokeswoman Jan Gustavson said.
Tom Grady resigned from the city council Wednesday after a tumultuous 6 1/2weeks on the board. Earlier this week, he agreed to a deal with Snohomish County prosecutors, who were considering felony forgery charges against the council member because he allegedly forged documents to cover up the disappearance of $38,000 from the Albertson’s store he managed.
Under the terms of the deal, Grady may enter a preprosecution diversion program and would have to pay back the $38,000.
The Grady controversy was a major factor in the recent move to change Marysville’s government and abolish the position of mayor, Reform Now members said. They’re angry that Mayor Dave Weiser knew since April that police were investigating Grady, but the mayor kept quiet about it and supported Grady’s hard-fought campaign against incumbent NormaJean Dierck.
Gustavson said she was glad that Grady stepped down, but said the mayor’s role in that controversy, and others, underlines the need for a change in the way city hall does business.
"The same issue that brought us forward hasn’t changed; we will still be moving forward," Gustavson said. "(Grady) was just another layer on the cake, another thing to add to the list."
The group needs about 500 signatures to force a referendum vote on changing Marysville’s government from a council-mayor form to a council-city manager model. Gustavson said the group had about 300 signatures last month and expects to get enough signed petitions within the next month to place the measure on the ballot.
If Grady’s resignation was the talk of the town, few people stopped on the streets of Marysville were willing to share their opinions. But most said they were happy that Grady had resigned.
"It’s sad to see that it came to this. He has done a lot for the community," Lori Belknap said.
"I think he is a good person," she said, adding that Grady’s resignation was good for the community.
"I think he made the right decision, to get his personal life in order," she added.
"I’m glad," said Diana Olson, owner of A to Z Nutrition. "I’m very thankful that happened. He was a dishonest person.
"I certainly hope they get someone in there who will help the merchants and the citizens of Marysville."
Others, however, said the whole debacle seemed like more of the same old infighting between political factions in city hall.
"I hate to see him step down like he did," Brent Hatch said.
"It’s a difficult decision for him, I’m sure. Apparently, he felt like he was pressured and more or less forced out."
You can call Herald Writer Brian Kelly at 425-339-3422 or send e-mail to kelly@heraldnet.com.
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