“Council member profited off deal,” NOT. I was dismayed by the front page article by reporter Isabella Breda regarding Lake Stevens City Council member Marcus Tageant (“Lake Stevens councilmembers says he profited off Costco deal,” The Herald, Dec. 5).
I have never met the man but after reading the article found that he was in the same predicament that many a council member finds themselves in from time to time. Having worked for the City of Everett for over 35 years I have personally witnessed many council members who have recused themselves from proceedings anytime an issue coming before the council has any association or connection to him or her and their personal or professional lives.
Sometimes these personal or professional lives cross paths with their serving on the council and to avoid a conflict of interest they should indeed recuse themselves from the council proceedings. Yes, I get it, they’re politicians and are subject to scrutiny and criticism. However, many of these individuals are doing they’re best and simply serve for the betterment of their community.
Serving on the council is sometimes a thankless job and regardless of where you stand on the Lake Stevens Costco issue the article was a cheap shot at a council member who was simply doing his job (real estate agent) and who did the right thing by recusing himself from council proceedings related to Costco.
Mike Palacios
Snohomish
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
