THE ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT meeting on October 3, 2017 was called to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:05 by President Will McMahan.  (We were greeted at the door by Greeters Rod Moody and Bruce Timm.)

 

The Thought of the Day came to us by Bob Beil. Bob referenced the proper attention to the American flag and the United States of America.  Bob was in Boys Scouts for 12 years, served in World War II, Korean War and was in working in aviation.  We should be stand at attention to the American Flag rather than kneel or sit as what the sports athletes, who make millions, are doing during the National Anthem.  We should show respect.

Introduction of Visiting Rotarians by PP Deborah Wright. South Everett-Mukilteo Rotarians Julie Frauenholtz, Ellen Middleton, Becky Ballbach, and City of Everett Councilmember Cassie Franklin.  Guest: Deane Minor introduced City of Everett Councilmember Judy Tuohy, Lyle Ryan introduced Joe Alonzo from Cocoon House, Marybeth Dingledy introduced Gina Wassemiller, Greg Lineberry introduced City of Everett Councilmember Brenda Stonecipher, Guest Nichole Webber, Campaign Manager for Cassie4Mayor, and Ben Johnson, Woodburn, attended as well.

Many people were happy and several Bell Ringers ($100). Joe Claeys had a birthday ($100). Dale Packard was happy to be back ($100). Gail Larson will be having a birthday next week ($100). Sonya Kraski happy for 27^th Anniversary and sad for passing of father-in-law ($102). Steve Miller ($20) honored and thank you for a great evening at the Sports Hall of Fame. Howie Bargeen happy for a 73^rd birthday ($73). Ed Peterson is happy for 30 years at Housing Hope ($30). Marc Baker happy for Cougs Football win. Tom Koenig happy for Coug football game. Ron Thompson happy for 17 days spent in Italy with his wife ($20). Fontelle Jones happy for 67 knitters on a cruise ($67). Brian Hollingsworth thanked everyone for the support. Tammy Dunn happy for a great Sports Hall of Fame banquet and excited about the Halloween events. Will McMahan delighted to attend the Sports Hall of Fame banquet and enjoyed the film of Steve Miller waterskiing. ($20). Paul Pitre is happy for the WSU article in the Herald paper ($20).

Raffle:  Alaska hat, fresh bread, bottle wine and Rotary Lunch to Dale Packard, 24 Keurig Single Cups, $25 Red Robin GC, wine to Joe Claeys, 24 Keurig Single Cups, wine, $25 iTune GC to Marc Baker.  Quarterly Basket to Jerry Tucker.

 

Program introduction by Judge George Bowden. City of Everett Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Judy Tuohy is the Schack Art Center Executive Director. City of Everett Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Cassie Franklin is the Cocoon House Executive Director.

Program:  Judge George Bowden moderated the friendly mayoral forum.  Each mayor candidate answered questions on public safety, economic development and accomplishments in the first few months.

Judy Tuohy explained why she is running for Mayor.  She was born and raised in Everett and she has lived here all her life.  She is on various boards and commissions supporting the arts and economic development.  The Schack Arts Center contributes to tourism. She supports economic development in the downtown center and was the chair of the public safety board council in 2014.

Cassie Franklin discussed why she is running for Mayor.  She is passionate about the community and has served with human service sector. She has been the chairs to the Public safety committee and LTAC committee.  She has worked on several boards and is a South Everett-Mukilteo Rotarian. Cassie stated that the city of Everett has significant challenges with the homeless addition and will work towards a strong economy.

How will you address the growing concern of public safety?

Cassie will take a balanced approach with the public and private and work provide police with the tools to make them successful. Safer streets helps the community to be stronger. Cassie will work with the experts in additions and homelessness and the neighbors to address the short and long-term approaches.

Judy stated that public safety is a top priority of hers since the beginning of her campaign. She will fill unfilled police position with retirees, have a regional summit with other city mayors to create immediate actions for prevention and education. Immediate resources such as temporary day shelter and more detox beds are important to provide assistance.

What is your plan for economic development?

Judy will focus on public safey, transit, education at WSU and Everett Community College to ensure a quality of life where people will want to live and want to work. Other ways for economic development are innovation and entrepreneurship, tourism and a marketing strategy to promote the city as a year-round destination.

Cassie will focus on regional transportation and education, encourage small businesses, and expand the economic development department.  Other ways for economic development are transportation and Paine Field airport and to maintain the aerospace and health industry in Everett.

Top priorities you will accomplish in the first few months?

Cassie will focus on public safety, expand economic development budget, and communicate with the citizens.

Judy will focus on public safety, social services, key employers and police.

Closing Statement:

Cassie states that she has the skill set and experience to address the challenges, is passionate about the community and has the business experience.

Judy states that she has the leadership style to lead and listen, has strong financial expertise, will address the public safety, and be more efficient with the budget.

 

1:05 Thank you and wrap up by President Will.