I am running for re-election to the Everett City Council Position #1, and would appreciate your vote on November 5.
I am serving the last year of my second term and have dedicated my service to "Building a Healthy Community": a healthy economy, clean environment and a sense of place and community.
Healthy Economy and Jobs
For aerospace …
Everett is the home of the Boeing Commercial Airplane Co. and the center of the aerospace industry in the United States. I have a long history supporting the aerospace industry, including being responsible for the environmental review for Boeing’s plant expansion to build the 777; as the Everett Site Coordinator for "Team Washington" — bringing the 787 to Everett; and creating a fund to build transportation infrastructure to serve Southwest Everett and aerospace.
For national defense, supporting Naval Station Everett …
Creating a more diverse economy is a goal for Everett’s future. That is why I and others worked to bring the Navy to Everett. I led efforts to negotiate environmental and land use issues, keep the base here through five base closure rounds, and continue to support military families in our community. Today, Naval Station Everett is the most environmentally friendly naval base in the nation.
For healthcare, education and technology …
Everett has become a regional center for health care and education, with the expansion of Providence Regional Medical Center; Everett Community College, University Center and WSU programs. Working with the Snohomish County Economic Alliance, we are also expanding our reach into more high tech jobs and economic development beyond aerospace. This is Everett’s future and I am committed to working with Mayor Ray Stephanson and my City Council colleagues in support of these efforts.
For sustainable development in Everett …
Supporting redevelopment of Everett’s downtown, riverfront and waterfront are key to the city’s future. As Everett’s Director of Planning and Community Development, and now as a City Council member, I have worked hard to bring sustainable development to Everett. Today, the redevelopment of Everett’s riverfront will be one of the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified villages in the nation.
For building a first class multimodal transportation system …
A strong economy and community relies upon a strong transportation system capable of moving people and goods by land, water and air. I have a long history working to build just such a system; leading efforts to expand roads, freight mobility, aerospace, bicycle and pedestrian paths, water, rail and air transportation systems including commercial air service at Paine Field. I was appointed to Governor Gregoire’s "Connecting Washington Task Force" and serve on the Sound Transit Board of Directors and the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Policy Board.
"Thanks to the Leadership of Sound Transit Board Members Paul Roberts and Dave Earling, there is a renewed hope that Snohomish County will benefit from light rail …"
— Herald editorial, Jan. 27, 2013
Healthy Environment
Our economy and environment are inseparable. Clean air and water are essential for human health and economic development.
For clean water …
Everett sits at the mouth of the Snohomish River, one of the most productive estuaries/river systems in the Puget Sound basin. Puget Sound is threatened by pollution primarily from surface water. Cleaning up Puget Sound presents a significant challenge in the coming years. I represented cities in the development of the Puget Sound Partnership’s "Action Agenda" published in December of 2008 to clean up Puget Sound and address other water quality issues.
Everett is one of the few jurisdictions in Washington State with significant unallocated water resources. As water becomes more scarce, our need to wisely shepherd our water resources will become even more essential.
For clean air …
Air quality will become more critical as we accommodate increases in population and employment. How we address transportation and land use will impact air and water quality. Building cities where people have alternatives to single occupant vehicles (including walking, bicycling and public transit) is the answer. This is "Smart Growth" and it is the key to economic development and environmental protection.
I currently serve as Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Board of Directors, where I have an opportunity to promote smart growth policies.
A Sense of Place and Community
For open government …
Creating a sense of place and community begins with an open and transparent government. As Council President in 2010, I led efforts to open all City Council activities to the public, including publicizing all meetings on the City's website, and adopting the first ever City Council Procedures — governing how Everett's City Council does business in an open and transparent fashion.
"… Council President Paul Roberts … saw an opportunity. He led a groundbreaking effort to improve the transparency, openness and accountability of the Council’s work."
— Herald editorial, Nov. 24, 2010
For one Everett, north and south …
North and south Everett need to become one. That is why I supported the "Swift" Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system; support development of a BRT sstem along the SR-99 corridor connecting Everett and Seattle; and successfully led efforts to plan for redevelopment of Evergreen Way linking north and south Everett. I also led development of the first urban service plan in 1989 establishing Everett’s southern boundaries, and developed transportation infrastructure to serve south Everett. More needs to be done and I am committed to this work including expansion of the South Everett Library and other city services.
For building a sense of place through arts, entertainment, activities and design …
Communities that are successful in attracting businesses and families have a sense of place, distinct identities, arts, entertainment and activities for all ages. These communities thrive in good economic times, and are more resilient and fare better in tough times. Arts, entertainment and good design are keys to attracting and retaining economic investments.
Everett is emerging as a leader in arts and entertainment with: Comcast Arena, Imagine Children's Museum, Everett Performing Arts Center, Kidstage, Artspace, The Dance School and more. These facilities attract regional and national attention and bring people to Everett from all over. As travel to Seattle becomes more challenging, Everett is filling the demand for high quality arts and entertainment closer to home. Arts and entertainment are good for our community and our economy.
