Percy, Longtime Manager in Clerk’s Office, Announces Candidacy for Clerk

Heidi Percy, Longtime Manager in the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office, Announces Candidacy for Clerk

Percy enters the race with record of innovative leadership and endorsement from current Clerk

EVERETT – Heidi Percy, a 22-year veteran of the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office has announced she will run for the position of Clerk. Percy enters the race with support from incumbent Clerk Sonya Kraski, who is term limited.

“I know firsthand the important role the Clerk’s Office plays in the judicial system and in an effective county government,” said Percy. “After more than two decades serving in our Clerk’s Office, I am committed to improving efficiencies through the use of technology, ensuring access to public court records, and providing excellent customer service to our community, the law and justice community, and the courts we serve.”

Percy has worked her way up through the ranks of the Clerk’s Office and currently serves as a Judicial Operations Manager, the office’s most senior manager. In this position she manages the office’s entire Court Operations Division, including the Jury Management Office and Confirmations Office. Percy is responsible for ensuring all Superior Court hearings and trials are staffed with knowledgeable clerks who make accurate and independent records of court proceedings.

Recognized for exemplary service, Percy has implemented numerous commonsense reforms to the Clerk’s Office and jury selection system, saving Snohomish County residents time, dollars, and energy. She played a key role on the project team that installed a new Case Management System in 2016, a state-of-the-art program that replaced a 40-year-old predecessor.

“Heidi is a strong administrator with unparalleled experience. She understands the operations of the Clerk’s Office at all levels, which is vital for our citizens and Superior Court,” said County Clerk Sonya Kraski. “Heidi’s ability to look for opportunities that will benefit those we serve, combined with her willingness to contribute selflessly, have made her a key leader in the Clerk’s Office.”

As County Clerk, Percy plans to continue protecting the integrity of the court record and leveraging additional technologies to innovate the office. She aims to prioritize convenience—expanding online resources for self-represented litigants, improving public access to court records, and enhancing juror notification through text messaging.

In addition to Clerk Sonya Kraski, Percy is entering the race with the support of numerous local elected officials and members of the legal community. She is endorsed by County Executive Dave Somers, Prosecutor Adam Cornell, Sheriff Ty Trenary, Assessor Linda Hjelle, County Councilmembers Terry Ryan and Nate Nehring, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling, Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, and Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert. A testament to her outstanding career experience, Percy is also endorsed by many of the attorneys and retired judges she has served in the Clerk’s Office.

Snohomish County Prosecutor Adam Cornell said, “I’ve worked with Heidi my entire legal career. She has the skill, character, and heart to be an outstanding Clerk. She has my enthusiastic endorsement.”

As a recognized expert in her field, Percy has been asked to teach best-practices on courtroom skills and handling court evidence to clerk staff across the state. Percy represents the Washington State Association of County Clerks on the Minority and Justice Jury Diversity Task Force, aiming to increase minority representation on Washington State juries.

“A well-run and modern Clerk’s Office is essential for an efficient court system where justice is served fairly and accurately in Snohomish County. As Clerk, I won’t stop working toward services that make this office more accessible to all,” said Percy.

Percy lives in Everett with her husband Tom, who recently retired from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office after 25 years of public service. They have four grown daughters and one grandson.

Learn more at PercyForClerk.com.

Dunn begins campaign for Snohomish County Council, Position 2

Community leader and Everett Districts Now campaign chair Megan Dunn begins campaign for Snohomish County Council, Position 2

Campaign will focus on working together to build healthy communities.

February 18, 2019

Community leader, environmental champion and chair of the successful Everett Districts Now campaign Megan Dunn has announced she is running for Snohomish County Council, Position 2.

“I’m excited to start this conversation – and campaign – about what kind of new leadership we want for Snohomish County. We can’t just be surviving. We deserve to be thriving,” said Megan Dunn. “With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy, I have a passion for bringing together diverse partnerships and building community. We need to address our social and public safety issues and enforce meaningful policy change for sustainable development and environmental conservation. I believe with vibrant community leadership and a government that responds to residents, we can build a bright future for everyone in Snohomish County.”

Megan is a proven leader for public policy changes that improve the lives of our communities.

With Megan’s leadership, the Everett Districts Now campaign, a nonpartisan grassroots collation, successfully established city council districts for Everett. This major policy change addresses disparities in representation and gives all residents greater participation in the democratic process.

Megan successfully worked with Everett Parks Department to implement an Integrated Pest Management Plan to reduce pesticide use and exposure across our communities and is now working on bring Zero Waste efforts to Snohomish County. She also spent 10 years fighting for working families, where she helped secure a citywide contract which included the first ever guaranteed sick days, raises for workers and safer working conditions. She is running with the support and encouragement of Brian Sullivan, who is at his term limit for this seat.

She also has the endorsement of longtime Everett councilmember Brenda Stonecipher who said: “Megan has a strong record of service to the residents of our city. She has distinguished herself as a champion for sensible growth, solutions for homelessness, environmental protection, and political representation for underserved areas. I admire Megan’s courage and tenacity in taking on difficult issues and positions that matter to citizens, as well as her diligence in researching the best solutions for our community. I support Megan for County Council because I know she will work hard for her district.”

Megan is the Healthy People and Communities Program Director for Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP). She has a Biology-Geology degree from University of Rochester, NY and Master of Arts in Policy Studies from University of Washington-Bothell. Megan lives with her husband and two middle school-aged children in the Lowell Neighborhood of Everett, WA.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.electmegan.com.

Snohomish PUD Seeking Sites for Local Solar Projects

Snohomish PUD Seeking Sites for Local Solar Projects

Everett, WA – Snohomish County PUD is soliciting sites for local solar energy projects, with a focus on supporting organizations that provide community services and/or renewable energy education. The solar projects are funded under the utility’s Planet Power program through voluntary contributions from PUD customers.

The 2019 projects are the final round of Planet Power projects as the utility makes a transition to a Community Solar program later this year. To date, Planet Power has raised more than $1.6 million, resulting in 34 solar demonstration projects at local schools, non-profits and public agencies.

For information about project qualifications and to apply for the 2019 Planet Power funds, local organizations should complete an online application at the PUD’s website at snopud.com/planetpower. All applications are due April 12, 2019. Up to a $100,000 grant per project is available.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria including, but not limited to, organizational eligibility, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, outreach/educational value and availability of matching funds.

While the 2019 Planet Power projects will be the final round under the program, the PUD will continue to offer customers ways to support solar energy. In spring 2019, the utility will launch its Community Solar program, which will allow people to buy units of a local solar project – an ideal option for customers who would like to support development of solar power but can’t afford their own rooftop solar unit or don’t have optimum conditions at their homes.

Look for more information about the Community Solar program and other renewable energy options in the coming month. For more information, visit http://www.snopud.com/solaroptions.

Intalco fined for multiple air quality violations

Intalco fined for multiple air quality violations

FERNDALE – The Washington Department of Ecology is fining Intalco Aluminum LLC $27,500 for air pollution. The Ferndale facility exceeded its air permit 11 different times in 2017 and 2018. As a result, more fluoride and particulate matter was put into the air and surrounding environment.

The pollution stems from disruption in Intalco’s manufacturing process, as the facility trained new personnel to replace experienced staff members who left ahead of a planned shutdown in 2016, which was later cancelled.

Ecology toxicologists analyzed Intalco’s excess fluoride and particulate emissions that caused these violations and found they did not represent a threat to human health. However, releasing pollution above the limits in Intalco’s air quality permit impacts the environment and violates the law. In general, short-term exposure to fluoride in the air can cause irritation to nose, lungs, skin, and eyes. Particle pollution affects the airways and lungs. Children, the elderly, and those with chronic heart and lung disease (like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema) are especially susceptible.

“There are always potential consequences from excess emissions. That’s why we have standards that are protective of people and the environment,” said James DeMay, manager of Ecology’s Industrial Section, which regulates Intalco’s air emissions. “It’s important that Intalco properly maintain and operate their facility to protect air quality and the surrounding area.”

Since the violations, Intalco has made progress: The facility’s emissions returned to compliance with the fluoride limits in May 2018, although it is still taking steps to come into compliance with its particulate emissions limits.

The company can appeal the penalty within 30 days to the state’s Pollution Control Hearings Board.

Sullivan to Run for County Treasurer

County Councilmember Brian Sullivan to Run for Treasurer

Sullivan would bring long record of fiscal responsibility to the office

EVERETT – Snohomish County Councilmember Brian Sullivan has announced he will run for County Treasurer. Sullivan, who has worked on budgets across many levels of government, is running to replace incumbent treasurer Kirk Sievers, who is term limited.

“I’ve always worked toward creating a Snohomish County with strong fiscal health and great services that taxpayers can trust. It only feels natural that my next role should be managing the county’s treasury and protecting the hard-earned tax dollars of its residents,” said Sullivan.

A former mayor and state legislator before serving on the council, Sullivan has a range of budgetary experience at all levels of government. He is a strong advocate on the County Council for a rainy-day fund and played a key role in passing a Snohomish County finance reform package, which set aside millions of dollars in reserves for future needs or in the case of an emergency.

“I’ve worked on 12 city budgets, 11 county budgets, and 3 state budgets,” said Sullivan. “I know the ins-and-outs of financial decision-making, I’m a strong believer in fiscal accountability, balanced budgets, and the need for long term planning. Each year the County’s Treasury invests millions and collects taxes across the county. I’ll look for opportunities to meet these duties with a greater appreciation of the needs of our community.”

Sullivan hopes to create a more transparent Treasurer’s Office, with helpful tools and an improved focus on customer service. He aims to create a new online dashboard service that will allow better project tracking and a record of where investments have been made.

“With many in Snohomish County facing challenges from rising costs of living, I want to look at ways to build trust and provide needed assistance,” said Sullivan. “I will look at programs like incremental payments, partial tax payments and other reforms that can ease the tax burden on seniors, working families, and other vulnerable groups throughout the Snohomish County.”

Sullivan enters the race with the support of former State Treasurer Jim McIntire and former Snohomish County Treasurer Bob Dantini; Executive Dave Somers; Councilmembers Terry Ryan and Stephanie Wright; Sheriff Ty Trenary; State Senator Marko Liias, and State Representatives Mike Sells, Lillian Ortiz-Self, and Strom Peterson. Sullivan is also supported by Everett Firefighters, IAFF Local 46 and Snohomish County Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 2781.

“I’ve served alongside Brian in the State Legislature and worked with him in my time as State Treasurer. I know Brian will be a principled, thoughtful steward of our tax dollars,” said former State Treasurer Jim McIntire.

Learn more at Sullivan4Treasurer.com.

Local Children’s Book Author: Momma Dot

Local Children’s Book Author – Momma Dot aka Dotty Nuetzmann. There is a copy of her book available to check out through the Lake Stevens Library. Visit her website to print out FREE coloring pages!

You can purchase an autographed copy by contacting the author or you can purchase the book/activity book and E-book through Amazon! Dotty has read her book at the library and a couple of schools in the area. Suzy’s Smile : Suzy Dogfish Gets Braces is about a Shark who gets adopted by the Dogfish family and they teach her to be a vegetarian! Her parents notice that Suzy’s teeth are coming in crooked and take her to see an orthodontist named Dr. Manta Ray.

Follow Suzy as she goes through the process of getting braces. The book Includes Can You Find? and Spot the Difference activities.

Please help to spread the word about this author and her book. Mention it to your dentist and orthodontist today!

 Her next book reading is in Bothell at the Neverending Book Store March 11th. https://www.facebook.com/events/1152348014874849/?ti=icl

Lovick and Ondracek Support Washington Schools

John Lovick and Katrina Ondracek Support Washington Schools

Lake Stevens classrooms are severely overcrowded. In fact, the district is more than 20% over its capacity. Elementary schools designed to hold 3,100 students are trying to cram in 3,886 students. In Marysville, poor heating systems force kids to wear jackets in class just to stay warm, and in Everett taxpayers had to pass local levies and bonds to address out-of-date and deteriorating facilities. At Hawthorne Elementary, in Everett, the PTA had to independently raise money to replace an unsafe playground where children were repeatedly injured. Our schools clearly aren’t getting the support they need – but as a community, there is something we can do about it.

While the problems are local, the solutions need to start in Olympia. On Nov.8 we have an opportunity to elect candidates who will make education a higher priority. There is a real difference among the four candidates running for State Rep. in the 44th Legislative District. But, John Lovick (D) Pos. 1 and Katrina Ondracek (D) Pos. 2 have both come out in strong support of our schools. Ondracek oversaw financial stability initiatives as Snohomish County’s United Way Executive Vice President, and has pushed for K-3 early learning development programs in the past. She is also currently fighting for “Breakfast After the Bell” implementation for students in Washington state. As a legislator, John Lovick voted for increased funding, and supported a law to extend learning programs and to construct new school facilities. Lovick believes “when we invest in education, we create… the highly educated workers our economy needs.”

You might remember that in 2014, Washington voters approved ballot measure I-1351 to reduce class sizes in public schools. Sadly, the legislature has refused to provide funding for smaller class sizes in all grades. They have also failed to meet the requirements of the state Supreme Court’s decision in McCleary v. State of Washington. The court’s decision says the legislature must provide adequate funding for public education. Since the legislature failed to pass an adequate education spending bill in 2016, they are being fined $100,000 a day – and that comes right out of taxpayer pockets. In a legislative session that will have to finally address these issues, it is absolutely critical that we elect strong, pro-schools candidates.

As we approach Election Day, Support Our Schools hopes you’ll keep a close eye on the issues important to our schools and students. You can learn more about the issues, and candidates like John Lovick and Katrina Ondracek, at supportourschoolswa.org and get updates at Support Our Schools’ Twitter and Facebook pages.

– Support Our Schools

No candidate authorized this ad. Paid for by Washington Education Association Political Action Committee (top five contributors: Washington Education Association). P.O. Box 9100 Federal Way, WA, 98063

Electronics recycler fined for illegally disposing of dangerous waste

Electronics recycler fined $444,000 for illegally disposing of dangerous waste overseas

Total Reclaim sent TVs and monitors to China, exposing workers and environment to toxic mercury

SEATTLE – The Washington Department of Ecology has fined Seattle-based electronics recycler Total Reclaim Inc. $444,000 for illegally disposing of flat-screen televisions and monitors with fluorescent tubes containing toxic mercury. The company shipped the flat screens to Hong Kong, where they were broken apart in the open by unprotected workers.

“Total Reclaim has been a leading electronics recycler in Washington, so they knew what they were doing was wrong,” said Laurie Davies, manager of Ecology’s Waste 2 Resources program. “This penalty is a reminder that recyclers can’t take shortcuts when it comes to properly managing toxic chemicals.”

Total Reclaim’s actions were revealed in an investigation by the Basel Action Network, a nonprofit group that certifies electronics recyclers for E-Cycle Washington and similar programs. The Basel Action Network attached GPS tracking beacons to electronics, then dropped off the units at recycling facilities. The group followed some of the trackers to Hong Kong, and filmed how the flat screens were dismantled and disposed of.

Total Reclaim later admitted that it sent the flat screens to undocumented recycling facilities and that it withheld information from customers and auditors. The company provided records to Ecology that showed it shipped flat screens overseas beginning seven years ago.

Washington law requires electronics recyclers to either properly recycle e-waste themselves, or ensure that it is legitimately recycled elsewhere. E-Cycle Washington was set up to prevent the toxic materials in old electronics from ending up in the environment, whether here in Washington or elsewhere in the world.

The flat screens illegally disposed of by Total Reclaim represent a small portion of all of the electronics collected for recycling in Washington. So despite the actions of Total Reclaim, Ecology believes it is important to continue recycling electronics to keep lead, mercury and other toxics out of the environment.

Washington residents can recycle TVs, monitors, computers and other electronics for free at participating E-Cycle Washington locations. For questions about where other items can be recycled, call or visit 1-800-RECYCLE.

Total Reclaim has 30 days to pay the penalty or may file an appeal with the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board.

Opening Week @ Clothes For Kids!

Opening Week For Clothes For Kids

Clothes For Kids was pleased to open its doors on August 24th to provide low-income students throughout Snohomish County and the Northshore School District with their school wardrobes. Clothes For Kids provided school clothes and shoes for 667 students in our first seven days of operation.

Since 1984, Clothes For Kids has been serving Snohomish County as a non-profit organization providing wardrobes for low-income families. Our vision is to Empower Students For Success One Wardrobe at a Time. “To accomplish our vision we rely on volunteers and community support. The community is what makes it possible for us to provide more than 3,000 wardrobes each year.” said Nancy Laird-Burris, Program Manager for Clothes For Kids.

“In just the first day of operation we gave out nearly 700 pairs of underwear and 700 pairs of socks, 350 coats and more than 170 pairs of shoes,” said Joy Ingram, Executive Director. “Clothes For Kids receives no government funding. 100% of our resources come from our local community through events, donations and clothing drives.”

“We are starting the year with a fantastic inventory, thanks to unclaimed lost-and-found and spring and summer clothing drives” said Ingram. “In order to maintain adequate inventory to serve more than 3000 students this school year, we will need to replenish supplies.”

Our biggest need includes new underwear and socks, jeans sizes 6 to 12, plus size clothing for teen girls, and donations of new and gently-used clothing. Donations can be dropped in the secure bin located near the back door of Clothes For Kids. If you would like to organize a clothing drive for Clothes For Kids, give them a call at 425-741`-6500.

For more information about Clothes For Kids and volunteering, please go to http://www.clothesforkids.org or contact Nancy Laird Burris at 425-741-6500. With many families still feeling the effects of the difficult economy, now is a great time to support our community.

Your Money or Your Life

Vicki Robin brings her message of rightsizing your life to Everett Public Library at 2 p.m. Saturday October 1 in the Everett Public Library Auditorium, 2702 Hoyt Avenue in Everett. There is no charge to attend.

Robin, of Whidbey Island, co-wrote Your Money or Your Life nearly twenty-five years ago, but its message resonates well in our own financially challenging times. She will tell us how to get out of debt and develop savings, how to re-order our priorities and live well for less, how to reconcile conflicts between values and lifestyle, and how to save the planet while saving money.

Robin is a social innovator, writer, and speaker. In 2014 she wrote Blessing the Hands that Feed Us: What Eating Closer to Home Can Teach Us About Food, Community, and Our Place on Earth. She has lectured widely and appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Good Morning America,” and National Public Radio’s “Weekend Edition” and “Morning Edition”; she has also been featured in well over 100 magazines including People Magazine, AARP, The Wall Street Journal, Woman’s Day, Newsweek, Utne Magazine and the New York Times.