Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Drivers and residents urge Everett leaders to send potential transit consolidation to voters
Summary
Current and former transit drivers and residents urged the council to allow voters to decide a possible consolidation of Everett Transit and Community Transit, raising concerns about service differences and potential tax implications.
Carl Nooy Lawson, a driver with nearly 27 years at Everett Transit, told council members he opposes consolidation with Community Transit and urged that the question be sent to voters, saying, "I don't know anybody who wants to have their taxes doubled or even a portion of their taxes doubled without even being consulted on it."
David North, who has worked for both agencies, said Everett Transit and Community Transit operate differently on issues such as late-night responses and onboard enforcement, and he described Everett Transit as "a much smaller operation" with higher expectations for city employees. North warned that some practices at Community Transit felt less responsive to drivers' reports and that consolidation could change enforcement and safety norms.
Council members thanked the speakers and said they valued public input; no motion or council action on consolidation was taken at the meeting. Several speakers urged a public vote and more public engagement if consolidation moves forward.
