Monroe School Board director Jeremiah Campbell urges residents to approve the district’s proposed levy this fall. Campbell, who serves on the board and is a local pastor, stated that his family has long supported local education through his wife’s previous career as a teacher and PTA volunteer. The proposed measure is designed to fund essential safety improvements, including enhanced security protocols and repairs to aging roofs and critical building infrastructure.
Campbell emphasized that state tax revenues do not cover these facility maintenance costs. He noted that a levy is a more cost-effective financing tool for taxpayers compared to traditional capital bonds. The Monroe School District is one of the few in Snohomish County without an existing capital levy. The board aims to exercise fiscal discipline by requesting funds only for necessary projects that keep students safe and comfortable.
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Stanwood resident Samuel Bess questioned the transparency surrounding recent tax proposals from the City of Everett and Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Bess argued that while officials are presenting the proposed BO tax change and PSE rate hike, they have not disclosed the underlying evidence justifying the necessity of these measures. He pointed out that neither entity has released five-year projections for operating expenses or detailed lists of anticipated new projects, leaving voters unable to distinguish between essential needs and discretionary wants.
Bess criticized the format of the public hearings, noting they are held in single locations that are distant from many affected residents. He suggested this logistical choice hinders informed public participation. In his view, the lack of disclosed future costs and the reliance on trust without clear justification are insufficient for a public that expects detailed accounting of its financial obligations.
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Edmonds resident Dennis Hart proposed a framework for managing Artificial Intelligence based on Isaac Asimov’s 1942 short story, "Runaround." Hart suggested that the "Three Laws of Robotics" outlined by Asimov offer a practical solution to the current challenges of AI control.
The laws state that an AI system must not harm a human being or allow harm through inaction; it must obey human orders unless they conflict with the first law; and it must protect its own existence unless doing so conflicts with the first two laws. Hart advocated replacing the term "robot" with "artificial intelligence" and instituting these rules universally to resolve the dilemma.
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A letter regarding healthcare policy highlighted a regulatory change effective October 22, 2026, which prohibits the importation of medications from outside the United States. The writer described the decision as inhumane, arguing that the government is assuming consumers can either afford domestic pharmaceuticals or forgo treatment altogether.
Medication Access
I previously required a drug available in the United States solely through a compassionate use program. The regulatory paperwork was too burdensome for any local physician to handle, so I sourced the medication from Canada. My doctor provided the necessary prescription and oversight for that transaction.
I currently require a new treatment that would cost over $600 per fill through my insurance provider. A licensed Canadian pharmacy can supply it for $184 for the immediate future, but I expect to lose access to that option shortly.
If you know someone who relies on cross-border medication, please contact your elected representatives. Information regarding drug importation advocacy is available online.
Please. Many of us depend on your assistance.
Suzanne Davis
Snohomish
Stadium Project
In response to Coffey's letter
It is notable that Ethan Coffey considers municipal ownership of a stadium a vital priority. Yet he views the city's transit system, library, and fire department as burdens.
The municipality seeks to manage the stadium and is prepared to commit funds. Before the project concludes, the city will likely spend millions more.
The transit system, library, and fire department are treated as expendable assets. Taxpayers will fund these services without the local oversight the city deems essential for the stadium.
Is there a lesson here in how to think like a politician?
Duane Dow
Everett
Trump
Flunks Civics
Trump again ignores our Constitution and fails a basic civics test.
I have voted against him too often, Trump told Time magazine in an interview last week, referring to Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. I gave them the position of a lifetime, and they vote against me often. They vote for me, too.
No Donnie. Hopefully, they never voted for you or against you. They were supposed to be nominated to uphold the Constitution as they saw it.