As the election draws near, I hope you will take the time to exercise your right to vote. Many important decisions lie in your vote. The future of our city is in your hands. That's what this great democracy is all about, the freedoms we have, freedom to choose our leaders, freedom of speech, freedom of press. Freedoms that have been won through the sacrifices of many brave men and women. It's often easy to think our voice, our votes don't matter, and our lives are so hectic it's easy to miss an election. Your voice, your vote does matter. It's important to stay involved. And especially this election year. I encourage you to talk to the candidates, read the voters pamphlet, view websites, do your home work. And don't be frightened or mislead by those who try to assert their will, to silence us. Please, exercise your rights. During these times I like to recall a quote a mentor of mine gave to me over twenty years ago: "Given the choice of a free government or a free press, I prefer the latter." - Thomas Jefferson. Remember, "the Government derives its power from the people. The people do not derive their rights from the Government. When the people fear the Government, the people live in tyranny." - from our Founding Fathers. I think it's important to respect the opinions and ideas of others that sometimes are not our own. I am happy to discuss my opinions with you privately, but out of respect for my readers, I will refrain from publicly announcing my views on our election. But I will not be silenced.

Another very important issue that lies before us is our current downtown Business Improvement Area, also called the BIA. I met with Brad Segal, the consultant hired by the City of Everett to study the BIA issue, yesterday, and I look forward to his final report on this subject. I would also like to make sure that you have a chance to voice your opinion, so if you'd like to speak with Brad yourself and have not had the opportunity to do so, please call me so that I can assist you. Please see related story in this issue.

Now for something really scary: Thursday evening, I took Robert to the Everett Jaycees Haunted Forest, their 7th annual, held at Forest Park. The Everett Jaycees are a community organization that provides leadership training for individuals ages 21 to 39. I highly recommend learning about this organization to see what they have to offer. Proceeds from the Haunted Forest go to the Greater Everett Community Foundation. See story in our events section.