Left to right: Edmonds City Councilmember Neil Tibbott and WR Senior VP of Policy & Government Affairs Mark Johnson
WR Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, Mark Johnson, presented at the Snohomish County Cities and Towns Association’s quarterly meeting last week. Mayors and councilmembers gathered to discuss growing concerns around public safety, organized retail crime, and retail theft. Law enforcement representatives also joined the meeting to provide firsthand insights from the field.
The presentation emphasized the need for increased resources to tackle the growing issue. Law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and diversion programs are currently overwhelmed and unable to meet demand.
A key point mentioned in Johnson’s address was the ongoing effort to pass Proposition 1 in Snohomish County. If passed, the Public Safety Sales Tax would add 2 cents to every $10 spent on retail sales, not including exempt items like most groceries and all prescription medications. The money would pay for new and expanded public safety programs focused on reducing violent crime and the impacts of the drug epidemic. Funds would be split between Snohomish County (60%) and cities (40%). Johnson highlighted the fact that, when compared to the hundreds of millions stolen by retail crime rings, this proposal represents a minimal investment that could yield significant returns, ultimately fostering safer communities for shoppers and workers alike.
The presentation sparked valuable discussion, with insightful questions and suggestions from representatives across cities large and small, from Everett to Stanwood and Mukilteo. Johnson encouraged all attendees to advocate for Proposition 1 and to encourage their constituents to participate in the vote.
Please remember to return your ballots by November 5!
