I would like to see a change on the Bothell Council so we can regain a council that doesn’t rubberstamp everything without allowing full debate of the issues.

What I see repeatedly is a mayor who signals his vote on an important issue that has not been fully debated and then three to four other council members fall in line behind him. When the other councilmembers attempt to continue the debate, he gavels them down. He himself takes a lot of time to share his perspective. It would be refreshing if he would give others a chance to share their perspective.

We have a lot on the line in the next few years with the highway realignment, a new city hall, extending the business footprint and paying for what we bought. Part of handling it right, is to listen and consider independent and diverse ideas from the community and from all councilmembers, even if they don’t agree with the current mayor.

My vote is for a more open government that considers all sides of the issues.

Cathy Ferbrache-Garrand, Bothell