Making sure we are represented | McNeal

As I walked through neighborhoods during my city council election campaign, the one consistent promise made was to represent you, the people of Bothell — to reflect your needs and your wants, not my own, when it came to making decisions about our city.

Now that I have been on the council for 15 months, I am happy to report that’s still my number one reason for serving. The more I listen to you, the more determined I am to reflect the needs of Bothell.

In that spirit, I have enthusiastically joined regional committees to make sure that our city is part of the conversation. Representation regionally also ensures we are better positioned for grants.

Specifically, I’m working with these committees:

• Equity and Diversity;

• Parks and Recreation;

• Flood Control;

• Transportation (King and Snohomish counties);

• Land Conservation;

• Regional Law and Safety; and

• Human Services.

I’m also working with leaders across the region: Sound Cities Association (SCA), Snohomish County Cities (SCC), Association of Washington Cities (AWC) and the cities of Kenmore and Woodinville.

All of this is helping Bothell to be represented in regional movements, strategies, and budgets — critical factors in getting our share of funding and recognition for the part we play in the region’s success. Through the increasingly strong representation with local partners, such as the Northshore School District and our King and Snohomish county councils, our city is claiming its rightful place at the table. Linking seniors with youth and creating a Boys and Girls Youth Foundation is another passion of mine, an endeavor that by its very nature will strengthen our community.

Because of the phenomenal work of its volunteers, Bothell has also had great success in its environmental endeavors, such as saving North Creek Forest. Washington State grants for ongoing environmental projects in Bothell were recently announced, thanks to efforts of our representatives in Olympia, Guy Palumbo, Derek Stanford and Shelley Kloba.

Please feel free to reach out to any councilmember with concerns (or kudos). Things are really coming together in Bothell, and with our city’s profile increasing regionally, you will make a difference.

James McNeal is a member of the Bothell City Council.