10 years ago 1996
Less than one year into Mayor David Wesiers second term, the City Council has changed his part-time job to full-time despite public opposition, and completed a 221 percent pay raise. When Weiser ran unopposed in 1995, the mayors monthly salary was $800, with a maximum pay of $1,300 including meetings. The Council jumped his salary to a flat monthly rate of $2,000 in December 1995, saying Weiser was inadequately compensated for his long hours performing mayoral duties. Monday night, the Council voted 5-2 to make Weiser a full-time mayor effective July 1, 1997, with benefits and a yearly salary of $50,000.
Council members spoke of Marysvilles need for a full-time mayor to promote economic development, ease the work burden of the full-time city administrator and maintain a positive relationship with Marysville residents. Council member Donna Pedersen cast one of the two dissenting votes. She said the public input she received opposed a full-time mayor, and she asked for a survey or vote to gauge the voters sentiments. Business owner Bob Graef called the decision a breach of contract with the voters, who elected a part-time mayor, not a full-time executive. Graef and citizens Michael Papa, Ken Cage and Ethel Cage urged the Council to let Marysville residents vote on an increase in mayoral power. They, along with Margaret Natterstad, agreed that any changes should wait until the next mayoral term. Ken Cage and Lee Cundiff, both former City Council members, suggested the Council consider delegating responsibility to the mayor pro tem before moving to a full-time mayor. None of the citizens who wrote letters to the Council expressed outright support of a change. At a time when private business is evaluating their work force and seeking ways to become more effective and productive it seems the city is moving in the opposite direction, Cundiff wrote. Council member Ken Baxter, a staunch supporter of a full-time mayor, said Weiser works countless hours to fulfill his duties in an increasingly complex job involving negotiations, lobbying duties and public relations. He and Council member Shirley Bartholomew said if Marysville delays, the citys ties with Tulalip Tribes, the Navy, Arlington and Snohomish County will suffer.

25 years ago 1981
As members of the Downtown Development Commission sat listening Monday night to four consultants and their partners explain what they could do for the city, their beliefs were reinforced that the key to this project is the community. Nothing is going to get done unless theres public support, said Tom Beckwith of the Seattle firm WGHT. Beckwith, along with embers from other area firms, who would work with him, was selected as the consultant for the 16-acre project. Although the commission had planned to wait a while and think before choosing a consultant, members agreed WGHT had what they were looking for. They did their homework, Commission Sue Halverson said. They went that extra 10 percent. Dick Holt agreed, stating he thought the firm would do an excellent job for Marysville. I liked the fact they included the EIS in their study. The three other commission members agreed the environmental impact statement was important to have early in the project instead of waiting for the developer. But the two most important factors the commission felt WGHT could offer was comprehensive economic analysis and a direct line with the community. Beckwith said the financial feasibility of the project would be a high priority of his team. And it would extend beyond the study, Beckwith said, to include aid in funding sources and arrangements. Other factors to be included in determining if the project is do-able are a study of the basic property ownership; city and county participation regarding parking agreements, street vacations, etc.; timing and scheduling; monitored aesthetics/creativity; strong image and spirit of involvement. City Administrator Rick Deming was pleased with the commissions decision, noting he would have felt comfortable with any of the four making presentations. I believe weve made an excellent choice and that they will work well with us.