On February 11, 2014, the Bothell City Council held a study session for AB #14-24, the appointment of the Salary Commission. The Salary Commission is convened every five years for the purpose of reviewing city councilmember compensation and making any necessary adjustments. Per section 2.92.010 of the Bothell Municipal Code, “the commission shall consist of three members, to be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.” The council agreed to advertise for the positions and to review applications on March 4, 2014.

At the March 4, 2014 city council meeting, Human Resources Director Jamie Marsden presented AB#14-31 and stated that four applications were received for the three open positions. Mayor Joshua Freed disregarded all four applications and selected three individuals who had not applied or expressed interest. Two of the individuals were currently serving on the planning commission and one of the individuals was currently serving on the parks and recreation board. This selection was in violation of BMC 2.92.020, which states that “prior to consideration for appointment, each candidate shall submit a written request to be considered, which shall be reviewed by the mayor and council members prior to appointment to the commission.”

Councilmember Mark Lamb moved to approve the mayor’s recommendation and discussion ensued. Several council members raised questions as to why the mayor was selecting three citizens who did not apply through the prescribed method. Mayor Freed responded that the three were known and easily accessible. He also confirmed that none of them submitted applications, he had sought them out, and that he had private conversations with them. When the vote was taken, a majority of the council approved Mayor Freed’s selections. Only Councilmembers Samberg and Rheaume dissented.

Two of the four citizens who had submitted applications, but were not selected, were a former member of the 2009 salary commission and a citizen who works in the human resources field. To disregard these qualified candidates and the process clearly defined in the BMC is just another questionable move by the mayor. Hind sight is 20/20, but if you look back on the mayor’s actions historically, you can definitely see a pattern. I can tell you that the current developments with the Wayne property come as no surprise to me. I encourage the citizens of Bothell to attend council meetings and to get involved. It is the only way to hold your elected officials accountable.

Quinn McCracken, Bothell