Lately, I have been watching council sessions and reading Letters to the Editor. Often it is the same people who write in. I feel it’s time for the citizens to hear about the firing of Bob Stowe from a different perspective. From a recent employee, resident and Bothell homeowner.

What is missing in these discussions is that Bob Stowe saved jobs. He was forward thinking and put millions of dollars into reserves during the boom. When things got tough, he was able to pull from these reserves. Not a single staff member was laid off during the recession.

Years ago, citizens, City staff and Council came together to develop a vision for Bothell’s future called Imagine Bothell. Bob Stowe led the effort to make that vision a reality.

During his tenure the City purchased land that was then sold to provide a once in a century opportunity to expand this small town and contribute to a robust future. Contracts and supplies were secured at lower costs due to the recession. This expansion will bring in revenue and future development so that our town can thrive. Few would have attempted his progressive funding methods during a recession and because of this, he and the City have been nationally recognized for their modern urban planning.

This vision allowed hundreds to find jobs in Bothell. Expanding roads and commercial and residential development put people to work during a very difficult time. I spoke with a single mom of three who was a flagger on our roads. She was so grateful to have a job when towns all around us were laying people off.

Was everything that was accomplished during Bob Stowe’s tenure perfect? Of course not. This vision was for a future for the citizens of Bothell. I was proud when citizens told me how impressed they were of what the city of Bothell was doing.

As a former employee, I know the underlying reasons Bob Stowe was fired. When he was hired, his vision for the city did not coincide with the vision of some of the council. They wanted to keep this town small. They thought small, not understanding that small towns die. They were the ones that were not of the majority during the expansion. They were frustrated year after year. When they got actively involved in recruiting people that were of the same small town mindset, the council finally turned over with more conservative members. I believe they colluded on May 3 and saw their chance to oust our city manager. I cannot believe the people that voted for this council are happy with this lack of transparency.

Bob Stowe set us on a path to fulfill a vision developed years ago and it is a tremendous loss to the citizens of Bothell to lose him. Another city will thrive under Bob’s leadership and ours will stagnate. But only for now. It is a blessing that we have elections often.

Teresa Tookey, Bothell