Published June 2005

Keep eye on new
Business Alliance
for Snohomish County

The Business Alliance for Snohomish County, a new political action committee being formed by local business interests, appears to be an organization worth watching, and supporting.

Chaired by Rich White of the Boeing Co., the board of directors includes familiar names in the business community, including Louise Stanton-Masten, Everett Area Chamber of Commerce; Todd Echelbarger, Echelbarger Development; John Gustafson, Verizon Northwest; Jean Hales, South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce; Scott Hildebrand, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties; Karl Kirn, Puget Sound Energy; Jack McRae, Premera Blue Cross; Steve Neighbors, Terra Resource Group; Kathy Putt, Comcast Cable Communications; and Travis Snider, BETS Associates Inc.

The group is dedicated to “fostering a political climate in the county in which elected officials — as well as individuals — know and understand the challenges faced by today’s business community,” according to a letter from White seeking financial support.

Its first political campaign endorsements will be made later this year, when there are several city council, mayoral and Snohomish County Council seats up for election. The Alliance, White said, plans to be a major player in the local political process.

The Alliance’s main goals will be ensuring that elected officials understand the impact of their decisions on local and state businesses, ability to compete in the local, national and global marketplace and to work for the election of those who understand the conerns of the business community.

Without community support, White wrote, “we will be unable to effectively change the way elected officials view the role of business, regulations and taxes.” The Alliance wants to “guarantee our elected officials are watching your bottom line, not spending it!”

Right on, Rich!

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