In just a few days, 29 of your neighbors, including myself, will graduate from the Snoqualmie Citizens Academy, a free six-week-long course offered annually to give residents a first-hand look at how our local government works. We had the opportunity to view up close the quality and scale of our parks, our water works, our waste treatment and our maintenance facilities. We learned how our tax dollars support city services, how voter initiatives impact the city’s budget and got an in-depth look at the city’s long-range planning. My favorite session was hosted by our Police Chief, Steve McCulley, and not just because it included a live Taser demonstration.  We were briefed by Mayor Larson, Dave Battey our city historian, the planning department, director Dan Marcinko of parks and public works and our city attorney, Pat Anderson. Dan Thomason made building codes meaningful and Rob Orton managed to get us thinking like finance officers.

The other players in this cast are the students themselves, several of whom are candidates for local offices.  I had the opportunity to meet with and will vote for Heather Munden on city council.

I have learned that a good team of elected officials, together with a solid staff supported by a committed community can do amazing things.  Please consider coming to our graduation and meeting some of your neighbors and candidates, 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28, at Snoqualmie City Hall.

Joe Larson

Snoqualmie