I have to admit, over the past several years more of my editorials have been written about North Bend politics than Snoqualmie’s. It seemed that nothing controversial happened in Snoqualmie and that the council, along with city staff and the mayor, all worked together pretty well considering their potentially different visions for the city.

But recent differences in the council’s direction for a new municipal campus and the firing of City Administrator Gary Armstrong could be masking some deeper rooted issues.

Recently, the Snoqualmie City Council voted to hold off a proposal by Councilman Greg Fullington to build a new city administration building at roughly the same time as the new fire station is being built. Fullington’s reasons are simple: it would be more cost effective to do some of the work on both buildings at the same time, like groundwork and possibly some infrastructure, then it would to have a contractor come back and do the administration building at a future date. I agree, it would be more cost effective and applaud Fullington’s actions to watch the money.

But I also have to agree with council members Dick Kirby and Marcia Korich, who desire a full-blown, approved capital facilities plan dictating the direction of any future capital expenditures by the city. It would seem reasonable to have all city departments develop a 10-year plan for building and equipment acquisition based on some reasonable revenue numbers and then hold those department heads to the fire on keeping those budgets in line. That way, rather than a new item popping up with very little warning – such as fire equipment, police equipment, or a new municipal campus – the plan is approved, the public knows what the plan is and the city can move forward.

The one sad point is that the plan is long overdue and likely should have been more formal many years ago. Even if it existed in some form, the council, staff and city residents should buy in. I do think the city is moving in that direction with its guest column last week and the first annual Town Hall Meeting and Social held last Monday.

On the apparent termination of City Administrator Gary Armstrong, the city is more tight-lipped. The mayor did provide the Valley Record with a copy of the termination letter, which is public record, but with regard to personnel matters, there isn’t a whole lot the public can find out. Some investigation was conducted by the mayor – paid for by the city – for a two-week period. The assumption would be that the investigation is what triggered the termination of Armstrong.

I have full faith that Mayor Fuzzy Fletcher did what was in the best interest of the city but do have to add that as our community grows, we need to be conscious that the good ol’-boy network, or even the appearance of a good ol’-boy network, is outdated and highly suspicious. Not only in regards to personnel matters, but in regards to larger permitted projects and zoning issues as well.

Maybe it’s time the city of Snoqualmie looks to outside help. Unbiased consultants or attorneys or even personnel investigators that keep the appearance of fairness in the forefront. I would never suggest that the city has done anything unfair, but just the potential doubt in one city resident’s mind is enough to cause problems.

I’m sure the full story of Armstrong’s termination will be held tightly by the council and staff, as it should be. But let’s be conscious of the process, not the outcome.

One last note, maybe on a more positive side. I have had the opportunity to help with some football camps and watch a few state championship softball games at the new Centennial Fields. All I can say is, “Wow!” Everyone I talked to at the facility is just mesmerized by the views. It’s a great facility, one of which the city should be very proud.

Thanks to Weyerhaeuser, for the mitigation money, and to the city of Snoqualmie, for the foresight to bring such a great facility to the Valley.