I measure my impact on the City Council by what I get done – not simply the votes I take. It’s what you accomplish that wouldn’t get done otherwise that matters most. That’s how you know you’ve had an impact. Here is a list of the 5 things I am most proud of during my time on the City Council.
• Co-founded the Lake Ballinger Watershed Forum, a collaboration of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Snohomish County, focused on water quality and flooding in one of the state’s most polluted urban watersheds. Secured $200,000 from the Legislature to begin the complex, multi-faceted process.
“DJ’s leadership on Lake Ballinger has been critically important. He’s played a major role in jumpstarting a process that just didn’t seem to want to move forward otherwise.” • Laura Sonmore, MLT Mayor Pro-Tem
• Authored, sponsored and passed the most progressive city ordinance allowing churches to house homeless citizens in times of emergency cold weather.
“DJ’s leadership addressed the real problem of homelessness in South Snohomish County and created an innovative policy which enables us to provide a low-cost, effective and safe emergency cold weather shelter for the most vulnerable people in our neighborhoods. DJ’s vision is not politics as usual. Rather he builds collaborative solutions which significantly enhance the community.” • Pastor Eileen Hanson, Trinity Lutheran Church
• Unanimously elected as Council President in his second year in office, an unprecedented honor in the City of Edmonds.
“I didn’t know what the job of Council President was really supposed to do until DJ took over that position. He did an outstanding job – the most productive and collaborative of any during my time in office.” • Ron Wambolt, Fmr Edmonds Councilmember
• Authored, sponsored and passed the first and only resolution by any Snohomish County city supporting a strong Human Rights Ordinance for Snohomish County.
“When we discussed the idea of a Snohomish County Human Rights Commission with DJ, he got it right away. There was no hesitation whatsoever. DJ put it on the agenda straightaway and lined up the votes to get it passed. • Rep. Luis Moscoso
• Authored, sponsored and passed a strong set of environmental values and principles to guide all other City operations. Secured funding for environmental programs hosted by Sustainable Edmonds and the Cascade Land Conservancy. Led the successful effort to adopt a “Sustainability Element” of the Edmonds Comprehensive Plan, measuring all City planning by sustainability measures.
“When it comes to a commitment to good environmental policy, DJ is as good as they come. He understands the difficult policy questions, and is not afraid to advocate for what he believes in.” • Todd Cloutier, Edmonds Planning Board
