10 Years Ago 1997

Just over half of those turning out to vote May 20 voted against Lakewood School Districts $16.7 million bond proposal. While final numbers will not be available until month-end, officials said voter turnout was so low it barely qualified as a qualified, or official vote. According to Snohomish County Auditors office, 1, 760 people needed to vote to validate the election40 percent of those who voted in the 1996 Presidential Election. Of those, 1, 05660 percentwould have had to vote yes. On election day, 1,548 ballots were counted, with an estimated 500 absentee ballots yet to be counted. Of those that were counted, 772 were yes votes and 776 were no votes. But even saying no carried a price tag. The bond cost Lakewood residents $15,000 just to bring it to the ballot box. The low turnout brought several reactions from the community. Lakewood Superintendent Wayne Robertson believed it was a wakeup call. When a proposal like this is first submitted, people arent always fully aware of [they] think it will pass without them voting, Robertson said. After a bond failure, people become more committed to voting. Several people have called already indicating next time they will be ready, Roberston added. The $16.7 million proposition included roof repair, additional classrooms, better playing fields and purchase of a new school site. The dollar amount was noted by Dave Lamont, principal at English Crossing, Well, I suppose it was a lot of money, but it was desperately needed. Robertson also commented on the dollars requested. The needs of the district wont go away. It just doesnt get any cheaper, Robertson said. The last Lakewood bond passed in 1992. It was for less than half as much money and took nearly five ballots and two years to pass. Each time a bond is placed on the ballot it costs nearly $15,000. Time passing also usually means that costs increase. Around the state, the story has been much the same. Out of 29 districts, only nine passed bonds those received only 14 percent of the dollar total asked for by the districts. Robertson cites two major reasons for the Lakewood defeat. The bond followed to closely the Presidential election of 1996. He said it is always difficult to get voters to turn out in that circumstance. Robertsons second reason seems harder to solve by scheduling. I heard very clearly that people felt over-burdened by taxes. That isnt a complicated message. Unfortunately, there isnt a lot I can do with [it]. The needs dont just go away, says Robertson, because people are already feeling over-taxed. The Lakewood bond would have added $1.48 per thousand dollars of assessed value to the taxes of property owners. The owner of a $150,000 house would pay approximately $222 more per year. There are other reasons for the defeat, as well, says Robertson. Some of the supporters of the bond may have felt complacent, thinking the bond would pass without them having to turn out to vote. We arent sure we have heard from all the voters so we havent decided exactly what to do next, he said. He does say the options are clear. Either the bond goes on the September ballot as is or it is broken down into more manageable pieces. I am optimistic about September though, he said. Robertson said having other school bonds being voted on, such as Snohomish and possibly Arlington, will bring more people to the polls.

25 Years Ago 1982

SGM William Lawrence of Fort Lewis is the featured speaker at the Arlington Memorial Day Service, Monday, May 31, 1982, in the Arlington Cemetery. Lawrence will speak on The Black Experience/Presence/Contributions to the American Military; Contemporary Social issues; The Black Man and Woman in these United States. Lawrence holds the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross for extra-ordinary heroism and the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action, plus seven Purple Hearts and other awards, such as the Master Parachutist Wings, Glidermans Bade, Combat Infantry and Expert Infantrymans Badge. He served 27 years active duty and has spent the last five years in the U.S. Army Reserves. Instruction at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy at Fort Lewis is his current duty. The Arlington American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Arlington High School Band members begin the Memorial Day Celebration with a 10:30 a.m. parade from the Bank of Arlington to the memorial across from the legion hall on N. Olympic Avenue. A wreath will be placed by the memorial before the services are continued at Arlington Cemetery at 11 a.m. The memorial service at the cemetery includes Lawrences speech, music by the high school band, taps by the Echo Buglers of the band, the traditional volley by the VFW firing squad and the raising of the U.S. flag by Scout Troup 29 sponsored by the Arlington Lions. John Slag, second district commander of the American Legion, is master of ceremonies and Pastor Gary Radmacher, Arlington First Baptist Church, will give the benediction.

50 Years Ago 1957

The Scandinavians were well represented at the 17th of May festival held at the Sons of Norway hall at Stanwood when Evergreen, Mjolner and Frijov lodges joined in the celebration. Mr. C.J. Gunderson acted as toastmaster and greeted the guests in traditional manner and related some incidents leading up to the organization of the Sons of Norway lodges in this community. The program opened with the singing of America and Ya Vi Elsker by the audience, with Roy Larsen at the piano. Judy Olson and David Edstrom from the Arlington High School sang two songs. Mr. Victor Johnson showed slides of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark taken on their tour last year and related many experiences they had on that travel. Naturally, the pictures made a big hit with the people, fitting to the occasion. Mr. Johannes Watness, an Everett attorney, spoke on the history of Norway and told how the 17th of May observance originated, stating that to the Norwegian people, it is like the 4th of July to Americans. The program closed with the singing of God Bless America. The ladies from the Stanwood lodge served refreshments consisting of lefse and rosettes, as well as many other Scandinavian foods. The centerpiece on the table was made by Mrs. Roy Pearson, who used red, white and blue flowers, adding to the patriotic scheme.