Articles written by Gary Haakenson
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Recalling the idea of a new kind of senior center | Guest View
I recall nearly seven years ago, sitting in Farrell Fleming's office in the old Senior Center building as he asked me if I'd be interested in serving on the board of directors. I... — Updated 12/9/2021
Like Edmonds Center for the Arts, Waterfront Center needs public support | Guest View
Looking back at the past year seems surreal to me. I've taken some time to browse through the pictures I took over that time. Not just of the EWC but of life as it was happening... — Updated 5/20/2021
Just what used to go on at the Edmonds Senior Center? | Guest View
Over the past few years, as I’ve gone about the business of being a board member of the Edmonds Senior Center and the capital campaign co-chair of its replacement, the new... — Updated 7/24/2019
Traveling the county
During the month of November I drove about Snohomish County and met with the mayors of all 20 cities and towns. What a great experience to reconnect with the mayors I was already... — Updated 12/9/2010 Full story
What’s Gary Haakenson up to?
It’s been two months since I left the Mayor’s Office in Edmonds to become the Deputy Executive of Snohomish County. As I have run into folks around town I am invariably asked, “How do you like your new job?”... — Updated 9/2/2010 Full story
What a ride it’s been...
It’s hard to believe that 15 years have gone by since that January night in 1996 when I was appointed to the City Council. Less than four years later I was elected mayor. And... — Updated 7/1/2010
City employees work harder, smarter
There have been several articles in the newspaper recently concerning the wages paid to public employees. Some have quoted the Wall Street Journal. Some have mentioned the City of E... — Updated 4/8/2010
Spring activities aren’t always fun
Spring has arrived in Edmonds seems like it’s been here since January! Flowering trees are popping with blossoms, daffodils are glowing bright yellow, and lawns need mowing.... — Updated 3/25/2010
Edmonds-UW softball team a sure winner
Big cities have sports teams. That sort of thing builds public spirit and brings people together. So I’ve decided that Edmonds needs a sports team. Of course, needing one and acqu... — Updated 2/18/2010 Full story
Already impressed with FD1
In early January a house fire in the Seaview neighborhood took a woman’s life. It was tragic and heartbreaking, and my thoughts go out to her family. The following week, Fire District 1 (FD1), notified me that they were planning... — Updated 2/4/2010
“New” council has big job ahead
Congratulations to Diane Buckshnis who was recently appointed to the Edmonds City Council, filling the vacancy left by the passing of Peggy Pritchard Olson. Receiving the... — Updated 1/28/2010 Full story
Who’s railroading whom?
By Gary Haakenson Edmonds Mayor On Monday night January 4, I attended the first of three scheduled public hearings on the findings by a consultant concerning the impacts of... — Updated 1/14/2010
Delaying the levy was the prudent choice
By Gary Haakenson Edmonds Mayor The City Council recently voted to defer the much-discussed property-tax levy until 2010. Since last November they have been studying ways to... — Updated 8/6/2009 Full story
City discussions concerning the fire department
By Gary Haakenson Edmonds Mayor Several weeks ago I received an unsolicited offer from Snohomish County Fire District 1 to provide fire service to the city of Edmonds. They already... — Updated 6/25/2009
Thanks to those who step up
By Gary Haakenson As I drove down to the waterfront recently, I saw that the State-owned grassy area that borders SR104 and Fifth Avenue South has been mowed once again. Not by the... — Updated 6/18/2009
Verizon service update
By Gary Haakenson Im still asked on a regular basis about my switch to Verizon FIOS. And I promised an update after a few months, and I guess a few months have passed. So here you... — Updated 6/11/2009
You asked for it youve got it!
By Gary Haakenson A common request that I have heard over the years from Edmonds residents is for a hardware store to return to downtown Edmonds. Your wish has been granted! Ace... — Updated 5/28/2009 Full story
The final (installation) chapter
By Gary Haakenson Did you know that when you disconnect from Comcast television/internet services that you have to return the equipment to one of their authorized dealers? Or they... — Updated 3/19/2009 Full story
Installation was a breeze
Heres the weekly report on my switch from Comcast to Verizon for all my communications needs. Verizon is all about email communications. They sent me confirmations about the new... — Updated 3/5/2009
Signing up was the easy part
Ive decided to take the plungeinto the world of uncertainty and questions! And Im going to take you along with me. Ive decided to switch my television, phone, and internet... — Updated 2/26/2009
Everyone benefits by saving electricity
In meeting with my Climate Protection Committee this week, we had a lengthy discussion about how little information is provided to power-utility customers about their actual... — Updated 2/12/2009
