By Diane Buckshnis
Edmonds Resident, Former City Councilmember
Posted Thursday, December 5, 2024 10:46 am
A while ago, the Beacon asked me to consider a regular column. At first, I thought no, I don’t have the time. But then everyone I mentioned it to encouraged me, as I have lived through a very interesting time in Edmonds politics during the past 13 years.
There are many possible stories, as I worked with three mayors, which meant at least three different directors in each area (with scandals), and 16 Edmonds City Councilmembers. More importantly, I met all kinds of interesting folks – scientists, engineers, environmentalists, tribal elders, state and federal elected officials, agency and political leaders, and of course, citizens.
Since my background is strong in finance – I view everything in terms of cost – my most rewarding experiences came from sitting on regional committees such as Puget Sound Partnership Salmon Recovery Councils or WRIA 8 (Water Resource Inventory Area 8) or Snohomish County Tomorrow.
The latter was instrumental in working with Puget Sound Regional Council on growth goals and writing the Countywide Planning Policies, for which Gov. Christine Gregoire gave us all certificates of excellence
Since most folks only know me from my political life, coupled with being a former technical writer, I decided to embrace a column as so many behind-the-scene stories might provide insight or opinion.
I am a factual, authentic person. There will be other negative adjectives applied, as politics and attitudes have changed a lot since I started in 2010. Oh sure, after Mayor Gary Haakenson left and Mike Cooper was appointed, the City did witness an HR scandal. But things did settle down with Mayor Dave Earling, and we began crafting policies that created complete financial transparency. Everything reconciled and balanced.
We also worked on environmental codes and plans, zoning, and major sub-areas. We also created many citizen committees (Tree, Youth, Diversity, etc.) to help with our research in the varying areas of the City that required attention.
For those who read everything, it was a very demanding job, as we researched a lot because there was no policy and I sat on five regional committees (Seashore Transportation, Snohomish County Tomorrow, Port, and WRIA 8). It was all fascinating to me and I was like a sponge, learning all the process techniques, procedures, codes, and unintended consequences.
Unfortunately, citizens may remember my last term of office, where many fell into a vortex. And for me and (the late, great) Kristiana Johnson, it became somewhat insulting or cruel with how some leaders, staff, and citizens were acting and taking on omnipotent roles and spending taxpayers’ dollars as if we were in the Wild West.
One director wrote me: “Councilmember Buckshnis, I am not going to answer any more of your questions.”
So yes, I know this column might cause controversy, as I know some folks still despise me as a strong female leader. Folks, in Lithuania, I used to dine with ambassadors and have lived a very full life, so when this petty high school stuff comes up, I just say, whatever!
So, you will see the term “whatever” in some of my articles as it’s not worth my time or mental capacity to try and react. Yes, I know that spurs people on more, too, and they get even more caught up in this rivalry of the minds.
But to clarify, many of my City-related commentaries that have factual information can either be obtained through a City public records request, articles I have written before, or I have them as part of my personal files.
But not all of my files (or Kristiana Johnson’s files) are digitized (like the entire tree code debacle).
I don’t plan on having all my columns be critical of City affairs, and I hope to entertain with analogies (Kristiana really loved my analogies) or cause one to think about their own life.
I would like to create a “Community of Truth” column, and want your involvement when you feel you want answers or opinions.
Another reason I accepted the Beacon’s request is that I know many folks, like me, still read this “hometown paper” and awards in journalism have been achieved, so why not support good journalism? As folks know, those of us lucky enough to live before TVs had radio, and one of my favorites was the late great American radio broadcaster Paul Harvey.
Our family spent our summers at the Oregon coast as my mom, sister, brother, and I worked as maids or handyman, and we always listened to mom’s radio program called “The Rest of the Story,” by Harvey. So, I hope “Diane’s Corner” will be a patterned after interesting stories as we attempt to create our “Community of Truth.”
So, until next time, enjoyafticl this festive season.
Link to Edmonds Beacon afticle:
https://www.edmondsbeacon.com/stories/creating-a-community-of-truth,106113?