2/14/08

University can forge community identity

Editor,

40 years ago, Interstate 5 shot north through Snohomish County like an arrow, and a change in culture began. Towns like Marysville, Lake Stevens, Arlington and Stanwood were connected like a necklace. A “region” was born.

Now, NSC is tipping in one of two directions:

1) a well-rounded community with a sense of identity and some hope; or

2) a hollow collection of  beige split-levels with no soul. A place that our children simply move away from.

There are arguments that favor each U of W site currently under consideration, and there are arguments against. But there is no argument more central to the survival of our region than the need for identity and a need for well-paying jobs. NSC is a community at risk of functionally disappearing without action.

Preliminary research has shown that while the population of NSC has grown, life here has not. There is little common bond beyond affordable housing. High school students are being “dumped” by parents who commute 4 to 6 hours a day; we have too many low-paying jobs and a worsening traffic situation. If left unchecked, NSC will become like the vacuous suburbs of L.A… you know, the ones we look on with such scorn?

Locating a world class, four-year university in Marysville has the potential to address (directly or indirectly) most of these challenges.

I will leave it to those more informed than myself to argue “practical” matters of utilities, storm water run-off and taxes. All I wish to say in that regard is: there is no “practical” problem that can’t be argued both ways, and there is no practical problem that can’t be overcome if there is a will to do so.

But when it comes to matters of hope, community and legacy, there are ways forward and there are ways backward. Let us move forward by siting the U of W North right where it’s needed: in Marysville.

Dan Hazen
Executive Pastor, Allen Creek Community Church

Marysville