My Priorities

Dr. Deol’s priorities for Snohomish

  • Growth is inevitable, but how we evolve, matters. I believe in responsible development that enhances our city without sacrificing the historic charm and small-town feel that make Snohomish so special.

    We must ensure that new development is thoughtful, well-planned, and supported by infrastructure—not rushed in a way that creates long-term problems for roads, utilities, schools, and public services. This means approaching any problem with a set plan, ensuring that growth aligns with the needs of residents and visitors alike.

    Thoughtful Housing Solutions

    Snohomish is not a large city with unlimited resources to support housing initiatives that require substantial government funding. While we recognize the importance of providing a range of housing options, state-mandated low-income housing quotas are not the best solution for a town of our size. Instead, I will advocate for housing solutions that fit within our community’s capacity and budget, ensuring responsible expansion without straining our schools, infrastructure, local services, or unreasonably increasing citizen taxation.

    Action Plan:

    Strategic Approach – Identify areas where mixed-use developments can enhance the town without overburdening infrastructure. Thoughtful rezoning can allow for new businesses, housing, and public spaces that serve the community.

    Encouraging Locally-Owned Businesses & Retail – Growth isn’t just about housing; it’s about expanding opportunity. I’ll ensure the support of small businesses across Snohomish is among top priorities, and not just downtown, because more local businesses mean more local jobs and a healthier economy for the city and its residents. We must also revisit the First Street Master Plan and find better solutions than removing angle parking. Snohomish is not a big city, as addressed before, which makes the need for a safe and accessible parking.

    Infrastructure Approach (Roads, Utilities, & Schools Management)No development should move forward without ensuring that roads, utilities, and public schools can support it. I will push for development that strengthens our infrastructure before expansion, so we don’t create new problems in the process. Snohomish schools must have the resources to support a growing population without overcrowding or declining quality.

    Maintaining the Small-Town Charm and Atmosphere– We can welcome new residents, businesses, and investments while protecting what makes Snohomish special. This means prioritizing responsible planning, preserving historic areas, and ensuring that growth benefits everyone—not just developers.

  • Snohomish families and businesses are already feeling the strain of rising costs—higher taxes and increased utility rates should not be added to the burden. I will fight against wasteful government spending, push for a responsible budget, and ensure tax dollars are spent wisely on projects that truly benefit our community.

    Action Plan:

    Re-Evaluate the $70M+ Civic Center Project – A project of this scale is an unnecessary financial burden on our small-town population. I will push for a thoughtful and responsible spending, that will be as transparent as possible, and ensure it benefits the needs of the community without driving up costs for our residents.

    ✔ I will work to prevent further rate hikes, audit spending, and prioritize infrastructure improvements that actually benefit taxpayers.

    Cut Wasteful Spending – I will conduct a full financial review to identify areas where the city can reduce unnecessary expenses and reprioritize funds toward priority improvements and services rather than large-scale, debt-inducing projects.

    Prevent Future Tax Hikes – Rather than increasing taxes to cover excessive city spending, I will bring fiscal responsibility, clear and transparent budget planning and reporting so that any resident is aware of how their money is being spent.

  • Fixing Roads, Sidewalks & Addressing Parking Before Expanding Further

    We ,as a community, cannot build a strong future on a weak foundation. Before we invest in new developments, we need to repair what we already have. That means fixing roads, sidewalks, and critical infrastructure before approving any large-scale projects.

    One of the most pressing issues facing our city is the ongoing challenges with parking on 1st Street—a high priority that must be addressed to support businesses, residents, and visitors.

    1st Street Improvement Plan: A Common-Sense Approach to Parking & Infrastructure

    I understand there is a plan in the works for 1st Street, but I do not agree with the idea of adding additional parks in the shopping district when we already have a river park that is not being properly maintained. Our focus should be on improving accessibility, traffic flow, and parking availability—NOT reducing prime retail space for unnecessary park additions.

    Action Plan:

    Low-Cost Metered Parking in Premium Areas – To ensure that prime parking spots are available for serious shoppers and patrons, I propose low-priced metered parking during high shopping hours. This will:

    • Prevent long-term parking that takes away spaces from businesses.

    • Increase turnover, allowing more visitors to access shops and restaurants.

    • Generate revenue that can go directly into infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

    Better Utilization of Existing Parking Areas – Work with local businesses and property owners to identify underutilized parking lots that can be converted into public parking zones during peak hours.

    Investing in Maintenance of the River Park – Rather than adding new parks to the downtown shopping area, we should fully maintain and improve the existing river park, ensuring it is a functional, safe, and enjoyable space for residents and visitors alike.

    Road & Sidewalk Repairs First – Before expanding further, we as a community need to rebuild and repair our roads and sidewalks to:

    • Reduce trip hazards and liability risks.

    • Make downtown more walkable and accessible for all visitors.

    • Improve the overall aesthetic of our historic town without unnecessary redesigns that do not serve business owners

  • A strong community depends on safety, accountability, and respect for all. Every person has God-given dignity, including those struggling with homelessness and addiction, but that also applies to law-abiding citizens, families, and business owners affected by crime.

    While compassion is important, lawlessness cannot be tolerated. Snohomish lacks the infrastructure—such as public transit, job programs, and addiction recovery centers—needed to properly support large-scale homelessness services. Forcing these programs into a small town without the right resources helps no one and only creates more challenges for residents and businesses.

    Action Plan: Firm & Compassionate Public Safety Solutions

    Support Law Enforcement & Fire Services – Ensure our police officers and firefighters have the tools, funding, and backing to keep our community safe. Public safety depends on fully equipped and well-supported first responders.

    Hold Criminals Accountable – Stop policies that allow repeat offenders to commit crimes without consequences.

    Real Solutions for Homelessness & Addiction – Work with regional partners to connect people to proper services in cities equipped to help—rather than implementing ineffective local programs.

    Protect Business Owners & Residents – Reduce theft and drug-related crime to keep Snohomish a safe, welcoming town for all.

  • Item descriptionOur small businesses are the backbone of Snohomish, and they deserve a city government that works for them—not against them. I will fight to cut unnecessary regulations, oppose tax increases that hurt local businesses, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to succeed. This includes streamlining the permitting process, eliminating unnecessary red tape, and ensuring that business owners can open and expand without excessive delays or costs.

    Right now is the time to put our full support behind the local businesses and our town so we can continue to flourish. When our local businesses thrive, our entire community benefits. It’s time to work together to create a stronger, more vibrant Snohomish—one that supports the businesses that make our town special.

  • Item description✔ Promote Snohomish as a DestinationIncrease positive publicity through regional tourism campaigns, media outreach, and social media efforts that showcase our unique shops, restaurants, and scenic beauty.

    Invest in Community & Business Events – Support seasonal festivals, markets, and events that reinforce our identity and bring visitors to town to celebrate what makes Snohomish special.

    Improve Signage & Wayfinding – Ensure that visitors can easily navigate our town, find parking, and discover local attractions—creating a better experience that encourages return visits.

    Leverage Partnerships – Collaborate with business associations, tourism boards, and local influencers to amplify our town’s visibility and attract investment that aligns with our values.

It is time to work together