October: A Letter from Our HDSA President

We are just a few weeks away from our city election and I want to remind you that the Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA) is a non-partisan organization, committed to supporting all the people who live, work, and play in our downtown, regardless of political affiliation. 

As part of that commitment, we recently hosted a Candidate Forum for city offices, open to every person running. All candidates accepted the invitation; community-submitted questions were selected and moderated by the League of Women Voters; and we are glad to Highpoint Church for generously providing the space. This forum is an example of how non-partisan doesn’t mean uninvolved, it means creating a space where every voice can be heard and every candidate can be seen simply as a person seeking to serve our community. 

I’ve always loved getting to know people.

When I was 21, one of my college English professors asked us to write about our hobbies. Mine was, and still is, meeting people and listening to their stories. I believe every person is special and deserves respect, even (and maybe especially) if they’re different from me. Over time, those differences give way to what really matters: real stories, personalities, and character. 

That’s why I encourage you to watch the forum recording. You’ll see candidates not just as names or platforms, but as neighbors and fellow community members. The first half features city council candidates; the second half, the mayoral contenders. The opinions expressed are theirs alone, and do not reflect the position or endorsement of HDSA — we remain non-partisan. But through this event, we hope to foster meaningful connections and informed civic engagement. 

On a lighter note, I’m sure you’ve noticed that downtown looks a bit brighter lately. A huge thank you to the local congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who adopted a service project downtown. They pulled weeds, cleaned sidewalks, removed trash, and even tackled overgrown blackberries near the 9/11 Memorial Stairs and behind Randolph Cellars. I was touched by the willingness of each of them, and each person, who volunteers to make our community better. 

It does take all of us doing our part to create a future where everyone feels welcome, and every business can thrive. That vision, the heart and soul of our historic downtown, is what drives HDSA. Thanks to your energy, your attention, and your presence, we are closer than ever to making it real. 

-Ken Coman

HDSA Board President