City Councilmember Stan Snapp Speaks About the Community

Stan Snapp, city councilmember for Ward 4 of Bellingham, highlighted in an interview yesterday what occurs behind the issues that affect Happy Valley.
As a councilmember for the past three years, Snapp has direct contact with the neighborhood issues brought to council. This spring, Proposition 1 and the 10th Annual Dine Out For Maple Alley Inn were events Snapp was involved in and reviewed that affected the Happy Valley community.
Proposition 1 and the Dine Out
Proposition 1 was a proposed minor tax increase to support the faltering WTA funding. Voting occurred during late April, and the proposition did not pass. As a result, several bus lines will be cut this September by 15 percent.
As a board member for WTA, Snapp reviewed Proposition 1 and voted in favor of it. During the voting period, Snapp said that he hoped it passed and that he and his fellow board members all voted in favor of it.
The 10th Annual Dine Out For Maple Alley Inn was an event originating with the Opportunity Council. Restaurants throughout Bellingham, including Happy Valley, donated 20 percent of their profits that day to the Maple Alley Inn program to feed underprivileged individuals.
Snapp inherited the position of vice president of the Opportunity Council, a move that was “almost mandatory” on his part. He enjoys being able to help people with needs in the community, and “having a real say in developing a voice” for the neighborhood.
Concerns Over the Safety of Drinking Water
One of the major issues facing Happy Valley is the water quality of Lake Whatcom. As the main drinking water source, Lake Whatcom provides all of Bellingham with freshly treated water. In recent years, phosphorus levels have risen in the lake due to an overgrowth of algae.
Snapp is particularly concerned with this issue. “This is not an issue to turn around quickly,” he said. It will take the implementation of new treatment systems and residential infiltration systems over the next several years to make a difference.
Outside the Office
When not working on reviewing city or neighborhood issues, Snapp enjoys the constant contact he experiences with the community. “I’m invited to things all the time,” he said. He has steady contact with Western Washington University professors and students and enjoys forging new connections throughout the city.