Employee union takes 'no confidence' vote in Lynnwood mayor

Amid the prospect of massive layoffs in the city of Lynnwood, an employee union has taken a “no confidence” in Mayor Don Gough.

AFSCME Local 3035 made the unanimous decision late last week. The union represents about 85 clerical and technical workers in the city. The text of the resolution is below.

Union President Frank Navage said the vote means the union has “no confidence in the mayor’s ability to manage the city and the financial situation.” The resolution says “our efforts often go unnoticed by the City administration and we are treated as a commodity and without respect.”

Earlier this year the City Council censured Mayor Gough and called on him to resign after an investigation into his alleged mistreatment of city employees. The Lynnwood Police Guild also passed a “no confidence” vote earlier this summer.

Lynnwood is facing an estimated $20 million shortfall over the next two years. More than a hundred employees, almost a quarter of city staff, were notified late last month that they could be laid off as soon as January.

We as employees of the City of Lynnwood have worked hard to maintain a high level of service to the Lynnwood community. Our efforts often go unnoticed by the City administration and we are treated as a commodity and without respect.

By an affirmative vote of the members of The City of Lynnwood Clerical, Technical, and Professional Employees, Local 3035 of the Washington State Council of County and City Employees, Council 2, AFSCME, AFL-CIO we declare that we have NO CONFIDENCE in the abilities of the City of Lynnwood Mayor, Don Gough,with matters regarding the City’s disastrous financial situation and employee relations and Collective Bargaining issues.

  1. Yeah, well these “no confidence” votes don't work! We tried this at work approx. 15 year ago and SHE'S still there.

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