By Pepper Fisher

SEQUIM – A rally to show appreciation for Sequim City Staff has been announced for Monday, July 12 at 4:30pm at the Civic Center.

Organized by area resident Karen Hogan and endorsed by The Sequim Good Governance League, the event is being billed as an opportunity to say thanks to the hard-working people that have helped to guide the City over the past 18 months through a series of difficulties including the Healing Clinic, COVID-19, City Council and City Manager changes and more.

City Councilor Rachel Anderson says she’s 100% behind the idea.

“Absolutely. I mean, staff works so incredibly hard, and I’ve been able to see it firsthand. And the amount of stress that they deal with, it’s just phenomenal how well they cope, and how well they work together as a team. I wish more people knew how fortunate we were to have such hard working employees.”

Organizers are encouraging councilmembers and candidates in the upcoming election to join the rally, but have been asked not to campaign.

Councilman Tom Ferrell says he’ll be there and may even say a few a words, if called upon.

“They’re good, tough people. I don’t want them to be too nervous about anything. I know rumor mills can hurt things, but I think that, you know, things are going to start looking up everywhere. And this rally certainly helps that, too. I just truly hope we get a good, apolitical crowd.”

Organizer Karen Hogan agrees.

“This is not a political issue. This has been a very difficult year for the staff, and I think they have just behaved and responded with grace and professionalism. You know, I think people don’t understand, because everything runs so smoothly because of the quality of their staff, they don’t know what it would be like if we did not have this staff. It’s like you don’t notice things because they’re going so well. So I think this is a perfect time to say thank you to them. I just really hope we get a big turnout.”

Again, the rally is scheduled for 4:30 Monday afternoon at the Civic Center.