Washington State Senate candidate Janelle Cass is hosting and moderating a discussion on the drug addiction epidemic facing Snohomish County and its impact on individuals, families and the community. The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at Edmonds College’s Black Box Theater.
Cass will face 21st District incumbent State Sen. Marko Liias in the November general election.
The forum will feature the following panelists:
– Gregory Jantz, Founder, The Center a Place for Hope
– Adam Fortney, Snohomish County Sheriff
– John Nehring, Mayor, City of Marysville
– Mike Kersey, President, Courage to Change Recovery Services
– Randy Hayden, member, Snohomish County Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Advisory Board
Free tickets to the event can be reserved by visiting JanelleCass.com/FORUM/.
Finally, a new panel of QUALIFIED people discussing real life issues addressing addiction (and possibly resulting homelessness) in Snohomish County. These panelists are truly on the front lines of what is happening locally. They see it every day. They know some of the successful actions that have helped people recover their lives, relationships, and ability to function in society. At the Snohomish County public hearing on the related issues last month, I heard so many ideas based on theory and undocumented “studies” of what supposedly helps and what doesn’t from people who work in the periphery. I want to hear from those who have been working in this field directly. I want to hear them say what works IN THEIR EXPERIENCE and what doesn’t. I was impressed and encouraged by the last panel candidate Cass held last summer. There were stories of heartache, recovery and hope, told by people in the trenches, many of whom experienced recovery. I was also impressed by Dr. Jantz’s statement in the county hearing. I heard compassion and wisdom. We must examine statements about “studies,” search for documentation, and consider the qualifications of anyone claiming knowledge in this field. The goal: Restoration.