In a move that is long overdue, Mayor Lund finally fired ultra-corrupt Public Works Director Eric Johnston who abused his position many times to protect big telecom and special interests against the public interest. However, who will she get to replace him? It is imperative that whoever she chooses finally put the community ahead of special interests and be familiar with modern infrastructure. On top of that they must commit to putting a proper Dig Once Policy into place. So, I am asking you to write to the Mayor and City Council and ask for these thing.  
I recommend the following 2 candidates to replace Johnston. Both have extensive experience with infrastructure and Dig Once policies. Both will put the public interest first.  
1. PUD Commissioner Atul Deshmane 
2. Mount Vernon IS Director Kim Kleppe
We need to steer clear of many existing powerful directors that already have positions as most are part of the corrupt establishment.
For example, Whatcom PUD General Manager Chris Heimgartner has abused his position to protect special interests and should NOT be a COB Public Works Director or a GM at the PUD. We also need to keep corrupt organizations that have been captured by big telecom, like TAGNW, from essentially appointing a director as they will only give us candidates that represent special interests on behalf of WAVE, Comcast, etc. 
Remember, our elected officials want to appear to be making progress while not actually making any. It's their MO. It's up to us to hold them accountable and push for real, lasting, change. 
Contact info:
COB Mayor mayorsoffice@cob.org
COB Council - ccmail@cob.org