Mission

Northwest Citizen provides news, commentary, and discussion on local politics and public issues for Whatcom County and Northwest Washington State. Our citizen journalists present responsible viewpoints and hold local officials responsible and accountable for their actions. Originally started as a one person politics blog in 1995, Northwest Citizen has grown to include 14 regular writers and over 20 contributing writers, with a growing readership of hundreds every day. Our articles are intended to complement other established local news outlets and to provide informed perspectives that explain important community issues. Anyone is welcome to register and comment on articles but we verify that each is using their actual name and that those who abuse commenting are blocked. We appreciate quality dialog that informs, rather than a quantity of inane comments.

Owner & Publisher: John Servais

The Last Ten Years And Us

By Dick Conoboy • On Sep 18, 2018

We are wallowing in a sea of debt. Affordable housing is a pipe-dream under these conditions.

1 comment, most recent 1 day ago

Breaking News: City Council Changes

By Tip Johnson • On Sep 01, 2018

City Council member Roxanne Murphy resigns…on Facebook

1 comment, most recent 2 weeks ago

Veterans Services at Western Washington University

By Dick Conoboy • On Aug 28, 2018

The Veteran Service Office at Western Washington University is working with a growing student-veteran population.

Some Thoughts on I-1639 and its Fraudulent Character

By David Camp • On Aug 28, 2018

A brief essay on the dangerous lie at the heart of I-1639, which purports to regulate “assault” weapons.

2 comments, most recent 3 weeks ago

Kumbaya Between Sunnyland/Twin Sisters Brewing Company Done As Music Is Shut Down

By Dick Conoboy • On Aug 26, 2018

City officials shut down the music at the official opening of Twin Sisters Brewing Company on Saturday. Illegal parking complaints also brought out the police.

2 comments, most recent 3 weeks ago

Citizen/City Dialogue - A Myth

By Dick Conoboy • On Aug 22, 2018

Our system of citizen participation fails the test of true dialogue. Exchange is practically ruled out by the process.

6 comments, most recent 4 weeks ago

Election results: Aug 7 primary, 2018

By John Servais • On Aug 13, 2018

Monday eve, Aug 13, final update. Big ballot count today in Skagit county - but 40th remains the same.

3 comments, most recent 1 month ago

Mail or Drop Box

By John Servais • On Aug 04, 2018

Do we mail our ballots or find a drop box to put it in? Do we trust the U.S. Postal Service? Do we?

1 comment, most recent 1 month ago

Browne goes negative on very late mailing

By John Servais • On Aug 04, 2018

Four excellent Democratic Party candidates are in the primary election for the 40th District House seat vacated by Kris Lytton. Browne goes negative at the last minute.

2 comments, most recent 1 month ago

AT&T FirstNet (The Stasi Information Super Highway?)

By Jon Humphrey • On Aug 04, 2018

A review of the privatization of communications by public entities, like the police and fire service, via the unnecessary use of AT&Ts questionable FirstNet service.

3 comments, most recent 1 week ago

What on Earth Is Doug Ericksen Doing In Cambodia?

By Elisabeth Britt and Michael Riordan • On Jul 28, 2018

Doug Ericksen and Vincent Buys are in Cambodia as we post this. What are these two Washington State 42nd Legislative District elected officials doing in Cambodia? What indeed!

11 comments, most recent 1 month ago

Small Cell/ Dig Once Updates

By Jon Humphrey • On Jul 26, 2018

We uncover more public resources that are knowingly not being used and make more connections between the city and big telecom. All telecom items untimately go back to the committee for further discussion.

Richey campaign - the echo chamber

By John Servais • On Jul 26, 2018

Voters have a choice of Richey or Erb for reform of our justice and jail mess. Who is saying what? Sounds like an echo chamber.

5 comments, most recent 1 month ago

Want Justice Reform?  Vote for James Erb.

By John Servais • On Jul 20, 2018

Here are some thoughts on candidates for the August 7 primary election.

1 comment, most recent 1 month ago

Small Cell Shenanigans

By Jon Humphrey • On Jul 19, 2018

The Linville administration won’t do right by its citizens when it comes to public infrastructure and telecom, but when it comes to following Ajit Pai’s and Verizons’ lead they say, “sure, no problem.”

Public Banking - Time To Get Off Our Butts

By Dick Conoboy • On Jul 14, 2018

Public banking can stop our dependence on commercial banks to whom we give our government revenue and receive little in return.

2 comments, most recent 2 months ago

Public Works Doesn’t Care What You Say

By Jon Humphrey • On Jul 12, 2018

This is yet another Dig Once Policy update outlining how the COB Public Works Department, under the direction of Ted Carlson, has been ignoring the advice and wishes of thousands of Bellingham residents.

2 comments, most recent 2 months ago

Prohibit Vacation Rentals - Now!

By Dick Conoboy • On Jun 23, 2018

The Bellingham Planning Commission has passed to the City Council a terribly flawed recommendation on vacation rentals.

2 comments, most recent 2 months ago

Fireworks

By Dick Conoboy • On Jun 20, 2018

Consumer fireworks are illegal in Bellingham. Some would say it is difficult to tell.

8 comments, most recent 2 months ago

Taking children from parents for political gain

By John Servais • On Jun 18, 2018

We are about local news at NWCitizen - but we are also citizens of the United States - or have we forgotten who we are?

3 comments, most recent 3 months ago

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