Guest: Randy Bolerjack, Everett Charter Review Committee Member

The Gist:
Emily in Everett sits down with Randy Bolerjack, another self-proclaimed "civic nerd" and Everett’s Charter Review Committee member, to unpack the wildly underrated world of city charters. Spoiler: It’s the rulebook for how your city (or county) runs, and most of us have no idea what’s in it, let alone, what it is!

Why It Matters:

• Your city’s charter = its constitution. Want to change how local government works? This is where it starts.
• Everett’s committee (15 members, because democracy loves a crowd) is reviewing everything from council powers to election rules. And yes, they want your input.
• Randy’s day job? Overseeing WA state’s elections, libraries, and charities. So if you thought this was nerdy, just wait.

Call to Action:
Read your city’s charter. Attend a meeting. Pretend to care at parties. 

Vibe Check:
✅ Wonky but fun
✅ 100% necessary
✅ Guaranteed to make you the most interesting person at your next city council meeting

Listen if: You’ve ever wondered why your local government works the way it does (or doesn’t).

P.S. Randy’s a Coug. We’ll let you decide if that’s a pro or a con.

Learn more:
Follow Randy on Instagram
Email Randy: [email protected]
Everett Charter Review Committee
County Forms of Government - Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MSRC)
Snohomish County Charter Review Commission
What is a Charter? - League of Women Voters' of Snohomish County
Who is running the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission? - News Tribune
By Abi Ludwig is a co-founder of Standing for Washington, sponsors of Everett Initiative 24-03
Washington State Secretary of State Elections
Everett Link Extension - Sound Transit
Build the Damn Trains
Everett Outdoor Event Center - City of Everett
Everett AquaSox 2026 Season