June 2026 | Volume 12

The dedication of Sheriff Johnson and her team was quickly evident during her presentation. She said that serving the community in the best way is all about having the right people, “We tell our deputies that all community contacts are an opportunity to build trust.” She added, “We serve everyone in Snohomish County, from immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people and business owners to residents and visitors.”  

During questioning, Sheriff Johnson discussed the rights of protestors, saying SCI did a good job of keeping people safe during rallies. She addressed the challenges of ICE, reminding people to keep their distance from a disturbance, adding, “It is OK to film an event.” When asked about AI, she said it will soon provide real-time translation when officers are dealing with those who are non-English speaking. 

In closing Sheriff Johnson said the job of her department is all about trust and loyalty, “We prize loyalty…loyalty to the office, not the individual.”

Watch Sheriff Johnson's talk on SCI's YouTube channel.

ACTION: Read more about Sheriff Susanna Johnson in our “elected official” spotlight for the month of June below! Get more information about the Snohomish County Sherrif’s Office.

Topics included the upcoming midterms and the administration’s attempts to control the results, how to reach different demographics such as young people, and how to get people to vote. 

The consensus was that the meeting was not only helpful and successful… everyone left feeling just a bit more positive about the state of the world! 

Elected as the 33rd Sheriff and sworn in January, 2024, Johnson says her leadership philosophy centers on one principle: “Honor in Service.” She meets personally with every new employee to instill this value as their “north star,” ensuring words match actions.

“What gives me hope,” she says, “is that even in tough times, our communities come together.” She’s most proud of the growing trust between residents and deputies, and she often hears directly from people who feel safe and respected.

Her expansive experience helps her support both staff and community needs, shaped by mentors who taught her to put community first. As she puts it: “I truly believe I was always meant to be in this position, especially right now.”

With a decorated career, advanced degrees, and decades of youth volunteering, Sheriff Johnson remains focused on protecting rights, fostering transparency, and serving all corners of Snohomish County with compassion, courage, and unwavering integrity.

Just ask Brent Butterworth, who has been SCI Founder/Director Anita Dietrich's “platonic plus-one” for roughly four years now, accompanying her to fundraisers, election events, and more. 

What does Brent do? “Support candidates, get ourselves out there, and make sure they know we're there. The more they see us, the more influence we have.”

While filling this role, Brent has met and formed relationships with local representatives and politicians, having meaningful conversations with them about issues that matter, even outside of the big events.

Brent moved here from Los Angeles roughly four years ago. He jumped right in, helping to build the current website. He also helps wrangle the PA and sound systems at meetings and events along with Chris Glans and Mark Soles.

“It used to be simple,” Brent admits. “Then we started doing events for over 1,000 people, and we had to start upgrading.” 

Brent had a little advice and encouragement for new Indivisible members as well. 

“Get involved! Do something! Sometimes it's not immediately clear what will be a good fit for your skills, and sometimes you don't even know what you're good at. I didn't think I was good at meeting people…but it seems like I can work a room at these parties just fine. As people figure out who you are and what you can do, you'll find your fit, too.” 

Participants said they were excited about reaching out to voters in others states, many commenting that “It is important to share this vital information before the midterms.” Everyone is excited about seeing the results of their efforts in terms of voter turnout!

NSCI’s postcard writing events have been so successful that they need more space and will be moving from the Marysville Library to a larger venue at Marysville United Methodist church, 5600 64th Ave N.E., which will also allow the postcard group to schedule meetings up to six months in advance.

ACTION: Attend the next SCI postcard writing event: June 8 and 22, July 13 and 22, and August 3, 10, and 17. All events will be from 1 pm – 4:00 pm.

All the water we have, or will EVER have, is here. No more is coming. Every drop we use today takes something away from tomorrow. We all can, and should, take actions to reduce our own consumption daily. Major threats to water sustainability are pollution, overuse (including for AI data center proliferation), and climate change. Defending against that requires much more than individual conservation. We must curb industrial scale resource exploitation for profit. That fight requires leadership that prioritizes sustainability. Stay loud, show up, and VOTE!