Rapid growth testing town's character

By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Some residents say growth and development are sorely testing the town's live-and-let-live philosophy.

"Things have gone to hell," says Bill Senica, president of the Stillaguamish Pioneer Association. His view reflects the sentiments of many longtime residents. "We're not as small-town like we used to be. Arlington has built up too fast. . . . The roads aren't adequate, traffic is terrible, the schools are really hurting. We're like Edmonds in the 1950s."

Not everyone agrees with Senica. Among them is hardware store owner Mike Jones. As the Saturday home improvement crowd sets his store's hardwood floor to creaking, Jones echoes the hopes of many of the town's business owners.

"We have a personalized niche of great service here . . . a 21st-century business with a 19th-century feel -- nostalgia with deer heads," says Jones with a laugh. "I tend to hire older guys who may be crotchety but who have skills, a sense of humor and who can fix anything. We'll probably bring in scanners, but without disturbing this comfortable old-time place."

"Business is great, and there is no reason why it shouldn't stay great," says Jones, acknowledging an Eagle Hardware store is slated to open south of town.

Jones laughs in discussing the "ruralization" of newcomers.

"One woman from San Diego bought a radio but asked to return it when she couldn't get her old station from home," says Jones. "Isn't that scary? But we took it back . . ."