TO ANNEX OR NOT? YOUR VIEW: From 4 White Center businesspeople who support Burien annexation
EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier today, we extended an invitation for anybody – organization, business, private citizen, etc. – to submit for publication their pitch for why voters should go their way in the vote on whether Burien should annex most of the rest of North Highline. No negativity about the opposition or why the other view is wrong – just, why you believe your view is right. We have received three essays so far, all from Burien annexation supporters, nothing yet from any opponents. We published one from Barbara Dobkin earlier; here’s one from four White Center businesspeople. The third will be published tomorrow morning, and anything else we receive, after that. Please send to whitecenternow@gmail.com – thank you!
By Doug Harrell, Justin Cline, and Michael & Elizabeth Gordon
Special to White Center Now
As White Center business owners, we support annexation to Burien.
Burien does not have a problem with vandalism, open alcohol, drug dealing, or prostitution in its commercial district, and we think that’s a good idea for White Center, too. Burien is in better fiscal shape than 90% of Washington cities and wants to maintain our public library and parks rather than having them closed or fall into disrepair with the county. Burien wants to maintain the uniqueness of White Center and give us an active voice in shaping the future together, including economic development and zoning. A coordinated, sustained effort for community economic development (not piecemeal) is an exciting opportunity for business owners and commercial property owners.
These are real benefits for local families and businesses. The residents of the area annexed in 2009 overwhelmingly prefer Burien and having a voice to being unincorporated. According to Mike Martin, Burien City Manager, the City Council is committed to welcoming all White Center residents and working with the same agencies that are providing services now to the community. The school district will benefit from being supported by a unified community as well. To quell the concerns of those anxious about the soundness of Burien’s fiscal calculations, our state legislators have even pledged to endorse legislation for a safety net for the annexation if and when one is ever needed.
It’s a sign of maturity in community leaders to present information in a balanced manner without undue emotional appeal so that a genuinely thoughtful and informed decision can be made by the individuals in a community for the good of the community. Burien has never hidden the fact that with annexation property taxes will decrease, utility taxes will increase slightly, and municipal business taxes will be collected and applied locally. (Currently, our taxes are applied throughout King County.) At public forums and at Burien city council meetings, Burien city officials have provided a willing ear to listen to concerns and clear explanations of complicated policies.
County and state representatives have let it be known that if Burien annexation fails, King County will push for annexation somewhere else. Seattle will be next in line with business taxes 3 times higher than Burien’s and little tax revenue staying in the neighborhood. No vote of the residents is needed for annexation – an interlocal agreement can be negotiated instead. Even in the unlikely event that Seattle does not step forward, continued unincorporation means continued uncertainty, little voice in government decisions, and declining county services.
Democracy means having a voice and, like it or not, democracy without some taxation fails (Aristotle). Vote yes on annexation to have a voice in the future of your community.
Doug Harrell, Roxbury Lanes
Justin Cline, Full Tilt Ice Cream
Michael & Elizabeth Gordon, Uncle Mike’s Superlicious BBQ
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