TO ANNEX OR NOT? YOUR VIEW: From Burien-annexation supporter Barbara Dobkin
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. No negativity about the opposition or why the other view is wrong – just, why you believe your view is right. We are happy to see that responses are starting to come in. First one in is from Barbara Dobkin, who says she is sending this as a private citizen, not in her role with a local community council. **One more important note, before we even start reading more essays – The same language, even if purportedly from different people, is not acceptable either. Cut-and-pasted resubmissions are not in the spirit of “tell us why you believe your position is the one that is best for this area’s future.” Thanks!**
By Barbara Dobkin
Special to White Center Now
Volunteers have been walking their neighborhoods and talking to residents about the benefits of annexation. Factual information about the annexation of North Highline has been provided at several community forums sponsored by the City of Burien, details of which are available on Burien’s website at http://www.burienwa.gov/index.aspx?NID=321.
The North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (NHUAC) sponsored an Annexation Information Forum on October 4, which was covered by whitecenternow and can be viewed on this site.
Understandably, questions still persist about what is one of the most important decisions that will impact the North Highline Community.
Why can’t we stay just like we are?
King County does not have the same taxing authority as cities, and is unable to continue to fund services to urban unincorporated areas like North Highline. To maintain adequate services (roads, police, parks, etc) state law and county policies say that urban areas need to join a city. We deserve quality services and local government – King County cannot offer that.
As part of Burien, most things will stay the same; those that do not stay the same will get better – parks, roads, police (see King County Roads website for information about changes to service levels in unincorporated King County)
Taxes:
Property taxes will go down and utility taxes will go up, for a net increase of about $10/month for the average household.
Our taxes will be invested in our community for parks, roads, police and other improvements. Under the county, our tax dollars are not invested directly in our community.
Property Values:
Tax values are set by the county assessor and based on recent sales in the
immediate area. Sale values are set in the same manner. Both tax and sales
values are about location, location, location.
Annexation does not affect home values or insurance costs except that better services may increase sale values.
Land Use/Zoning:
Annexation will cause no immediate changes. Existing county zoning will carry over until the community helps make future policies. Burien supports strong family neighborhoods. Building permits will be obtained through Burien (it is important to note that King County Building Permit Office has moved to Snoqualmie – if we do not annex, you will be driving to this distant office for permits)
Businesses:
Businesses that are legal under the county will continue to be legal in Burien, as long as they obtain and meet licensing, permit, health/safety and other regulations (King County will continue to provide health inspections for restaurants).
Existing businesses will not have to obtain permits or change their signage.
Code Enforcement:
Burien tries to stay out of the private lives of its residents. Enforcement is based on complaints. Many of the problem properties that have plagued the area will be forced to clean up, paint out graffiti, and otherwise maintain the property (eg – the former site of the El Chalan restaurant on 16th Ave). The county has no such regulations.
Animal Control:
Burien contracts with a local nonprofit to provide animal control services. Contrary to what you may have heard from a select group of individuals, many people are satisfied with this service.
Do I have to change to a Burien address?
NO. You can still use Seattle as your mailing address. Mail is delivered based on zip code.
Library Services:
All libraries in Burien are part of the King County Library System (KCLS) and are not under the jurisdiction of Burien. Currently the libraries serving both White Center and Boulevard Park are situated just inside the Burien City limits. These two important community resources are threatened with closure if we do not annex to Burien. The KCLS is concerned that if we do not annex to Burien, we will eventually become part of Seattle, and then the Boulevard Park and White Center Libraries will sit on the border of Seattle. The KCLS has made it clear that it would not be prudent of them to maintain libraries with KCLS dollars that will most likely be serving residents of Seattle.
It is important to realize that we are not independent now, never have been, and never will be. King County dictates policy to our community, and we have virtually no say in land use, in how our tax dollars are spent, in the things that impact our quality of life. We represent 1% of the population of King County, and we share one representative with over 200,000 people.
In Burien we will be over 30% of the population, and have 7 council people representing the needs of our community. Burien City Hall will be no further than 3 ½ miles from any resident in North Highline, and easily accessible meetings are held on Monday evenings.
Our neighbors to the south who voted to join Burien in 2009 are highly satisfied. Parks have been improved, roads have been paved, and they have a say in their growth and government. Something King County could not offer them. Don’t we deserve the same.
Vote YES for Burien!
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EDITOR’S POSTSCRIPT: Again, if you have an essay about why your annex/don’t-annex position is right for this area’s future, please e-mail it to us at whitecenternow@gmail.com – Tracy Record, WCN editor
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