Parks levy just a Band-Aid


June 13, 2008 · Updated 4:29 PM 

  • 0
  • Print Story
  • Letter/Editor

Here are two possible solutions to the King County parks problem:

1. Instead of proposing yet another property tax increase on our excessive existing taxes, why not take a vote on what parks to keep open and maintain and those that could lie dormant until the economy returns to a more normal state.

2. Pick a park, sell it to a developer and build an apartment complex. The additional revenue would more than adequately fund the remaining parks, pools, trails, etc.

If this tax increase were to actually be voted in, it would not stop at the end of six years and would remain a fixture on our property taxes regardless of the county’s economy. Once voted in, the insatiable appetites of the tax-to-the-limit folks would leave it there forever and, of course, the 5-cents-per-$1,000 of the property’s value would have to be increased tenfold. After all, the 5-cent levy is just a temporary Band-Aid.

Patricia Almquist

Auburn

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

blog comments powered by Disqus