Proponents of Federal Way annexing Lakeland South recently hosted a neighborhood meeting to provide anecdotal evidence that “now is the time for Lakeland South to become a part of Federal Way.”

In my opinion, annexation will only come about when becoming part of Federal Way is considered a benefit to Lakeland South residents. It is more likely that annexation will come about when the state of Washington mandates it.

I have difficulty finding the benefit of annexation when both Federal Way and Lakeland South residents receive public services from the same providers — water/sewer, fire and emergency medical services, solid waste collection and disposal, electricity, natural gas, cable TV, broadband Internet, land-line and cellular telephone, public schools, public transportation, even libraries — that equally serve both Federal Way and Lakeland South residents.

However, Lakeland South residents do not pay Federal Way’s 7.75 percent utility tax. Lakeland South residents, who monthly purchase $1,000 of the above services, pay $77.50 ($775.00 annually) less than Federal Way residents. If the public services and providers are equal, there is no benefit of affiliation with Federal Way.

Our neighborhood in Lakeland South does not feel abandoned by King County. We recently worked on successful projects with various King County departments and divisions, including King County Councilman Peter von Reichbauer and staff, natural resources and parks, water and land resources and flood management. King County’s Sherriff’s Office has been responsive and helpful when law enforcement situations arise.

Supporters of annexation to Federal Way claim faster police response, which is unproven but may be true.

What is true is that Federal Way police will rapidly bring with them Federal Way’s Municipal Code (ordinances) that may add to our regulatory burden, eliminate our property rights and conflict with Lakeland South’s individual lifestyle. Advocating enforcement of Federal Way’s Municipal Code in Lakeland South is like advocating the city of Chicago annex and govern the state of Wyoming.

Federal Way recently authorized a Performing Arts and Events Center. Despite the glowing rhetoric, the project is backed up by sketchy economic impact analysis.

Public facilities such as this are known to vacuum a city’s general fund and reduce a city’s ability to fund important financial commitments and promised services. Until this center is shown to be financially successful, I will wish Federal Way a lot of luck from my home in Lakeland South, King County.

David Saunders, Auburn