As a 19-year North Highline resident, I am quite comfortable with my decision to move here from West Seattle 
where I grew up.

The rural, small town flavor of the Highline area is quite like West Seattle once was. I have
been happy as a county resident. I have no big complaints with the way things are, but if we must annex, we
 should make a good choice.

In 2004, the city of Seattle purchased five self cleaning public toilets. They were sold on Ebay for some small
amount after a cost of (..drum roll..) $5 million. A drop in the bucket.

In the ‘90s, Seattle residents voted themselves a monorail line from West Seattle to Ballard. After nearly a decade,
those same residents were still shelling out the cash. No monorail was ever built. $125 million dollars. They could
have used that for 25 more toilets.

Does anybody remember the lovely commute last year when SR-99 was shut down for a week? Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, had long opposed the viaduct or tunnel as a road we don't need. "They will get used to it," he claimed.

Looks like a pretty busy road to me though. The debate regarding SR-99 has been going on for many years and we will never know the true cost but I'd bet it is a tidy sum.

I do not want my taxes to go up any more than the next guy, but I do care about how that money is used. Annexation
 to Burien is an opportunity I will not be passing up. I will side with NHUAC and say YES. This is a terrific opportunity
to NOT be Seattle.


Steven M. O’Kelley
North Highline