After years of being bullied by the Port, you would think that the Burien City Council would learn to show more respect for neighborhoods. Instead, Burien is making annexation decisions much the same way the Port makes decisions. "Sorry but we don't have to listen, you can not change our minds, and you will just have to learn to live with our decision"

After two years of discussions, with proposed line and neighborhood options presented on maps on the Burien web site and at over 10 public hearings, the Burien City Council changed all the options under discussion at the last minute and voted to annex huge segments of North Highline, cut up in ways that had never been discussed before.

They arbitrarily sliced up neighborhoods, never once talking with North Highline residents who live there.

Such an arbitrary decision, made on such short notice, shows disrespect and indifference. Maybe the acting Burien City Manager was expressing the Burien City Council perspective all along, when he told me three months ago, "If you don't like it (Burien annexation), you can sell your home and move away."

Seattle has stated that it is willing to annex all of North Highline, and is willing to protect the lower sewer and water rates that both North Highline and Burien enjoy, while also considering a proposal to provide stronger fire coverage on contract for North Burien residents, just like North Highline does now.

North Highline needs to stay together. Annexing to Seattle is a better choice for everyone. "Do unto others," Burien, because what you are doing now is government bullying, something we usually only see at the Port.

Mark Ufkes, President

White Center