The residents of Burien have no vote on the potential annexation of North Highline/White Center to Burien. The residents of Burien had no advisory vote regarding the annexation of North Highline/White Center to Burien because the city council rejected the idea of an advisory vote, saying that the residents are not capable of making any sort of judgment regarding annexation.

The only recourse left to the residents of Burien is a vote for candidates in the upcoming election. A vote for candidates that oppose annexation would begin to shift the direction of the city council.

The council keeps searching for data that supports their decision to keep the PAA on the table. We hear statements like "Stay the course;" "North Highline is a diamond in the rough;" "North Highline is an investment in the future of Burien." When pressed for an answer, the council members are unable to offer a rational reason why each of them continues to pursue annexation.

The latest Berk report shows nothing but deficits for any form of annexation. In addition, the report does not address the huge infrastructure costs that would come with North Highline. Further, no mention is made about the benefits and costs of Burien setting up and controlling its own police and fire protection. Neighboring cities are able to do so and to talk to each other about sharing such services. The Burien City Council prefers to remain in a vacuum regarding sharing services.

To sum up the current state of affairs, the Burien City Council is unable to arrive at a bottom line for annexation versus no annexation. As long as the PAA remains in effect, the final decision may come from the Growth Management Council or the Boundary Review Board.

James Sharkey, Treasurer

Burien Residents

Against Annexation