Shhhhhhh…It’s the library.

Shhhhhhh…The King Conservation District Board election is this Tuesday but…shhhhhhh…It’s at the library. Shhhhhhh…you are not mailed a ballot…shhhhhhh…you have to go in person to the downtown Seattle or Des Moines public library…shhhhhhh.

I love our libraries, but what kind of message does this send? What kind of message does it send when the only public election that deals directly with the conservation of King County’s important natural resources is the only public election not publicly administered by the King County Department of Elections? There is no such thing as hushed democracy.

Secret elections may work for the Skull and Crossbones society. Secret elections may work to ably disenfranchise the vast majority of voters. And, secret elections may work to marginalize positions or issues. But, secret elections do NOT work for the King Conservation District and they certainly do not work for West Seattle – not when so many KCD programs, funds and opportunities could improve the lives of West Seattleites in our great neighborhoods.

The sole mission of the King Conservation District is to promote the sustainable use of King County natural resources – it’s really tough to promote things in secret. I believe KCD should support programs and services that truly promote an awareness of the importance of natural resources to vibrant economies and livable communities. KCD should loudly support youth sailing, naturalist, and outdoor recreation programs; KCD should help jurisdictions develop prominent urban forestry programs and plant community heritage trees associated with civic buildings and public spaces; KCD should sponsor local and county-wide conservation awards to demonstrate how King County values conservation. These are the ways to truly promote natural resource conservation in King County, not by holding a secret election.

Please be sure to vote in the last “secret” election for the King Conservation District Board of Supervisors this Tuesday March 16th (at the library). Don’t let the voices of West Seattle be shushed – it’s too important.

Kirk Prindle is a candidate for King County Board of Supervisors
See www.kirkprindle.com to learn more about his specific ideas to improve KCD and to truly promote awareness of the importance natural resources in King County.