I think a short synopsis of the history of Burien's cityhood can help annexation friends and foes. Burien's history of incorporation goes back several decades.

I worked on the past two cityhood campaigns. The second to last was a complete fiasco because the Boundary Review Board insisted the city had to have the boundaries of the Highline School District. That meant the new city would have been the third largest city in the state of Washington. I was elected as one of the Freeholders, but the voters said "No" to the city.

Incorporation finally happened when our committee concentrated on a nine square mile area with a smaller population. Within these limited boundaries, the most opposed were residents north of 128th SW to the Seattle City limits. These residents had their own quasi-government and were very happy with it and their services from King County.

That has all changed. King County is adamant that areas sandwiched between city boundaries must be annexed or incorporated. Since the area we are studying is too small to incorporate, it will be annexed to Seattle or Burien.

Now is the time for North Highline residents to choose. It is not up to the city of Burien.

The people of White Center and the North Highline area have a diversity that is important to us all and both areas have their virtues as well as vices. Their volunteer government kept them on track to welcome diverse cultures and populations as well as manage growth. This is vital to understanding how the two communities can become melded together for the betterment of each.

My grandparents moved here in the mid '20's, and I have grown up in this area, been educated and raised my children here. I am a second-generation Highline High School graduate, followed by my children (3rd generation) and grandchildren (4th generation).

Burien is a hidden gem and I am proud to have helped in the incorporation effort. I am sorry there is so much animosity being voiced. I think we should be working positively and encouragingly to move the metamorphosis along.

Without diversity and differences, cities become sterile and parochial, gardens are reduced to blandness and every box of chocolates is identical.

Elizabeth M. Williams
Seahurst