I cannot support the annexation of White Center until there is certainty that the annexation will prove financially beneficial to Burien.

I have read and heard many views on why annexation does or does not make sense. Some people are sentimentally attached to White Center. Some people welcome the expanded diversity and others fear the possibility of added crime. But the determining factor in these troubled economic times should be financial feasibility.

It is not difficult to conclude that the annexation has the potential to damage Burien's financial future. Our council is divided on the financial impacts.

There are new candidates running for election who received support based upon their opposition to annexation. If the financial benefit was so clear, why is annexation such a central issue in the upcoming election? There must be a strong difference of opinion on whether there will be any benefit to Burien. Why does the BERK report contradict itself? The 2007 report said annexation could was not affordable. Now it is interpreted as saying it is affordable. If the conclusion is not clear, Burien should not speculate with its financial future.

No doubt Burien's city manager has run pro forma projections for Burien "as is" and without the sales tax credits that are provided to incentivize the annexation. Would he please publish those on-line so all can see what the next ten years may look like for Burien?

If you are starting to like what you see in today's Burien, as I do, ask yourself if you are willing to gamble it all away with an annexation for which there are no certain answers.

John Rizzardi
Burien