We need to place our trust in the democratic process, and in direct democratic elections. This is what Proposition #1 is all about-- direct democratic election, by the citizens of SeaTac, of our own mayor.

At the September 27th city council meeting (video available online at http://www.seatvonline.com) information was revealed regarding inappropriate actions by some city council members who oppose Proposition #1 and who oppose democratic election of our own mayor.

Email exchanges involving city council members who oppose Proposition #1 show they used city facilities, city equipment and city staff work time to campaign against Proposition #1 in 2009.

When we consider that Proposition #1 lost by only nine votes in 2009, we see that the anti-democracy forces on the city council through their improper actions, used city resources and taxpayer dollars to improperly influence the 2009 vote on Proposition #1.

Fortunately, the citizens of SeaTac will have another opportunity to approve Proposition #1 this November.

A "YES" vote will mean more accountable government: An elected resident mayor would have first hand knowledge of SeaTac, and would be directly accountable to citizens (the current head of SeaTac city government, the city manager, is neither elected nor a resident!)

An elected resident mayor would have a vested interest in the families, businesses, and homeowners of SeaTac.

A "YES" vote will mean improvement of government: improved business climate, improved code compliance, and improved public safety.

And a "YES" vote would reduce the cost of government by millions of dollars: Unelected city managers enhance their resumes by building empires, with more staff, larger fees, bigger budgets and higher taxes.

Our city manager's salary is $144,083--plus benefits! An elected resident mayor would receive much lower pay.

A small group has ruled politics in our city and the rest of us have suffered. Proposition #1 is part of the effort to make our city better for ALL the citizens of SeaTac. A "YES" vote is a vote for democracy and is a vote for a better future.

Larry Tannenbaum
SeaTac