We are concerned that the decision to forgo a new Pro-Parks levy could mean Seattle's excellent parks system could suffer the neglect of financial support that has plagued King County parks and the systems of other cities.

But that is just one concern. The other is the injection of the city council into the executive management of the city by the duly elected mayor. We often don't agree with this mayor, but his cold reception of meddling by the council is, in this case, right on. (See stories on Page One.)

First, the mayor has discouraged a new levy to buy and develop parks and has made it clear that transportation needs are more important right now. While we are not supportive of Mayor Nickels' "tunnel light" or "hybrid tunnel" scheme, we agree that transportation needs in the city are paramount.

Beyond the tunnel and viaduct are horrendous streets, where dabs of day-glo red paint on some arterials warn of huge potholes and car-damaging jolts.

The concern is that absorbing all the current park programs into the city budget could mean a politically motivated council will cut some important programs. We hope that will not happen.

What really worries us is the City Council's bald-faced grab for executive power. This happened recently when the council passed an ordinance that gives it the power to appoint three members of the six-member Park Board. The power grab caused four good board members to quit in disgust.

So now, the mayor will appoint three members, the council three members and the six members will appoint a seventh member.

We have a great system, called separation of powers. Seattle's mayor is elected by the voters to administer the city, be the day-to-day manager. If we do not like how the mayor is doing, we vote him out of office.

The council has the power of the purse, to set budgets and decide what program or project gets money. The council is the legislative body of the city, and can hold hearings, pass ordinances when they see a need. But, in this case, this is about a council grabbing power. It is politics, not good government.

A remaining Park Board member, Terry Holme, said it all in this statement to reporter Rebekah Schilperoort: "To me, we are an independent board. They (the city council) could always weigh in. In every single instance they can change what is going on if they want to."

We hope the council will reevaluate its position and back off.