Two candidates out of the current slate of city council candidates see fit to even bother mentioning annexation in their voter's pamphlet statements. Yet this event would have one of the most profound impacts on the future of Burien. Several candidates mention the small town aspect of Burien and how they would like to keep it that way, but if the council has its way, the city would double in area and population.

The residents of Burien do not seem to care enough one way or the other about annexation to make their opinions known to the council. Many residents of Burien have criticized BRAA [Burien Residents Against Annexation] for its anti-annexation stance. These critics say it is a far too complex issue to just say no.

But no one seems to be able to come up with any sort of rational composite fiscal analysis. Over $50,000 has been spent on studies and reports, but some members of the council do not seem to believe the figures. One of the contracts calls for the development of a flexible financial model to serve as a decision-making tool. No one has mentioned the use of this. Instead there are fragmented analysis statements coming from the police, fire and utility groups. Each analysis seems to be biased towards annexation.

The city has come up with another fragmented analysis, which seems to downplay the future infrastructure costs that would come with North Highline. The human services costs are never fully addressed.

Unless the residents of Burien take a stance, Burien may wind up with North Highline by default if Seattle decides to withdraw its PAA. The one sure financial aspect of acquiring North Highline would be a sure deficit because that is the driving reason behind King County's thrust to get the area off its books. No analysis is required there.

The council seems to think that the state and the county will provide sufficient funds to offset this deficit. Maybe the federal government would come through with some grants. As a last resort, the residents of Burien will be asked to tax themselves to cover the deficit. Deficit spending seems to be on the horizon as long as the council is intent on pursuing North Highline.

James Sharkey, Treasurer

Burien Residents

Against Annexation