The one major item missing in the annexation discussions by the Burien City Council is funding. There have been many reports about the costs associated with North Highline.

For example, King County says it runs an annual deficit of about $9 million for North Highline and about $27 million is required for capital cost improvements.

The 16th Avenue South bridge in South Park would cost about $9 million to remove it and about $80 million to fix it (As of right now, Burien has no obligation to participate in any of these bridge costs but that could change with annexation of any part of North Highline).

However, the citizens of Burien are lead to believe that we are not to worry about funding.

The recent P.I. guest editorial, written by Mayor McGilton, underscores the council thinking about funding.

The answer, according to Mayor McGilton, is a never-ending supply of earmarks.

The council tells the citizens of Burien that North Highline annexation is the last opportunity for Burien to grow. It is Burien's investment in the future.

That is all well and good if Burien can afford it. Even the city manager has stated that annexation of all of North Highline would break the bank.

The council seems to think that a partial annexation (partial for now) would not cost anything because the costs will be covered by earmarks.

Tukwila and SeaTac looked at annexing parts of North Highline and decided they could not afford it. Do Tukwila and SeaTac know something that Burien does not know?

James Sharkey

Treasurer,

Burien Residents Against Annexation