So, Burien is attempting to kill the annexation agreement with Seattle and King County AGAIN. Last year, all the parties were called to Olympia to work out a compromise that would properly fund both cities to annex part of North Highline. Everyone showed up; legislative leaders, King County, Seattle, all ready to find common ground. Burien showed up at the meeting without the authority to make decisions. Result: No additional funding for North Highline.

Then a King County and Seattle met in a public hearing with Burien, again, to find common ground and go to Olympia together to secure the funding that both cities need to properly fund annexation. Instead, some on the Burien City Council spent most the time ridiculing the other governments. Result: No additional funding for North Highline.

Then Burien submits a partial annexation proposal to the Boundary Review Board, then withdraws it, when the North Highline Fire Department points out that Burien's annexation plan, and their unwillingness to negotiate (its all in the written record folks), would decimate fire services for North Highline residents. And now, after months of meetings, an agreement is almost within reach. So Burien threatens to withdraw again.

Burien Mayor McGilton, Seattle Mayor Nickels, and Seattle City Council President Conlin have all stated publicly that our right to vote is protected under any annexation proposal. Burien is now stating that they are concerned about ensuring that right to vote.

So, while Burien is claiming to protect North Highline voter rights, Burien is planning to reduce voter participation in its annexation election by proposing a special annexation election date in May or June (instead of November). They know full well that special elections (even with an all mail-in ballot), significantly reduce voter participation, and that communities of color are less likely to participate. If Burien was really worried about protecting voter rights, they would start with their own citizens, and allow an advisory vote on whether to annex at all. And if they do hold an annexation vote, they should hold it during the November general election. Any other decision is hypocrisy in its highest form.

Mark Ufkes

White Center