Letters from the Community

I am astounded at the false statements about police coverage being made by opponents of annexation.

The 2005 estimate of police staff needed to serve the city after annexation was never a “promise” to provide 77 new police officers to serve the annexation area alone. That initial estimate was unfortunately inflated; the department proposed having as many patrol districts in the PAA as there currently are in the entire city, essentially doubling the size of the department. We all knew that wasn’t necessary, and they were sent back to come up with a realistic estimate that would provide coverage in the annexation area similar to what is received within existing city boundaries. The current plan does exactly that.

The Con committee’s assertion that “without sheriffs, the King County parks and schools become ‘unprotected islands’” is just nonsense. The Kirkland Police patrol parks and schools within the city regardless of who owns or maintains them. Why are such ridiculous and desperate scare tactics employed by the opponents?

The claim that “promised services are over 2 years away” while taxes and debt start immediately is just a lie as well. The annexation area will not pay city taxes or be responsible for our proportionate share of city obligations until annexation becomes effective in 2011 – on the same day that our city services, including improved police coverage, come on line. At no time will we be responsible for city taxes or debt without having the services and representation that go with them.

My primary reason for supporting annexation is improved police protection. Currently, the county allocates just 3/4ths of an officer to patrol the entire annexation area. The city will establish three patrol districts in the area – that’s three officers patrolling the annexation area around the clock, instead of just 3/4ths of a county officer. And we get that improved service with the taxes for an average home staying about the same!

The county keeps telling us that their service levels are going to decrease even further. I want the improved protection for my home and family that annexation will bring, and look forward to being served by the Kirkland Police Department.

Toby Nixon

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