Citizens Of Spokane Valley Would Control Their Destiny

Pro-incorporation

There are individuals on both sides of the incorporation issue who get carried away by their own convictions. That is as it should be, to be sure that all the information is presented to the citizens of the Spokane Valley.

Anyone can put their own spin on the issues of taxes, budget, services or contracting out. But we should not lose sight of the fact that, if incorporated, the citizens of Spokane Valley will be making those decisions and not be subject to the political winds that blow through the county courthouse and the city of Spokane.

Federal Way, Wash., is an example of a city that incorporated and contracted out for many of its services. Zoning, planning and high density development, approved by King County, were destroying any sense of community for residents of Federal Way. King County would not listen to their concerns.

What has happened in Federal Way after incorporation is impressive. Federal Way now controls its own planning, zoning, parks, police, roads and other services. The city has contracted out for many of these services to the private sector and King County.

The amount of dollars in their budget is not important. The important point is that the citizens of Federal Way determine the level of service that they want and how much they will spend. Not King County.

Federal Way has not established any bureaucracies, has a respectable reserve account, does not charge a B&O or utility tax and has maintained the lowest property tax rate of the 15 largest cities in Washington. Its property tax rate is less than if it had not incorporated and remained in King County.

“Smoke and mirrors”? Not at all. Anyone can nit pick at individual items, that’s pure and healthy debate, but the fact is that Federal Way is a success story.

The income available and the cost of the present level of service for the new city of Spokane Valley is well known and documented. A surplus of over $10 million will be available.

You, the citizens of Spokane Valley will determine what level of service you want and how you want your money spent. If Federal Way can do it, so can Spokane Valley.

Vote yes for our new city of Spokane Valley.

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