[14] October 25, 2013
www.federalwaymirror.com
Ballot proposition would restrict citizen petitions Mirror staff reports
Federal Way voters will have the opportunity to vote on just one ballot proposition during the Nov.
5 general election. Proposition No. 1 would restrict the submission of all citizen initiative petitions to the general elections because the voter
participation is historically cilmembers Kelly Maloney higher at general elections, and Diana Noble-Gulliford. and to avoid the added ex“I do not like the concept pense of a special election. of restricting the initiative As it currently stands, if process and the voters,” a citizen-backed initiative Noble-Gulliford said at the gains enough signatures time. “I understand the and is certified by the budget issues and also the county, the city must either general election turnout, hold a special election but in my mind, the or wait until a genvoters’ rights come eral election if the first as far as the ELECTION initiative is certified initiative process within 120 days of a goes.” general election. Special elections According to the tend to cost more “statement in favor” of because fewer jurisdicProposition 1 in the King tions place items on the County Voters Pamphlet, ballot. A ballot measure during the November 2011 can often cost $100,000 general election, between or more. For example, the 41- and 45-percent voted in city paid $140,000 to place the general election, while the elected-mayor issue on only 23- to 26-percent a February 2008 special voted during the primary. election ballot following The pro statement was a citizen-backed initiative submitted by Linda Purlee (the public voted to keep and Bruce Martinez. the council-manager form “The timing of national of government). That same and local general elections year, Federal Way’s cost to generates more voter interparticipate in the regularly est and greater turnout,” the scheduled general election pamphlet says. “Important was $90,000. initiatives brought to the Local special elections public should be held when involve more than just the greatest number of Federal Way city governvoters participate. Otherment. In 2012, South King wise fewer voters make key Fire and Rescue paid nearly decisions for the greater $150,000 for a special population.” election ballot on a service There was no “statement levy. In 2012, Federal Way of opposition” submitted to Public Schools paid nearly King County. $200,000 for a special elecThe Federal Way City tion on two levy proposals. Council, in a 5-2 vote Learn more during its June 4 meeting, decided to send the ballot To learn more about the proposition to King County ballot items and candidates Elections. The two dissentin the general election, visit ing votes came from Counkingcounty.gov/elections.
2013
Confused? Not sure what to believe? The contributions speak for themselves YES =11,000 plus individuals from across Washington State - avg. $25 each = NO A few large corporate donors from outside Washington that would profit handsomely from keeping GMOs hidden in our food
It’s Our RIGHT TO KNOW PLEASE VOTE YES ON I-522
Paid for by GMO Awareness Group, Box 2931, Sequim, WA 98382
Tire Sales Event
Get up to a $140 Rebate on a set of 4 Major Brand tires.*
Brake Installation
Up to a $50 Rebate on Ford Motorcraft Brake installation
886423
I-522 is about labeling Genetically Modified Food
*Dealer installed retail tire purchases only, limit one redemption per customer. Purchase tires between 10/1/13 and 11/30/13. Rebate must be submitted by 12/31/13. $140 tire rebate cannot be combined with any other tire manufacturer-sponsored rebate/offer. See Service Advisor for vehicle applications and rebate details.
Mon-Fri 7:30am-7:00pm • Sat 8:00am-4:30pm
501 AUBURN WAY NORTH • AUBURN scarff-ford.com 1-253-833-1500
Local gang prevention gets boost with state grant Mirror staff reports
Gang activities create problems for public safety and economic interests in cities such as Federal Way. In response, the Washington State Partnership Council on Juvenile Justice has selected three programs to receive state grant funding for criminal street gang prevention. Grant recipients are the Suburban King County Coordinating Council on Gangs Implementation Plan, the City of Tacoma Neighborhood and Community Services, and the Benton/Franklin Counties Gang Prevention and Intervention Project. Each grant is worth $133,000. Later this year, the Suburban King County Coordinating Council on Gangs will release a comprehensive study of gang activity in suburban cities, with updated data from 2012. The council’s goal is to reduce youth violence and gang activity by fostering better communication among local law enforcement and governments. The council has buy-in from South King County law enforcement agencies including Federal Way. Retired Justice Bobbe Bridge founded the Center for Children and Youth Justice (CCYJ), which formed the gang council.
She said social services are just as important as law enforcement when it comes to gang issues. One area where communities can make a positive impact is education, Bridge said. Whether a student receives a high school diploma or a college degree, education is seen as a path out of poverty and away from the temptations of the gang lifestyle. “Education is essential to successful lives and higher self-esteem,” Bridge said. Gang members often grow up in dysfunctional households with a lack of positive role models and supervision. Gangs address the needs that aren’t met by traditional institutions such as churches and schools. By living under conditions that promote criminal behavior, young gang members are more likely to drop out of school or go to prison. Bridge said programs like the Road Map Project are an example of how schools can leverage resources and pay attention to the kids who get overlooked. The project is a collaboration among seven area school districts to reduce the achievement gap among students. In 2012, the project received a $40 million grant from the U.S Department of Education’s “Race to the Top” competition. The money will serve more than 261 schools and 150,000 students. Of those 150,000 students, 36,000 are considered high-need students.
ge F a e i l stiva o F l l Fa & Plant Sale l
Now through Oct. 26 10am–4pm LAST 2 DAYS!! DON’T MISS OUT! Fri. Oct. 25: Bonsai Day 1:00 pm Speaker & Tour: Bonsai Grove Planting ONE LUCKY AUDIENCE MEMBER WILL WIN THE NEW BONSAI!
Sat., Oct. 26: Fern Day 1:00 pm Speaker & Tour:
Daily Tours More info: RhodyGarden.org 2525 S. 336th St., Federal Way 253‐838‐4646 x. 140 Located on the Weyerhaeuser Campus