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Sports | Kentlake product Comstock changes school in pursuit to play more on the court [10]
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2013
Kent-based company criticizes city’s B&O tax BY STEVE HUNTER shunter@kentreporter.com
A local recreational vehicle company has a load of complaints with the city of Kent’s new business and occupation (B&O) tax. The criticisms include the fast implementation of the tax, how
the funds are spent and the heavy financial impact on businesses. Brenda Campbell, controller for Poulsbo RV along Military Road on the West Hill, shared her company’s story about the B&O tax on gross receipts the city implemented in January to raise an estimated $3.2 million this year and as much
as $5 million in future years to help repair city streets. “The nuts and bolts people like us in the accounting office and office managers is different from the City Council sitting down and saying, ‘yes pass this, we need the revenue,’” Campbell said during an interview last week at her office near
Interstate 5. “I understand the roads need to be fixed and the money needs to come from somewhere. Kent’s credit rating has taken a hit, I get that. But it was all reactive, nothing was proactive. “It didn’t feel like there was a firm hand in place and that they thought it through completely how is this
going to happen and how are we going to roll it out to people and answer the phone when we have questions. I got a busy signal when I tried calling in.” City officials, in partnership with the Kent Chamber of Commerce [ more TAX page 4 ]
Kent School Board decides against more late start days REPORTER STAFF
The Kent School Board decided it won’t expand the number of late arrival days for students in the coming 2013-14 school year. The board, which made the decision June 12, had considered adding more shortened days to the school calendar to give teachers additional time for professional development. The district, which currently has nine late start days throughout
Day for grads
FOR THE REPORTER
A Snohomish County Superior Court judge has substantially upheld a decision by the King County Hearing Ex-
more photos online… kentreporter.com
COURTESY PHOTO
[ more DAYS page 3 ]
Decision upheld: Raceways must be quiet on Mondays, Tuesdays
Kentridge High School’s class of 2013 tosses their caps into the air after receiving their diplomas at graduation ceremonies at the ShoWare Center last Saturday. Right, senior class speaker Karanbir Singh addresses the audience. Kent-Meridian, Kentlake and Kentwood seniors also held graduation ceremonies at the ShoWare on Saturday. RACHEL CIAMPI, Reporter
Show of color: Japanese dance and fashion are part of the Kent International Festival.
the school year, looked at increasing the number to as many as 30 days. Board President Debbie Straus stated several reasons for the decision, according to a Kent School District media release: • “Student achievement is and must be our primary mission,” Straus said. “Collaboration is an essential element of meeting that mission. The Kent School Board supports its continued refinement and
aminer on the hours of permissible operation for Pacific Raceways. Judge Janice Ellis ruled on May 30 that the [ more TRACK page 9 ]
Kent International Festival unfolds this weekend BY MELANIE S. MOSSHART For the Kent Reporter
The fifth annual Kent International Festival – a celebration of multi-cultural music, entertainment, music, food and art
– comes to life at the Kent Town Square Plaza this weekend. The festival opens with a World Dance Party on Friday night at the Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. It’s an opportunity for everyone at every age
to enjoy international dances presented in traditional culture and costume. It is free to the public. Sponsored jointly by Project U(th) and the Kent International Committee, the World Dance
Party starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 9. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The festival continues with A Generations Walking Together [ more FESTIVAL page 15 ]