OPINION
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North Kitsap
Page A4
Our stands on the Feb. 11 ballot Port of Poulsbo Proposition 1
he North Kitsap Herald supports Port of Poulsbo Proposition 1 for these reasons. The port could do more to encourage economic development and jobs growth, and that’s good for everybody. The port could do more to make Liberty Bay a healthier place, and that’s good for everybody. One resident said the bay is healthier than it’s ever been, but you can’t harvest shellfish in the bay, creosoted pilings need to be replaced, five derelict vessels have been removed, and we need someone to ensure anchor-outs are not dumping in the bay. Residents of the annexation areas should have a say in the day-to-day business of the port, particularly decisions that affect them. As constituents, the port would be directly responsible to them. At the Jan. 24 forum at City Hall, some residents spoke about port districts’ authority under the law and what port districts “may” do. That scares them. But there are many things government bodies “may” do. What they “do” depends on the desire and will of their constituents. The levy is 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. We think that’s a good investment for the support to our local economy, environment and public representation that will result.
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North Kitsap School District Proposition 1
he North Kitsap Herald supports renewal of the North Kitsap School District’s maintenance and operations levy. Revenue from the levy — $2.83 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation — comprises 23 percent of the school district’s budget. Renewal of the levy will maintain programs and services in local schools, and help to pay for teachers and staff, operational costs, technology, programs and curriculum that aren’t fully funded by the State of Washington. Needless to say, failure to approve this measure would be disastrous to local schools, which have already endured years of reductions in expenses and staffing. This four-year levy will replace the current levy approved in February 2010. We encourage a vote of approval.
For the Record The student who had the discussion with Poulsbo Elementary School Principal Claudia Alves in which she used the Nword is 11. His age was incorrect in the editorial, “Understanding why painful words are painful,” (page A4, Jan. 24 Herald) but correct in the page A1 story, “Principal on leave.”
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Friday, January 31, 2014 | North Kitsap Herald
Letters
IN OUR OPINION
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NorthKitsapHerald.com
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EDITORIAL Richard Walker, editor, ext. 5050 Kipp Robertson, reporter, ext. 5058 Richard D. Oxley, reporter, ext. 5054
Reasons to support annexation proposal Thank you for attending the Herald’s forum on annexation by the Port of Poulsbo on Jan. 24. For me, the comments were helpful in understanding diverse views. Let me offer several thoughts on port expansion. While the port is fiscally sound, it is operating in break-even mode. Almost every penny of revenue received in 2014 is committed to operations and maintenance. Our creosote breakwater has a limited life — and a $7 million to $12 million replacement cost. Expanding the district to include the entire city limits and the Liberty Bay shoreline — the real beneficiaries of port stewardship — will add annually to our revenue flow and the port’s ability to obtain grants and loans to cover major capital projects, such as breakwater replacement and dock work. The port has retained a consulting firm to advise us on purchasing the old city hall property. The city has given the port a three-month option to purchase this property. Many agree that a small, downtown hotel with multi-level parking, shops and even condos might work. With the port’s statutory mandate for economic development in our community, we can make significant contributions to the local economy and the Liberty Bay community. In the minds of some, the business acumen of the port was tarnished several years ago by its purchase of the old armory property, now converted into a parking lot on Jensen Way. This year, we expect to see more boat trailers and RVs in the port’s lot and away from Anderson Parkway. I am hopeful that, in recognition of the economic turnaround, this property will serve in the next few years as a sound investment for the port and the community. Additionally, prospects for development of the old city hall site will very likely benefit from this well-located parking lot with electric-vehicle charging stations. The real issue before voters on Feb. 11 is who will lend a hand to support the Port of Poulsbo and our scenic bay. The port is a $5 DISPLAY ADVERTISING Frank Portello, marketing rep., ext. 3050 Annie LaValle, marketing rep., ext. 4052 Mark Gillespie, marketing artist, ext. 4050
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million asset for the community and returns more than seven times in revenue what it receives in taxes from Port District residents — not bad tax efficiency for a small-town operation. Currently, only one-half of the city residents and no big-box stores contribute by way of property taxes to running the port. The tax levy of 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation that would be paid in this enlarged Port District would expand key opportunities available to the port to promote tourism, economic development and job creation, cleaner water and updated facilities. I believe this is good for the entire Liberty Bay community. Stephen Swann Commissioner Port of Poulsbo
Opposed to Port of Poulsbo annexation I am writing to oppose the enlargement of the Port of Poulsbo boundary (Proposition 1 on the Feb. 11 ballot). The proposed annexation more than doubles the size of the current port and includes an immediate tax increase of 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed value of all annexed properties. The port did not engage the communities that would be affected by this expansion and only held one public meeting last week. Proposition 1 is expected to generate $190,000, which the port commissioners said would be used to expand and upgrade port facilities, including docks for seaplanes and cruise ships. Beyond the proposed tax assessment, port districts have broad powers as defined in Title 53 RCW. Among other
things, the port can condemn properties, acquire, construct, install and improve sewer and water systems. They may also declare local improvement districts within port boundaries for development of water and sewer systems. If your property becomes part of a new local improvement district, you will pay an additional special tax assessment over a 10-year period to pay for these improvements. Proposition 1 is a bad deal for property owners. I recommend a “no” vote on Port of Poulsbo Proposition 1. David Ellingson Poulsbo Editor’s note: The Jan. 24 meeting was the third public meeting regarding the proposed annexation area. The Port Commission approved the boundaries on Sept. 25 at its regular meeting, and held a town hall forum at City Hall on Oct. 25. n
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Living outside the Poulsbo city limits but near Liberty Bay, we have been asked to allow the Port of Poulsbo authority to represent us in all matters considering the well-being of the bay by annexation. Also, to pay taxes and have the opportunity to vote in or out the current commissioners for the privilege. The port is committed to protection of the downtown waterfront, bay and harbor and serves as a steward of the Liberty Bay community, promoting environmental preservation and restoration, improved public access and public spaces. This sounds like a win, win, right? Probably not. The port’s 2013 Comprehensive Plan states that ports are in a unique position to be the citizen’s voice in matters of local, state and federal policy. Port districts were See LETTERS, Page A5