Friday, January 31, 2014 | North Kitsap Herald
Letters
Continued from page A4 specifically created to protect property rights and will not burden citizens with additional regulation. It seems very disingenuous to make the claim of no additional regulations to the proposed areas of annexation, considering the scope and breadth of the RCWs under which port authorities operate. The port has the authority to acquire property, even by eminent domain, levy and collect assessments, to acquire, construct and operate sewer and water utilities, to form local improvement districts and levy special assessments. These are only a few of the RCWs that would certainly impose additional regulations to the annexed areas if implemented. We suggest the port has plenty to do for the foreseeable future to build a new sea wall, expand D dock to accommodate larger tour boats and a new seaplane dock, boat ramp refurbishment, breakwater replacement and the possible purchase of the old city hall for development, just to name a few. Please go online to www.portofpoulsbo.com/ plan to inform yourself on the scope of the port’s plans and the additional level of regulations that would apply to the annexed areas beyond the county, DNR and shoreline management rules. Once annexed, there is no opportunity to be “unannexed.” We all have a huge vested interest in a healthy Liberty Bay and surrounding community. We all must be good stewards of our environment and can do so without another layer of regulations via annexation. Please vote no. Tom and Patty Henderson Scandia n
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I am voting no on the Port of Poulsbo’s proposal to greatly increase the size of the port district through annexation. The commissioners, in the public forum sponsored by the Herald, stated that the annexation would increase its annual tax revenues by $200,000, giving it greater resources to accomplish its mission of encouraging economic development. I ask “Why”? And “How”? According to financial statements included in the current comprehensive plan, the district has on
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hand $2.2 million in unrestricted cash and current assets and only $60,000 in liabilities. Why do they need more? The commissioners stated they need the funds to expand the docks and repair the seawall. I note these objectives were included in past comprehensive plans, yet, instead they have chosen to spend $1 million on an unused parking lot. And now they are considering buying the old city hall property. Neither purchase serves to expand the docks nor bolster the seawall. But it does further their speculation in real estate development. Is this how we want the district to spend our tax dollars? I personally think not. Until such time as the port can satisfactorily answer why it needs more money and how specifically that money will be spent, I will continue to oppose its annexation plans. Ed Habecker Virginia Point n
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I would urge all voters to vote no on the Port of Poulsbo’s proposed annexation. The port clearly wants to obligate an enormous number of yet-unaffected taxpayers to still another new tax. There seems to be no real reason to bring in these additional taxpayers except to give the port even more money. There is no history of responsibility for spending the money that they have already garnered. They have a seldom used parking lot that was costly but generates practically no income. Now they are talking about buying the old city hall property, tearing it down and building a hotel. The city already tried to entice developers and promoters to do the same project and was not successful, with no interest shown by people who know about such undertakings. Voters should know that the port has the authority to make decisions about their water and sewer rights and sources. That alone should cause one to vote no. Barb Mitchusson Lemolo n
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Do those whose ballots questioned whether the Poulsbo Port District should annex additional areas understand the issues? Even if their property is far from Liberty Bay, a “yes” vote means they want to be included. Imagine you signed a
blank sheet of paper, and then later discovered you lost your assets in a prenuptial agreement. Similarly, the vast, unread Port District powers appear in RCW 53.08. Only a few of those powers pertaining to property are: A port district may construct, condemn, purchase, acquire, add to, maintain, conduct, and operate sea walls, piers, docks, boat landings, and administration buildings. Further, a port district may acquire, construct, install, improve and operate sewer and water utilities to serve its own property and other property owners under terms, conditions, and rates fixed by the Port Commission. Those with wells might have to tap into water mains with meters. You might lose your existing water rights to irrigate. There can be local improvement districts within the Port District to be taxed by all property owners within the Port District, whether it ever benefits them or not. This is because the proposed annexed areas were not separated for taxation. RCW 53.08, the prenuptial agreement, marries the property owner, not just to the port commissioners, but to all port property owners’ decisions. Divorce isn’t an option. One must remain aware of upcoming finances and decisions to protect one’s property. Since port decisions wed the property to the port, it will impact future sales or inheritance terms. Please read the immense powers of port districts prior to voting. It isn’t just the amount of taxes they cite now; this presents a big land grab and loss of property rights. Port district powers retain the ability to levy other taxes, even condemn property. Some port plans create pollution, whereas homeowners protect the environment. Dora “Cris” Shardelman Poulsbo n
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I attended a very disappointing Port of Poulsbo forum Friday evening sponsored by the Herald at City Hall, with a standing-room only-audience in attendance. The three commissioners were completely unprepared to answer valid questions about their proposal and seemed genuinely surprised that people in the proposed annexation area do not want to be annexed.
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Commissioners, you should have mailed notices of the public hearing to us in October instead of the expensive, multi-colored flier you double-mailed to homes this month. Then you’d have been aware of the massive opposition to this incredible tax grab proposal. For those of you in the proposed annexation area that have not already mailed in your ballot, I urge you to vote no on the Port of Poulsbo annexation proposal. Sherol White Poulsbo
Supports renewal of NKSD levy On Feb. 11, the North Kitsap School District will put forth a renewal levy vote to maintain the support we receive from the community. These funds are crucial to our schools in that they make up 25 percent of our total budget. Our schools have suffered tremendous losses in recent years due to the financial crisis. Here is how it has affected our children: Tattered textbooks, disgracefully outmoded technology, larger class size, and atrophied programs. Somehow, our schools have been successful even in the face of economic adversity. Have you seen the state and national awards we’ve been racking up? This trend cannot hold, however, in the face of more cuts. In my job, I see students who are working to gain academic skill and personal fortitude that will help them be successful when they leave our schools. I spend much of my work day with seniors who are on
this brink. Our students are applying to colleges, deciding to serve in the military, and choosing career paths. When I think how the decisions made at this stage in life make the difference in how a young person is poised to face their future, I feel the vital importance of providing an educational structure that prepares them. I want universities, the military, trade schools, and employers to know they can count on a North Kitsap graduate to be thoughtful and innovative. In order to accomplish this, we must be a place that offers innovation and fosters thoughtfulness through our teachers, technology and texts. Thank you for supporting our students by voting yes on the levy. Danielle Boss English teacher Kingston High School n
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As I look out at the faces of my students, I am struck by the impact that teachers make. I have been teaching for 23 years, and every year I am inspired by the joy of learning and the enthusiasm with which my middleschool students approach their education. Many students have passed through the door of my classroom, and I feel responsible for providing the best education I can for each of them. I know that I am blessed to be a teacher. This February voters will be asked to support the levy for North Kitsap School District. This is a replacement levy, supplying monies that represent nearly 25 percent of our operating costs. Without this support, I can’t imagine how we would be able
to continue to offer the kind of quality instruction that North Kitsap is recognized for providing. It is important to remember that when we invest in our children, we are also investing in the success of our community. The students of North Kitsap School District represent our future. A yes vote is a way to pay it forward, giving the gift of a solid foundation to students who are deserving of it. It is only a small investment that has the potential for unmeasurable rewards. For more information about the levy and the manner in which it supports our students, visit www.kitsapgov.com/aud/ elections.htm. Heather E. Nelson English teacher, grade 7 Poulsbo Middle School n
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I am writing in support of the upcoming school levy. I am a small-business owner and parent of a firstgrader. I understand both the fear of raising taxes and the budget shortfalls facing our school system. Voting “yes” does not raise taxes. It is simply to maintain the funding already in place. Our teachers, administrators, staff and school board work hard to educate and meet the needs of our children. Our kids are the ones See LETTERS, Page A6
Find these inserts in today’s paper: Best Buy Balance Guide Fred Meyer Geico
Jo-Ann Stores Classifieds Kitsap Week Did you know. . . • We serve over 5,900 students across North Kitsap • Four students in our district were named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists this year. • The Kingston High School Debate Team ranks among the top 10% of schools nation wide • We offer a Spanish Dual Language Program for grades K-6
www.nkschools.org
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