Seattle City Buzz

According to an article in the Seattle Times, part of the city’s proposal for paying for the cut and cover option is to tack on an average of $6 a month to homeowners utility bills - water/sewer, electricity, drainage. That’s, about $72 per year.

Now, that doesn’t sound like a lot of money. But, that’s on top of the taxes we’re already being assessed for the state’s portion. Since becoming a homeowner four years ago, my property taxes continues to go up in order to fund what seems to be everything under the sun. In fact, its gone up nearly $500 in four years.

I’m not sure how I’ll ultimately vote on the Viaduct issue but I’ve been leaning towards replacement. It has a more reasonable price tag and incorporates necessary safety measures and functionality. Besides, the vote is only symbolic in nature.

The special March 13th vote on the Viaduct will be conducted by snail mail only. The polling stations will not be open.

Did you get your ballot? For a replacement ballot, call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683). The ballot can be mailed in or dropped off between March 8 through March 13 at the following locations:

King County Administration Building
500 4th Ave., Room 553, Seattle 98104
Ballot drop-off or in-person accessible voting

• Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb.24, March 5, 10 from 9 to 3 p.m.
• March 13 from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The locations listed below are open:

• March 8, 9, 12, and 13 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

High Point Community Center
6920 34th Ave SW, Seattle 98126

Rainier Community Center
4600 38th Ave S,, Seattle 98118

North Seattle Community College
9600 College Way N, Seattle 98103

Interbay Evangelical Covenant Church
3233 15th Ave W., Seattle 98119

Well, I guess we can forget about those signature update forms from the county. The Gov, after ducking the issue and insisting the decision go to the voters, has changed her mind. She’s put the kibosh on the tunnel deal and is moving ahead with replacing the viaduct.

And, the city is considering canceling the vote, but they can’t decide on that either. The mayor wants it, a couple of council members are thinking about cancelling it and a poll on the Seattle Times is definately against it.

Personally, I can’t say I’m disapointed since I’m one of the few who preferred the more fiscally reasonable plan. However, I am disapointment in our governments, city and state, who dillydally about, forever studying and researching, never acting decisively, always passing the buck.

Sound Transit reports they expect the downtown bus tunnel to re-open this September for buses and the new light-rail route to Tukwila.  In 2009, light-rail service will be offered from downtown to Seatac Airport.

The special election for the Alaskan Way Viaduct issue is March 13, 2007 and will be conducted solely by mail.

In order for the mail casted vote to be counted, the signature on the ballot envelope must match the voter’s signature on file. Recently, King County Elections mailed out signature update requests to registered voters to ensure they have voters signatures on file. They said they’re doing this as handwriting style changes. From personal experience, my signature has changed several times. The updated signature forms are due by February 16, 2007. If you received one, please be sure to mail it in.