Below is a statement from the group “Citizens Against Prop. 1” opposing Mountlake Terrace’s $25 million bond proposal to build a new Civic Center on the April 23 ballot. A statement from groups supporting the measure will be posted after it is received.
Proposition 1 has lost twice because it asked too much. It still does. People prefer buying, but ask why the mortgage is so large.
Still proud residents know Mountlake Terrace is not a wealthy community. The scars of the Great Recession are still fresh and still influence people’s views of what they can afford. The City needs to adjust their expectations accordingly. IF WE CAN’T AFFORD IT, THAT ISN’T PROGRESS! Stop posing the false choice: either build a $25 million civic center or rent city hall forever. Who suggested renting forever makes sense? Acting like there are only these two choices, one of which is nonsense, is outright misrepresentation.
Pursue other fiscally responsible options like borrowing to build just an affordable city hall. That solves the rent issue. The Ballinger clubhouse is available for a community center/senior center. Add other elements if the economy improves. Stop the half-truths. Downtown is not suffering without a Civic Center Complex. Public investment in infrastructure continues and private investment has accelerated over the last year. According to City Happenings and our Economic Development Coordinator, much more is already on the way – without a Civic Center.
Stop the manipulation. An uncommon April ballot date was chosen by the Council, expecting low turnout like last August. They don’t want you to vote or your opinion to matter. Make it count. Vote NO.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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