Letters

Edmonds school levy

Tax increase is too much for homeowners now

In reviewing the Edmonds School District guide, the taxes on a $600,000 house will increase by $400 just for your levy – that’s a 6 percent increase. In 2003-2004 the County raised the evaluations on all properties 34 percent which in my case raised my taxes in that time period $687 or 12 percent. An increase in taxes over a two-year period of 18 percent is too much.

While I have supported prior school levies, this one is too much for a retired family with no increase in income. The proposal should have been scaled down in light of other property tax increases.

BILL JESSBERGER

Edmonds

Education helps children become good citizens

Schools are a vital part of our community. On May 18 in the Edmonds School District there will be an opportunity to vote some of our tax dollars to help our schools.

Schools prepare our children for life and help them to be good citizens. Schools educate our kids so they are not afraid of discussions, different points of view and diversity. Schools prepare our children to live in a fast paced, ever changing, global community.

Our communities are getting more diverse with many new neighbors moving in around us. People are coming to the Edmonds district from all over the world. We want to be able to meet them, greet them and interact with them. We want them to meet us and live among us as good neighbors and friends. Education helps this to happen. We meet new friends in schools. We learn about our own culture and other cultures in schools. We learn about wars, hatred, greed and why people have to leave their country of origin to find a safe place to live. We learn about peacekeeping and what it takes to live together in harmony, always working for the common good. Schools help this to happen.

Please vote yes on May 18 to support our teachers, our children and our schools: technical upgrades, classroom resources and support all around.

Rev. RICHARD K. GIBSON

Presbyterian Church, USA

CHRISTINE C. GIBSON

Powerful Partners Volunteer

Lynnwood

Taxes are difficult, but school levy is needed

If you live in Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, or Woodway, we need to talk.

My youngest attends a neighborhood elementary school built with hollow cinder blocks. I have nightmares. When there is a significant earthquake, I don’t want to sort rubble searching for my child. You can ease my mind and increase the safety for all the children that attend schools in the Edmonds School District.

May 18 is the school levy. The district is asking for earthquake safety improvements, mostly for elementary. Science lab safety improvements for middle and high schools. And playground and athletic field safety improvements for nearly all district schools.

I am sick and tired of my property taxes increasing, too. The district has heard the message. If this levy passes, our tax rate will change from $4.60 per thousand of assessed value in 2003 to $3.90 per thousand of assessed value in 2005, and decrease thereafter. Yes, even if this levy passes our property tax rate will decline.

Many years ago a loose collection of homes became a town when families got together and built a schoolhouse. The children needed a safe place to learn. They still do.

Please be a responsible citizen and vote May 18. This is important.

DON KREIMAN

Edmonds

Northshore fire levy

Measure will help keep fire service intact

On May 18, a special election will be held asking the voters to approve a levy lid lift proposal from your fire district. This is a basic housekeeping measure to re-establish the funding ratio between the property tax assessment and the benefit charge which are used to fund fire protection services. This will not result in any increase in the current rate of assessment.

I encourage citizens to vote in favor of this issue. It will enable the fire district to remain in compliance with state statutes on how fire departments are funded and guarantee continued fire service at the current levels of excellence.

JACK ROGERS

Commissioner,

Northshore Fire District

Just a Thought response

Shannon Sessions really is a ‘super mom’

This is in rebuttal to the Just A Thought column, “A ‘Super Mom’ I really am not,” I read in the March 5, Enterprise. 

I guarantee you that the article is an absolute fallacy because you are a Super Mom and so much more. You are a super daughter, wife, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin …  How was I to know that my tiny, 2-year-old little girl who rode her Big Wheel at breakneck speed into the deep end of the swimming pool would grow up so beautifully inside and out.  And now, I swell with pride every time I watch you with your own little girls and that impossible (yet adorable) teenage boy.

True “super” status does not come easily and is always earned. No matter what the occasion or the need, you are the first to offer your help. Yes, you need to check your schedule that is usually overloaded, but if possible you are there for whomever needs you – and not just there, but happy to help. You do everything with creativity and thoughtfulness of the situation and person.

With a new baby snuggled to your chest and a 2-year-old at your feet, you put together a dream English tea, princess party for McKenna’s fifth birthday; complete with extra costumes for the attendees who did not have one. 

Shannon, you address almost everything with a positive “can do” attitude.  You affect the entire family with your generosity of spirit. I love that you are fiercely loyal to our family. How many families have their very own human Hallmark card? 

As for me, you make me feel that you are my greatest fan; one of the best feelings in the world.

My wish has come true for me and for you, my daughter.

LINDA SHIPP

Lynnwood