In response to Laurie Carter’s “Parks still an issue in Political Season”-Carter’s Community, Sept 16, her opinion piece lacks concrete, factual data.
I’m a volunteer for Families for a Responsible Bonney Lake (FFARBL) and was active in campaigning for the “against MPD” vote. For me, FFARBL is a way for me to become involved in my local community. Our FFARBL Facebook page is a place where citizens can be kept up to date on local government, volunteer opportunities and calls for action. The idea of FFARBL is to inspire, encourage, and support (our mission statement) our local government. We are not anti-government. We are anti-waste and pro-responsibility.
• To debunk a few of Ms. Carter’s claims:
We did not claim that resident’s HOA taxes plus the MPD tax was the “double-tax.” The double tax would have been the taxes you already pay to the city for parks, plus the proposed (now defeated) MPD tax. HOA dues are collected by HOA’s board of directors (or property manager), there is nothing related to HOA and city parks. FFARBL highlighted that people in HOA’s already pay for a neighborhood park. We never claimed the HOA dues plus MPD tax was double. City tax plus MPD tax equals double tax.
I oppose the fear tactics you use when talking about closing Madrona Park. Madrona Park is considered, by many, to be a private basketball court for two homes. It is 0.37 acres (about 16,200 square feet). It was an ill-conceived park idea and if it could save the city money to better-serve residents, its closing should be considered. But honestly, how much does the maintenance on a 100’ x 162’ space cost? Instead of closing the park, maybe the city should evaluate cuts somewhere else. The whole discussion of closing Madrona Park is “penny-wise and pound foolish”. There is something wrong with the city’s spending habits if it cannot pay to maintain the few parks it has. So, Ms. Carter do not attempt to strike fear into citizens by mentioning closing Viking, Simmons, and Cedarview parks—you are employing the “silly politics” you mention. You should focus your attention on the city’s spending habits, not scare citizens into taxing themselves more. Your argument proves what many in the Propostioin 1 battle shared: the city cannot be trusted with more money.
(James) McClimans and (Shawnta)Mulligan do not wish to use FFARBL as a campaigning tool to campaign for council. FFARBL is not a group to elect officials, rather, it is a group of families who want to inspire community involvement and awareness; encourage open, responsible and efficient government; and support a thriving economy. So, I would like to remind Ms. Carter what the definition of endorse is: to declare one’s public approval or support. FFARBL has never posted that McClimans or Mulligan are even running for council. It is the paper that made the connection. Should McClimans and Mulligan deny that they helped to found the group? Wouldn’t that be dishonest, Mrs. Carter? Because McClimans and Mulligan helped to establish the group, does not imply official endorsement. I give them credit for trying to remove their campaign from FFARBL altogether. FFARBL has made no endorsement of any candidates nor will it.
Ms. Carter, I am sorry that you are still bitter about the Prop. 1 defeat. I would like to join you in mourning because; I too, think Bonney Lake should have more parks. I think these are the best lines of your opinion piece: “Personally, I am glad it was on the ballot, as I support parks. Yes, it failed miserably and cost $28,000 for the special election.” So, you don’t have a problem with wasting $28,000 on an election? Wow! It’s not McClimans and Mulligan who chose to use city funds to build an $8 million facility to house a growing court system. So, you should get your facts straight and then turn your attention to those who chose to serve those violating the law, before the citizens who uphold it.
Rebecca Cameron
Bonney Lake
