The following is in response to the Nov. 20 article, “How I-976 is affecting Enumclaw, Buckley, and Black Diamond street budgets,” and Enumclaw City Administrator Chris Searcy’s request for comments on why local voters supported the measure.

You asked for input regarding why people voted for this initiative.

Well, first and foremost it was wrong of Sound Transit to mislead people and it is wrong of the state not to correct the valuation of vehicles to reflect true values for taxable purposes. Really — do you not think a license going from $80 to $800 is outrageous? Because I certainly do.

Secondly, we vote over and over for $30 tabs and we are overridden by government (who frankly wastes a lot of our money over and over). When is the voice of the people going to count?

Thirdly, Enumclaw makes bad decisions when it comes to what streets to repair. Semanski was repaved last summer when it had just been done a few years ago. I use this street every time I go to town from Rainier Trails, so I know what I am talking about. It did not need any repair this year. The corner of Cole and Roosevelt is another story — the entire length of Cole is horrendous, yet you choose to repave Semanski again, throwing money at a project that did not need to be done.

Then there is the flashing stop sign at the corner of Semanski and Warner, next to the high school. I do not know what this cost, but it was wasted money, because what we really needed was a four way stop there. You try getting across Semanski on Warner coming from town when school lets out. Those kids do not let anyone go. So, we all drive around the long way.

This costs me more in gas than it would to go through a four way stop sign. The flashing stop sign has changed nothing & was a real bad decision.

Lastly, but most important to me personally: I am a nearly 70 year old widow, living on a fixed income. I still have the same house payment as when my husband of 40 years was alive. I have exactly $100 for food each month. When my license comes due and the city takes an additional $20 over and above the $30, that takes an extra $20 from my food budget. That amount may not make a difference to you, but it does to me. I can barely afford the $30, but I have to be able to drive to get the few groceries I can.

Dennie Anderson

Enumclaw