We are seeing more and more clambering for the preservation of open spaces these days. Working against us are the tiny towns that feel a need to crop up at major crossroads in the area. I am talking about places like Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and even Woodinville. Each continues to expand to the point that little land between them still exists. It also seems like each feels the need to keep up with their neighboring “big brother”. The concept of unincorporated and open spaces continues to dwindle more and more all the time and they are becoming gone and lost forever.

Inherent in this kind of change is the perceived notion that each new small town needs their own police department, city hall, library, city mayor and staff, city manager, city council, transportation fleet, beautification team, and the like. Now this may sound well and good, however, who do you think pays for all of this? Of course, it is you the tax payer. You not only pay it on a daily basis, but you will feel

it come April 30 and Oct. 31 when you pay your county taxes.

It’s a little late to change all of this in our immediate area so let’s hope all of us are enjoying spending our hard earned dollars this way.

Reed Skibeness, Bothell