I urge my fellow Bothell residents to vote No on local Proposition 1, the so-called “Safe Streets and Sidewalks” Levy.

Street and sidewalk maintenance and resurfacing are necessary expenditures and should be paid out of the city’s general fund. They should have been funded before the $19.7 million daylighting of Horse Creek – mostly paid by utility ratepayers and taxpayers with a little help from developer. They should be a priority over other “nice” things, like a fountain in front of city hall, a boulevard on Bothell Way and an extension of Main Street. The analogy is to a homeowner, who must spend money on unglamorous projects like roof and gutter maintenance, plumbing and foundation work before building a new deck or patio.

As most of us have noticed, our property assessments are skyrocketing as housing values rise. This should provide the city with more money in its treasury without their needing to levy a new tax.

Please vote No on this levy, and then demand that the City Council prioritize spending for necessities like safe streets and sidewalks.

Wenda Reed, Bothell