I can’t help but notice all the yard signs that have sprung up saying, “Save Our Library, Vote yes for KCLS”. Now that is just plain wrong. A yes vote for KCLS is saying, “Give our library to the King County Library System”. Give up all control of the library to an “out of town” organization. And , of course, pay additional property tax for the privilege.

I have been very disappointed in how the current city administration has handled the whole matter. It seems quite apparent that they just want out as quietly as possible.

Now, in all fairness, it appears that additional property taxes are going to be needed to keep the library operating. To me the question is to whom do you pay those additional property taxes.

Vote for KCLS and you pay them to KCLS. Another option, and I fault the city for failing to propose it, is to pay the same or less property taxes to the city for library maintenance. The city tax should, of course, be dedicated solely to the operation of the library and not the general fund. It seems to me that the ballot should have three options:

1. Pay increased taxes and give the library to the King County Library System.

2. Pay Increased taxes and keep the library within the control of the city.

3. Pay no increased taxes and do away with the library. (a very shortsighted option)

It appears that option No. 2 will not be on the ballot so you are left with giving the library to KCLS or doing away with the library entirely. I urge you all to tell your council members that you want the choice to control the library’s destiny included in any vote on the matter.

Leon Muhlick

Enumclaw