Two comments made by King County Councilmember Julia Patterson in the July 23, 2010 edition of Renton Reporter regarding the proposed increase in the sales tax for public safety need to be addressed. Patterson said, “It’s important to remember that the council did not raise taxes today” and then added, “We’re giving voters the chance to tell us if they support public safety services provided by King County and every other city in the County.”

The first comment is to provide cover for a council unwilling to take a tough look at the budget and eliminate the items that are not absolutely essential during these tough times for the people of King County.

The second part of Patterson’s comment is irresponsible and makes one wonder if she is out of touch with people. Of course the citizens of King County support public safety services. In fact, these services should be built into the budget FIRST and if there is discretionary money left after government has provided the services that only government can, then consider other expenditures.

Prioritize wants and needs just like the folks at home do when things are tight! The County knows that citizens will support emergency services, so they are put up for vote. Council members can then feel good that they didn’t raise taxes on struggling families–we did it to ourselves. How about giving the citizens of King County an opportunity to vote on projects/programs that are unnecessary, rather than emergency services? We know the answer and so do they! Anyone for tea?

Margie Wickham

Maple Valley, WA