Before residents of the West Hill community this fall is the question of whether to approve annexation of our unincorporated King County neighborhoods into the City of Renton.

I’ll be voting “for.” Even so, among all the arguments I’ve heard, whether pro or con, I’ve found nothing that represents a distinctly faith-based position.

The foundation for all Christian reflection on public policy questions is love – not the human kind with strings attached but the unconditional God kind that leads to dignity and justice for all people. I find this principle as helpful in reflecting on local questions as on statewide and national issues.

West Hill is a richly diverse community, not just culturally but socio-economically. Skyway households at the top of the hill tend to be lower-income. As one travels down the hill, these steadily give way to higher-income “view homes.” Rainier Avenue South at the bottom of the hill represents more than just a main drag. It’s the local dividing line between “mere” prosperity and waterfront wealth.

Among the questions I’ve heard discussed “taxes” and “public safety services” (fire and police) – usually in the context of “what I stand to lose or gain” – rise to the top of citizen concerns. What I have yet to hear is the question, “What do those with less privilege and power need and how can I help?” Skyway once supported a vibrant small-business community. Over years of steady decline under King County’s jurisdiction the neighborhood today is known more for headline shootings.

Early in the Genesis account Cain asks, rhetorically, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Divine response – “Yes!” – thunders through the whole Biblical narrative and into our own lives, challenging us to grow beyond animal-instinct “What’s in it for me and mine?” questions to a more fully human “How can I serve others – even when it’s not always in my self-interest?”

A “yes” vote to annexation would be no magic cure for the ills of our West Hill neighborhoods. It might, however, signal to local leaders that the status quo is unacceptable and that privileged people share responsibility for, and stand in solidarity with, their less powerful brothers and sisters.

Scott Kramer

Pastor, Lakeridge Lutheran Church,  West Hill