Condado de King

We must ensure firefighters have the tools they need to keep everyone safe. Firefighters in Kent are receiving more calls than ever before - up to more than 20,000 in 2015 compared to 13,000 in 2010 - all while using old, outdated equipment. That's why the Kent Regional Fire Authority has put forth Proposition 1, a six-year reauthorization of the voter-approved benefit charges. The amount charged cannot exceed 60 percent of the operating budget or impose a property tax. This Fire Benefit Charge will be used to maintain emergency response times and service levels, personnel training, and necessary equipment and facilities. The funding covers a majority of the fire department, about 120,000 workers. Vote YES to support our firefighters and keep our community safe.

Our parks system is one of our greatest democratic institutions, bringing together people from all walks of life and all races and ethnicities to share in the beauty of nature and the benefits of recreation. The City of Maple Valley is looking to protect this legacy for future generations with its 20-year, $22.5 million General Obligation Bond to improve parks and recreation. If approved, the bond enables the city to build and maintain more community parks, preserve trails, and develop other recreation, athletic, and family spaces. The bond is estimated to cost about $18 per month for a home worth $385,000. Vote YES on Proposition 1 for Maple Valley parks.

Our population is growing, but unstable funding prevents our fire and emergency medical services from keeping up. Proposition 1 establishes a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) that provides stable funding to meet current demands and plan for future growth – estimated at 40 percent over the next two decades. For the average homeowner, $10 more each month will allow firefighters and emergency services personnel to increase staffing to the higher levels needed for a medical aid transportation vehicle as well as staffing at the fire station. It will also staff a new fire station in north Renton to improve response times and meet growth, and enhance public education projects to keep kids, seniors, and families safe. Vote YES to support our firefighters and keep our community safe.

The Issaquah School District is putting forward Proposition #1, a 20-year, $533.5 million General Obligation Bond to help reduce crowding. If approved, the bond will construct a new high school, middle school, and two elementary schools. It will also rebuild Pine Lake Middle School and improve Cougar Ridge, Discovery, Endeavor, Maple Hills, and Sunset elementary schools as well as Beaver Lake Middle School. The bond will not increase your tax rate, which will remain at or below $4.114 per $1,000 of assessed value on your property tax. Vote YES on Proposition 1 for Issaquah schools.

The Kent School District is putting forth Proposition #1, a 20-year, $252 million Capital Improvement and School Construction General Obligation Bond. If approved, the bond will build two new elementary schools and 20 new classrooms, and make upgrades to numerous schools, including improved parking as well as renovation of sports fields. The bond will not increase your tax rate. According to the City of Kent, the current total property tax rate for residents is $10.81 per $1,000 of assessed value. Vote YES for Kent schools.

The Lake Washington School District is putting forth Proposition #1, a 20-year, $398 million Bond to Reduce Overcrowding and Enhance Student Learning Environments. If approved, the bond will add new classroom space for 3,000 students; build two new elementary schools and a middle school; rebuild Juanita High School as well as Kirk and Mead Elementary schools; and make other improvements. The bond will not increase your tax rate, which is currently estimated at $3.30 per $1,000 of assessed value on your property tax including both levies and bonds. Vote YES on Proposition 1 for Lake Washington schools.

The Vashon Island School District is putting forth Proposition #1, a four-year, $950,000 average Replacement of the Expiring Technology and Facilities Capital Projects Levy. After February's school bond failed to receive the amount of votes needed, Vashon students need this levy more than ever. If approved, the levy will help with major technology improvements and building upgrades so our kids don't get left behind in today's 21st century international economy. The levy rate is about $.37 per $1,000 of assessed value on your property tax. Vote YES for Vashon schools.