Update: Please read this press release from KC Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds.

Dear Council Members,

This letter is written on behalf of the Executive Committee of the 46th District Democrats, in strong opposition to the proposed King County Ordinance 2005-0324 that places a “Veterans Levy” on the November 8th General Election Ballot.

We believe that the demand for social and human services in King County is great and is not being met by current funding levels. However, the proposed King County Ordinance 2005-0324 would place on the November 8th general election ballot a proposition to authorize a local property tax levy that would provide limited regional health and human services ONLY to veterans and their families in King County.

We believe that this measure will be counterproductive to the goal of providing much needed health and human services to ALL persons in need. Indeed, the King County Alliance for Human Services, the Seattle Human Services Coalition, religious leaders, minority leaders, service recipients AND some veterans groups have all come out in opposition to the proposed veterans-only levy.

We strongly support our brave men and women serving in the military, our veterans who have proudly served in the past, and all family members who stand by these courageous citizens in uniform. We call upon the Bush administration and congress to fully fund programs supporting active duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

At the same time, we call upon the Metropolitan King County Council to thoroughly examine the possibility of an integrated proposal that will provide funding for ALL services and to postpone any vote on such a measure until 2006 to allow time to prepare a campaign in support of such a ballot measure.

While the vote of the Executive Board to send this letter was unanimous, it should be noted that Scott White abstained from the vote because he works for the Metropolitan King County Council.

Sincerely,

James I. Mullins, Temporary Secretary, Member, Executive Committee

Sarajane Siegfreidt, Member, Executive Committee