Mr. McCumber composed a very thoughtful letter published in the Jan. 20th issue of the Highline Times.

He wants facts. Then he goes on to say no one he heard has put forth facts at any of the meetings. That may be true because ever since the annexation process started no one has presented any composite picture of facts. Many facts have been bandied around on both sides of the issue.

The sad part of the fact issue is the city council approach. They have the power and their mind has been made up from the start to annex. The council has cherry picked the facts to support their side.

The council believes that the residents of Burien are in favor of annexation. The council has repeatedly rejected the idea of an advisory ballot on annexation. (There is a precedent for an advisory ballot - one was requested on the fireworks issue some years ago.)

The city council rejected a petition presented a few years ago that was signed by over 2,000 residents as meaningless. From the start the council has operated on what seems akin to a bumper sticker philosophy.

In the past a council member has referred to North Highline as a "Diamond in the rough." Another referred to North Highline with the statement "North Highline is an investment in the future."

How about some opposing bumper stickers: "North Highline is fools gold." Or "North Highline is a permanent capital loss." Or "North Highline is a council ego trip."

Does no one like Burien as it currently exists?

James Sharkey
Burien