Dear Editor,

I have lived in unincorporated Kirkland for about 20 years and have always proudly thought of myself a citizen of Kirkland. After the past few years of the city talking about annexation and the recent vote, I must say I am having second thoughts.

I used to think, to paraphrase Groucho Marx, that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be part of a city that wouldn’t have me as a citizen. Now I am sure I don’t want to be part of a city that doesn’t want me.

If the vote comes up in the future I would now definitely vote “no” for annexation into Kirkland, and from now on I will try not to support any businesses, restaurants, etc. that are in the city of Kirkland. You can keep your precious, over-priced, upscale-to-obscenity city to your snobbish selves.

~Brian Bystrom, unincorporated King County, 98034