After some digging, I have learned that the 2011-2012 Kirkland Parks Department fund is about $14 million. That base amount should increase considerably when the annexation area contribution is fully included in future assessments.

But the developers of the cross city railroad corridor want to increase the park fund now by 17 percent with a large, and unnecessary $2.4 million annual levy to build something on the rail bed. The new levy amount will increase because it is based on property values that will obviously rise.

The Parks Department is currently well financed and can continue so with normal increases. I again urge residents to vote NO on Prop. 2, and require the developers to request funding for specific projects.

Edward J. Bell, Kirkland