In “‘It’s about to get real’: Construction on Totem Lake Connector Bridge to begin this year,” (Reporter, Jan. 29), Kirkland plans to build a bike-pedestrian connector costing about $18.29 million while seniors on fixed incomes and working families struggle to keep up with property taxes and traffic.

It appears that this project comes to $220 for every man, woman and child in Kirkland.

Is this a priority?

Alexander Fraser Tytler, an 18th Century Scottish judge, writer and historian once said, “A Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largess out of the public treasury.”

Also, isn’t stuff like this discriminatory? Seniors, people with disabilities and families with young children probably will not use this much. These projects are geared toward recreation for young urban professionals. That’s cool, but then maybe they should pay for it via a private foundation or user fee ($2 entrance to cross the bridge).

User fees instead of taxes is fairer for all.

Michelle Darnell

Kirkland