The Kirkland City Council approved a three-person committee to write the “con” annexation statement for the November Voter’s Pamphlet. The three selected represent the existing Kirkland area, Robert L. Style; the west side of the PAA, Scott Brady; and the east side of the PAA, Katherine Winder.

Issues that have been raised to date against annexation have ranged from the impact on businesses within the proposed annexation area to changes in land use regulations. The Con Committee is in agreement that the largest concerns stem from the troubled financial picture of the City of Kirkland. Currently, the proposed annexation ballot measure is linked with an agreement for the PAA to accept more $8 million debt from the current budget. Additionally, the council is looking to cut more than $1.6 million dollars from future annual budgets if a November increase in city tax is not approved.

“Across the board cuts are being made – from police services and Fire Station 34 will likely be closed,” said Winder. “Some of the very services we were looking forward to gaining are being threatened with the cut backs.”

Brady noted, “After reviewing Kirkland’s budget for 2009-2010 it is clear that the City of Kirkland is on track to be in debt and over budget: for the 10th consecutive year. The PAA will be used as a blank check, subsidized by state sales tax credits from Washington State, to continue wasteful spending into perpetuity.”

Style has highlighted that the annexation will only place more strain on Kirkland to “cover the shortfalls.”