As parks are closed, trash lingers, and services reduced, citizens are going to be upset. It’s already happening. What remains to be seen is what they are going to do about it. Some will attempt to provide nonessential services because they have the will, time, money, and legal resources. Most will not. After all, that’s why we are paying taxes. But, what will happen to essential services?

Staff is doing their best to ease the backlash on the Kirkland City Council. So far, staff is saying not to worry because they have a handle on it; however, everything is not okay. Police are being pinched, the Fire Department is under fire, park improvements and maintenance will be a lark, planning will be pained, and finance will be finessed – all because of the council’s decisions to divert and dilute money from services to its citizens.

More cuts and reductions of service are coming. As they are implemented, public backlash will increase. The cost for annexation has yet to be factored in by finance. They’re in the process. When cost for annexation is factored in, it will be hard to hide the consequences.

To help prevent even greater backlash on council, staff will blame the economy. Not true. If the council had denied annexation, they would have the money to maintain essential services even with the bad economy. They didn’t do it. Consequently, Kirkland citizens will suffer.

It is unfortunate we have little recourse to fix problems created by council. What’s done is done. However, should something happen that results in a failure of the city to provide its adopted level of service particularly for fire and police, look out. There are people who have the will, time, money, and legal resources that will help solve the problem. Unfortunately, defending bad decisions will cost all of us and leaves the irresponsible council members unaccounted for.