Will a new City of Fairwood be economically solid? The incorporation study clearly states that they draw no conclusions and citizens must examine the report and decide for themselves. The “Go Vote NO” committee and hundreds of citizens have examined the projections based on 2007 data and consultant assumptions and concluded the projected tax base would not be adequate to have a quality city with services our citizens would expect.

We looked carefully at real numbers. The estimated grand total revenue for the new city is $12.5 million in 2010 with a projected population of 25,000. Proponents believe this would be plenty to fulfill our dreams. Our neighbor Covington had total revenues in 2007 of more than $31 million as reported to the Washington state auditor. Their 2009 number is $24 million on the Covington Web site. They have around 17,500 citizens. Maple Valley 2007 revenues were more than $19 million with 5,000 fewer citizens. And Newcastle with only 9,500 citizens had total revenues of over $13 million in 2007. A graph of these numbers and more is on www.govoteno.org with documentation.

What kind of quality city can we create with projected revenues significantly lower than real numbers from existing cities? We urge voters to do what proponents suggested and ask, “What will your tax dollars buy?” In comparison, not much!

We urge a vote AGAINST incorporation of a city of Fairwood.

Clark and Linda Petersen

Renton