Staff Reports
The latest proposal from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is an absolute nightmare for industrious Seattleites. The proposal for a $1.4 billion, eight-year transportation levy is designed to drain the coffers of the city's median homeowners of even more hard-earned money. As a result of the expiring Levy to Move Seattle's $12 monthly increase, these taxpayers will be required to pay an additional $36 per month, or approximately $435 annually.
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Since its passage in 2015, the ongoing Levy to Move Seattle, amounting to $930 million over nine years, has incurred an approximate monthly cost of $24 from homeowners. Moreover, Harrell is now eager to extract even more from them. What the audacity!
Harrell raises a significant point by asserting that this proposed levy will improve connectivity, safety, and dependability on travel. However, given his money-grabbing scheme, it is difficult to believe anything he says.
A staggering $423 million, if approved, would be allocated to repaving and other street enhancements in Seattle. This would represent the largest portion of the funding. An additional $218 million would be allocated towards the maintenance of operational bridges. Not forgetting the $109 million allocated for the construction and maintenance of new footpaths. It is as if Harrell believes that taxpayers are composed of money!
This proposed levy must first make its way through the Seattle City Council before appearing on the ballot this autumn for the vote of the city's tax-strapped, hardworking citizens. However, given the mayor's history, it is unsurprising that the citizens of Seattle are more than a little dubious.
An additional noteworthy development is that Seattle voters approved a housing levy last year, which is projected to generate a substantial $970 million by 2030. An estimated $383 will be paid annually by the median householder in Seattle due to this tax levy. Harrell appears to have discovered an additional method to exploit the decent citizens of Seattle for financial gain.
Ultimately, it is evident that Harrell's proposal merely serves as an additional means for the government to exploit the financial resources of diligent Seattle residents. These citizens are entitled to more than this ceaseless monetary grab masquerading as public improvements. It is time for Harrell and his associates to put an end to their insatiable desire for tax revenue and begin representing the people.
