“We are celebrating the Youth and their Voice!!!” reads an announcement. “Please come share your Poetry, Singing, Rap, Dancing and any talent you have! Or just come support Local teens and their talent. Free to the Public with a suggested 1$ Donation. Concessions and an Amazing night Provided”

Here’s the schedule:

• 7:00 : Welcome & Intro to spoken word and Youth Voice
• 7:10 – 7:20 Voices of Burien Performance
• *5 Minute Break*
• 7:25 – TBD : All Ages Open Mic
• TBD : FEATURED PERFORMANCES ! *Its a Suprise*
• 8:30 : 21 & under POETRY SLAM

Here’s more info on this group:

Voices of Burien is committed to safety in our community for all of our members. We ask that anyone entering our community in any capacity treat the audience, poets, venue staff, Voices of Burien community members and featuring artists as equals. We refuse to permit any act of hate, violence or bigotry on or off our stage and microphone and will ban any person or persons involved in those acts. Any person whose safety has been threatened in any way should report the occurrence to a member of the Voices of Burien board (Keoki or Travis). We will keep information confidential and anonymous and provide any support needed. Absolutely NO ONE is above this rule and inappropriate, dangerous, hateful or violent behavior is unacceptable for everyone.

Also, you may hear some swearing at this event so keep that in mind. But we at Voices of Burien stand behind the artist’s right and choice to use language from the heart.

More info available on their Facebook page.

If I closed my eyes last night at Burien Little Theatre as I sat waiting for the first of the final two plays of the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival, I felt as though I was at the boarding gate of an airport. The gate agents’ voices over the P.A. system, crying children, the din of multiple conversations. Instead of getting on a flight, I opened my eyes and was treated to a wonderful dialogue in semantics and ergonomics.

“17 –B”, written by Stephen Feldman and directed by Russ Kay, is a story that addresses the needs of one versus the needs of many. Doris Cannon (Geni Hawkins), a professor of literature, is on her way to an important interview. Her seatmate, William Johnson (Tim Takechi), is a naïve but very enthusiastic young man. Doris is a composed, intelligent woman who is comfortable in her sense of entitlement. And she has needs. Doris purchased two airline seats for herself. She only plans to sit in one seat. The other is necessary personal space. The airlines calculate necessary space for a traveler based on profit margins rather than comfort. She brings William along as teammate as she navigates the system of rules, regulations and ethics of commercial air travel.

Shanda Russell plays Pam, a flight attendant. Pam carries the spirit of service with the no-nonsense, rules-are-rules attitude that is necessary when dealing with a lot of people in a small space. Pam is unable to make Doris understand why she must give up her seat. Russell fills the role wonderfully. She embodies the quintessential flight attendant.

Pam has to reach out to her superior to help resolve the Doris issue. Captain Scully (Dennis Moore) comes to the rescue. He engages Doris in lively repartee. Doris is impressed by Scully’s ability to debate the issue in a gentile manner. Moore, like Russell, embodies his character, a stereotypical airline captain in this case. Tall, calm and handsome, we feel reassured that all will be alright.

I always enjoy BLT’s use of music as a character and mood setter of the plays that they present. The second play, which is the second place winner in the festival, “Parsing Race” written by Dave Miller, is introduced through a playlist of cool jazz, a calming entrance into a big issue. Black vs. White. Racism. Resentment. Trust. Present day.

Rochelle Flynn has done an amazing job directing this play with a deft and sensitive hand.The actors handle this difficult material with grace.

This is a big play. It has been almost fifty years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was adopted by the United States. A lot of battles were won through the passage of the Act. Many changes have come about since that time. But where are we now?

The play opens as the two main characters Yolanda (Maria Knox) and John (Adam Hegg) engage in a quick pep talk before John meets Yolanda’s father, Walter, for the first time. Walter (Malcolm J. West) is a protective father. He has also had a hard life as a black man and has resentments. John thinks of himself as color blind. John is white. Walter pegs him as a racist, and Yolanda is caught between. Yolanda breaks things off with John after the meeting.

Friends of the couple, Maddie (Melissa Malloy) and Franklin (Charles Reccardo) are also a mixed race couple. Many race-related issues are addressed through a variety of conversation configurations. My favorite of these conversations is the girl-talk scene. Both Malloy and Knox play well together and bring humor and ease to the scene.

Malloy is comfortable in her role as confidant and idealist. She is a joy to watch on the stage as she helps the group navigate. Reccardo is successful as a serious, educated young black man wanting to give back to his community.

Furthering the complexity of the story, Saleem (Patrick Tolden) is introduced as a young man who Franklin met at the community center. Franklin invites Saleem to stay with Maddie and himself while he is sorting his life out. Saleem’s influence on the story is entwined throughout the play. Near the end, we meet Saleem’s grandmother (Vera Werre), another part of the equation Miller has created.

Tolden fully fits the role of an attention-seeking young man with an identity issue. His struggles are big, but there is hope. And Werre is wonderful. Her interpretation of Lydia, the grandmother, is full of heart. It is obvious that Lydia has had a hard life and that she hasn’t let it keep her down. She has a lot to give to her grandson, and they will help each other to heal.

Knox and Hegg are both great in their roles, although there is a bit of chemistry missing. Hegg might benefit from breathing fully through his scenes. He has the character down, but just needs to take it a step further.

In “Parsing Race,” Miller has tackled a huge, multi-faceted subject. The characters are fleshed out and complex, yet the overall impression is comfortable, not overwhelming. The characters are given balanced doses of strengths and challenges, allowing the audience to connect and empathize with each one. Miller hangs each issue delicately on a framework of a believable story which is both hard to watch, at times, and heart-warming. This is a very successful rendering of the race issue as we experience it today. There is hope for the divide that still exists between the races. Whether you are black or white, or any shade in-between, if you pay attention, you come away with a new and refreshing understanding.

Here are photos from the festival courtesy Michael Brunk:

At left, passengers (Eric Dickman, Maggie Larrick and Stephan Feldman) look on as Captain Scully (Dennis Moore) and flight attendant Pam (Shanda Russell) try to reason with passenger Doris Cannon (Geni Hawkins), who finds a sympathetic ally in William (Tim Takchi), far right, another passenger in the one-act comedy “17B” at Burien Little Theatre. Written by Stephan Feldman, “17B” is about a woman who buys two seats on an airplane for her personal comfort, and incites the airline. “17B” runs May 17-26 as part of the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival at Burien Little Theatre. Info/tickets: www.burienlittletheatre.org, 206-242-5180.

At right, airplane passengers William (Tim Takechi) and, at left, Doris Cannon (Geni Hawkins) are surprised by what The Passenger (John Flynn) has to say in the one-act comedy “17B” at Burien Little Theatre. Written by Stephan Feldman, “17B” is about a woman who buys two seats on an airplane for her personal comfort, and incites the airline. “17B” runs May 17-26 as part of the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival at Burien Little Theatre. Info/tickets: www.burienlittletheatre.org, 206-242-5180.

From left to right, Walter (Malcolm J. West) disapproves of John (Adam Hegg) dating Walter’s daughter because John is white in the full-length play “Parsing Race” at Burien LittleTheatre. Written by Dave Miller, “Parsing Race” is about what happens when two mixed race couples and a troubled young man deal with different ideas of race relations held by three generations of friends and family. “Parsing Race” runs May 17-26 as part of the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival at Burien Little Theatre. Info/tickets:  www.burienlittletheatre.org, 206-242-5180.

From left to right, teenager Saleem (Patrick Tolden) tries to convince mentor Franklin (Charles Reccardo), Franklin’s wife, Maddy (Melissa Malloy) and their friend John (Adam Hegg) that Saleem isn’t a problem in the full-length play “Parsing Race” at Burien LittleTheatre. Written by Dave Miller, “Parsing Race” is about what happens when two mixed race couples and a troubled young man deal with different ideas of race relations held by three generations of friends and family. “Parsing Race” runs May 17-26 as part of the Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival at Burien Little Theatre. Info/tickets: www.burienlittletheatre.org, 206-242-5180.

The Bill and Peggy Hunt Playwrights Festival continues at BLT through May 26, and you can print our exclusive Coupon below:

Click image to print Coupon.

Through May 26, Burien Little Theatre’s (BLT) Festival offers 4 weekends of new shows. Pay just $10 to see a performance of two plays — a one-act followed by a full-length. The one-act 17B is paired with the full-length Parsing Race May 17-26.

After each play is performed, audience members are invited to give their opinions and ask questions of the director and playwright. These talk-backs provide playwrights with fresh ideas, valuable comments, and honest audience response.

Festival sponsors include the new film The Maury Island Incident, Mark Restaurant & Bar, 4Culture King County Lodging Tax and City of Burien.

Staged performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are just $10 and include 2 shows.

Shows are recommended for ages 13 and older due to occasional language or mature subject matter. The Festival is sponsored by the City of Burien and Mark Restaurant & Bar.

For tickets and information, go to www.burienlittletheatre.org or call 206-242-5180.

Debi Wagner officially filed to run for Burien City Council, Position #3, where she will face incumbent Joan McGilton, Andrea Reay and Robert Richmond III.

Wagner, a longtime local activist and Author, has 35 years of business experience in accounting and management. She was also endorsed by Burien’s first Mayor, Arun Jhaveri, who said:

“I have known Debi for many years, as a passionate and dedicated Community Leader, working in the areas of Environment, Education, Fiscal Policies, Children Causes, and Sustainability. As a wife, mother, and champion of local issues, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities of vision, integrity, diplomacy, communication, coordination, accountability, and transparency.”

“It’s time to reform Burien city government, make it accountable, transparent and responsive,” she said on her website. “Citizens need to be heard. This isn’t happening with the current council majority. Public safety needs to be a top priority along with jump starting our local economy. Burien’s businesses need to be revitalized and new ones need to be recruited. Environmental protection and Town Square need to be an important part of Burien’s planning. With years of experience in financial management and environmental issues, I have the knowledge and skills to guide Burien during these critical economic times.”

Wagner joins 12 other candidates running in the 2013 council election:

• Council Position No. 1: Jack Block Jr. (incumbent), Lauren Berkowitz, Kip Walton
• Council Position No. 3: Andrea H. Reay, Joan McGilton (incumbent), Robert L. Richmond III, Wagner
• Council Position No. 5: Nancy Tosta, Len Boscarine, Rose Clark (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 7: Chuck Rangel, Joey Martinez, Steve Armstrong

The Primary election will be Aug. 6, and the General election will be Nov. 5.

Here’s her statement:

My name is Debi Wagner and I’m running for Burien City Council Position #3. I would like to tell you a little about who I am and why I’m running.

I believe it’s time to reform Burien city government, make it accountable, transparent and responsive. Citizens need to be heard. This isn’t happening with the current council majority. Public safety needs to be a top priority along with jump starting our local economy. Burien’s businesses need to be revitalized and new ones need to be recruited. Environmental protection and Town Square need to be an important part of Burien’s planning. With years of experience in financial management and environmental issues, I have the knowledge and skills to guide Burien during these critical economic times.

Many times I have spoken as a strong citizen advocate before the Burien City Council on important city issues such as; the costs to Burien of the proposed annexation of area Y/White Center, the lack of a badly needed City business plan, the unwillingness of the council to allow citizen advisory votes on annexation, wards, Town Square and forms of government for the city. I believe we need to get back to the business of Burien, stop pointing fingers at others for blame and work together for positive change.

In recommending me for the city council, Burien’s founding First Mayor and co-author of “Carbon Reduction – Policies, Strategies and Technologies” Arun Jhaveri said: “I have known Debi for many years, as a passionate and dedicated Community Leader, working in the areas of Environment, Education, Fiscal Policies, Children Causes, and Sustainability. As a wife, mother, and champion of local issues, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities of vision, integrity, diplomacy, communication, coordination, accountability, and transparency.”
My husband and I are long time Burien residents – we love living in Burien. We chose to raise our family here because of the small town atmosphere. All of our children attended Highline schools. We support local businesses and participate in our community. I intend to preserve, sustain and enhance Burien’s assets. I would appreciate your vote and look forward to working with you in making Burien an even better place to live, work and play.

Please take the time to view my video and find out what I stand for in this election at: http://youtu.be/-CMl0rRGYGc

Please visit my web site at: friendstoelectdebiwagner.org

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please write to me at:

Debi Wagner Campaign
P O Box 48208
Burien, WA 98148

Wish to volunteer, put up a campaign sign, send me a note at: dwagner007@msn.com
Thank you.

The Primary election will be Aug. 6, and the General election will be Nov. 5.

BURIEN:

• Council Position No. 1: Jack Block Jr. (incumbent), Lauren Berkowitz, Kip Walton
• Council Position No. 3: Andrea H. Reay, Joan McGilton (incumbent), Robert L. Richmond III, Debi Wagner
• Council Position No. 5: Nancy Tosta, Len Boscarine, Rose Clark (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 7: Chuck Rangel, Joey Martinez, Steve Armstrong

Two candidates who publicly declared they were running but failed to meet the deadline are:

• Marlene Allbright
• Shelli Park

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE:

• Alan E. Lobdell
• Goodspaceguy
• Everett A. Stewart
• Dow Constantine (incumbent)

KING COUNTY SHERIFF:

• John Urquhart

HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT:

• Director District No. 2: Angelica M. Alvarez
• Director District No. 3: Susan Goding, Miles Partman

WATER DISTRICTS:

• Highline Water District Commissioner Position No. 2: Daniel Johnson
• Highline Water District Commissioner Position No. 4: George Landon
• King County Water District No. 20 Commissioner Position No. 2: Gary Coy
• King County Water District No. 49 Commissioner Position No. 2: John Levich, Roger Gee, David G. Lutz
• King County Water District No. 125 Commissioner Position No. 2: Jerry B. Thornton Sr.

NORTH HIGHLINE FIRE DISTRICT:

• Commissioner Position No. 2 (short and full term): Julie Hiatt

NORMANDY PARK

• Council Position No. 2: Clarke Brant (incumbent) – withdrawn, Mike Bishoff
• Council Position No. 4: Kathleen Waters, Marion Yoshino
• Council Position No. 6: Tom Munslow, Chris Coleman

DES MOINES:

• Council Position No. 1: Matt Pina
• Council Position No. 3: Carmen L. Scott (incumbent), Victor L. Pennington II
• Council Position No. 4 (unexpired 2-year term): Chuck Swesey, Jeremy Nutting (incumbent), James Payne
• Council Position No. 5: Melissa Musser (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 7: Robert Bonds, Dave Kaplan (incumbent)
• Municipal Court Judge: Veronica Galvan (incumbent), David Gehrke

SEATAC:

• Council Position No. 2: Kathryn Campbell, Othman Heibe, Rick Forschler (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 4: Suber Adam, Tony Anderson (incumbent)
• Council Position No. 6: Pam Fernald (incumbent), Joe Van

PORT OF SEATTLE

• Commissioner Position No. 1: Pete Lewis, John Creighton, Andrew Pilloud Withdrawn
• Commissioner Position No. 2 (unexpired 2-year term): Courtney Gregoire, John Naubert
• Commissioner Position No. 3 (short and full term): Andrew Pilloud, Michael Wolfe, Stephanie Bowman
• Commissioner Position No. 4: Richard Pope, Tom Albro

NOTE: A candidate may withdraw by submitting a signed request that their name not be printed on the ballot no later than Monday, May 20, 2013, at 4:30 p.m.

As we’ve done in the past, we’ll be holding Candidate Forums, so be sure to check back often for updates…

“Students from across the district will be exposed to problems and topics that go beyond their standard curriculum and share their enjoyment of mathematics with like-minded students,” reads an announcement.

Competitors will participate in a variety of tests in different formats: an individual test in which students will attempt to solve thirty problems in thirty minutes, a mental math test in which individuals will try to solve twenty problems in their heads, and two team tests (Algebra & Probability and Geometry & Potpourri) in which teams of four students will attempt to solve twenty topic-specific problems in fifteen minutes.

If you are a coach, teacher, or parent of a student in grades four through six and are interested in registering for this competition, please contact Seahust Math Club Advisor Tom Clymer by e-mailing clymer@natassessment.com or calling 206-244-5214. Because this contest is a fundraiser for the Seahurst PTA, donations of money, time, goods, or services by local businesses and individuals would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in supporting this contest, please contact Tom Clymer.

All of the tests for the 2013 Middlementary Math Bonanza will be provided by National Assessment & Testing (http://www.natassessment.com), which in addition to this local contest administers five national contests by mail each year in different formats.

Read our previous coverage of the school’s math club here.

A pickleball tournament will be served up at the SeaTac Community Center this weekend, with the best players from all over the country competing.

“Pickleball was invented in Seattle, and SeaTac will host the current men’s and women’s world champions this weekend,” said Jonathan Blake, who will be playing in the 4.0 division.

Blake adds that several local players from Burien will be competing in this National event, sponsored by the USA Pickleball Association.

The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning (May 18), and will go to at least 8 p.m. Saturday night. Play resumes at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning (May 19) and completes when the double elimination matches are over.

According to Wikipedia, Pickleball “…started during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington at the home of Congressman Joel Pritchard, U.S. House of Representatives for the State of Washington. He and two of his friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, returned from golf and found their families bored one Saturday afternoon. They attempted to set up badminton but no one could find the shuttlecock. They improvised with a whiffle ball, lowered the badminton net, and fabricated paddles of plywood from a nearby shed.”

Here are some videos of the game in case you’re not familiar with it:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Seatac Community Center is located at 13735 24th Ave S., SeaTac; 206-973-4680.

“Everyone is invited to show support for the Puget Sound Gateway Project, which will complete SR-509 and SR-167 as well as make enhancements to I-5,” reads the announcement. “The Puget Sound Gateway Project, developed by the Washington State Department of Transportation and key stakeholders, would create new freight-dependent jobs and economic development opportunities as well as provide congestion relief for commuters in the Puget Sound.”

The SeaTac City Council recently adopted completion of the SR-509 corridor as a primary goal, as well as including the highway project in its legislative priorities for a number of years.

The Legislative Building is located at 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW in Olympia. Maps and directions are available online at: www.des.wa.gov/services/facilities/CapitolCampus/Pages/default.aspx.

More information on SR 509 is available at http://Timefor509Now.org/.

Information on SR 167 is available at: sr167.portoftacoma.com/.

BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s Open House for this week is a cute Craftsman that’s all NEW inside!

Beautiful living room with brick & slate fireplace, large Kitchen, petite Dining Room or Den and much more!

The main floor Master has a big closet and gorgeous tiled bath, there’s a 1+ extra finished room or 2 bedrooms up with storage, along with a main floor utility/mud room, patio, fully fenced yard, stone BBQ, fire pit, carport and workshop.

Oh and did we mention it’s priced to sell at just $214,700…AND there’s a $5,000 Buyer Bonus w/full price offer!

Here are some pics (click images to see larger versions):

Here are the details:

WHAT: Prudential NW Open House

WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: 10027 17th Ave SW, Seattle 98146-3702

INFO:

• List Price: $214,700
• MLS Number: 446881
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 1
• Year Built: 1954
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,482
• Lot SqFt: 5,624 sf

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Dog Run
• Fenced-Fully
• Outbuildings
• Patio
• RV Parking
• Shop

Marketing remarks:

$5000 Buyer Bonus w/Full Price Offer! Cute Craftsman,

All NEW Inside!

Beautiful Living Rm w/Brick & Slate FP. Large Kitchen, Petite Dining Rm or Den. Main Floor Master w/Big Closet, Gorgeous Tiled Bath. 1+ Extra Finished Rm or 2 Bedrms Up w/Storage.

Main Flr Utility/Mud Rm, Patio & Fully Fenced Yard, Stone BBQ & Fire Pit, Carport & Workshop. Alley Access, Addl Pkg.

Bsmnt “Person Cave”, High Ceiling & Sep Entry.

Zoned R24 Multi-Fam on Double Lot.

NOT a Short Sale, Bank or Flip! Can Close Quick!

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

Longtime resident Steve Armstrong officially declared his intent to run for Burien City Council, Position #7 this week, one of nine who has officially filed before the Friday deadline.

Armstrong attended local schools, the University of Washington, works for Boeing and is raising two children here.

“I’m running for city council because I believe it’s time for a change and that I can help initiate this change,” Armstrong said. “It appears that some Council members and the City Manager have lost touch with the citizens of Burien. Recent evaluations from the City Council are mixed as to whether the City Manager is performing to expectations. Council members do not (or will not) work together. This condition must change.”

He joins these previously-filed candidates, for a total of nine running for four open seats:

• Council Position No. 1: Lauren Berkowitz, Kip Walton, Jack Block Jr. (incumbent)
  
• Council Position No. 3: Robert L. Richmond III, Joan McGilton (incumbent), Andrea Reay
• Council Position No. 5: Rose Clark (incumbent)
  
• Council Position No. 7: Joey Martinez, Armstrong
  

Not yet filed, but declared publicly to run are:

• Marlene Allbright
• Shelli Park

Here’s Armstrong’s full statement:

Hello my name is Steve Armstrong and I am running for Burien City Council / Position 7. I’ve lived in Burien for over 40 years. Attended Shorewood Elementary, Cascade Middle School, Evergreen High and the University of Washington. My children, Alex and Elena, attended local schools – St. Francis, Highline and JFK. I am currently employed by The Boeing Company (32 years) specializing in Contracts. My hobbies include: hiking, mountain climbing, fly fishing, tennis, volleyball and spending time with my family and friends.

I’m running for city council because I believe it’s time for a change and that I can help initiate this change. It appears that some Council members and the City Manager have lost touch with the citizens of Burien. Recent evaluations from the City Council are mixed as to whether the City Manager is performing to expectations. Council members do not (or will not) work together. This condition must change.

There has been a complete disregard for the voice of the people. An example is the attempt to annex Area Y. My aversion to annexation is based solely on economics and the best interests for all. Seattle, with a huge revenue / tax base, found it impractical to annex at the time. Why would our City Manager and some Council members believe that annexation was in the best interest and would enrich the lives of those living in Area Y as well as Burien?

Regarding the recent issue of instituting “Wards” (aka Gerrymandering). This practice attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party, group or individual by manipulating district boundaries to create partisan advantaged districts. Again, whose interests are being addressed here? I believe if you’re running for office or in office, you should be under the microscope of and represent the entire voting population, not just those in your backyard.

Together we can create a better form of government. A government that is (i) a friend of the people; (ii) works for the people; and (iii) accessible, responsible, accountable and transparent with emphasis on Burien First!

My first goal is to ensure the livelihood, health and welfare of the people of Burien. Listen to their opinions, needs and desires – acting on their behalf for the common good.

Support our schools! Providing for our children is vital to the growth and well being of our community. I will work with schools to find ways to engage our young adults in becoming a valued investment in the community. The Burien Parks and Recreation team has done an excellent job in providing opportunities for our children. I would encourage them to expand those programs and promote career paths for interested teens – initiating mentoring and internships in city government as well as business. Partnering is the key between the City, business and volunteers to make this a reality.

Support and retain existing business as well as attracting new business opportunities. Partnering with “Discover Burien”, let’s create a forum responsible for developing creative ideas and enhancing Burien’s appeal for business. We need to find a better way to support and retain existing business and attract new business. There are many people in our community with great ideas – let’s get them engaged!

Involved with Police and Fire personnel – listen and hear their voice. I will frequently meet with these partners ensuring that the necessary tools are available to help them achieve the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Taxes… Let’s question the need for raising taxes and continue to challenge that option. Government needs to be run like a business – period. Attempts to raise taxes must be transparent (not buried in some other referendum) and only after all other efforts to alleviate have been exhausted.

Engage with the under recognized areas of Burien. More attention needs to be placed on the neighborhoods that are not in the “hub” area. In addition, a better plan needs to be developed to complete Town Square – one that creates a vibrant core attracting more business, visitors and a landmark of which to be proud.

Burien is a fantastic place to live! I am excited to see it transcend from its current paralysis and emerge into the next stage of health, sustainability, vitality and intelligent growth. Together we can create a better form of government.

I respectfully ask for your support and vote in this upcoming election. Thank you.

The Southwest Suburban Sewer District called the Normandy Park Police on me today (Thursday, May 16) for “destruction of District property.” Here’s the story:

B-Town Blog readers suggested putting up considerable resistance to the sewer district’s continued abuse of my property as a shortcut. Not being able to afford legal counsel and going up against the all mighty sewer district one must proceed with caution.

Their latest legal position is since they’ve always abused the road it gives them the right to continue doing so. It’s called “prescriptive easement” if the landowner doesn’t complain at least every 6 years or a statute of limitations kicks in. We have been through at least 6 general managers since their inception and have to start over with each new one or sue their socks off for breach and abuse, not something we want to do having supported their very existence and beginnings since the 1950′s.

Since they aggressively insist on abusing the original compost-only access easement for every day all district business and refuse to CEASE & DESIST, the upper gate was closed and chained but not locked after each and every vehicle passed through. If they want to abuse the compost only access easement for their own personal shortcut they are going to have to suffer the extreme inconvenience of opening the gate for every passage. Some employees were kind enough to close it after they passed through against the direct orders of the general manager.

They responded by installing a cable and padlock at the base of both halves of the metal gate to keep them open. This takes away access control of my private property. I cut away and “destroyed” two three inch pieces of shrink wrap, unbolted the assembly, reassembled the contraption and closed the gates.

Very shortly after, the District called the Normandy Park Police to report “destruction of District property” requiring a Police response. Normandy Park has a Police Department that rivals Beverly Hills. I’m embarrassed that they had to respond to such a trivial and frivolous complaint by the District.

So, let’s compare the losses. Their loss, estimated at $1.00-2.00 for a total of 6 inches of shrink wrap.

The affects property value loss from the sewer district highway they forced on us or be condemned, the giant unwanted heap of clay they dug up on their property during the road construction and forced us to take or face condemnation, the destruction of my family home since 1938 with over $250,000 worth of damage from their clay sliding down the hill dragging our home with it, no environmental studies or “as-built” drawings, a crushed drain and finally the incredibly arrogant misuse of the compost only road with 25-60 vehicles per day.

Our loss: too much for one family to bear. The sewer district is putting the rate payers at considerable risk of loss with this continued arrogance. They want to keep taking what is not theirs to take.

- Brett Fish

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