[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff. We are making an exception to our standard policy on election-related letters due to a misunderstanding of the cut-off date.]
Why You SHOULD Vote YES on Burien’s Public Safety Levy
Public safety isn’t a luxury. It’s a basic expectation for every community that cares about its people. Burien deserves safe streets, quick emergency response, and compassionate crisis support. That’s exactly what the Public Safety Levy delivers and why voting YES on Proposition 1 is both practical and necessary.
Let’s set the record straight: this is not a blank check. City staff have already presented, multiple times, exactly what this levy funds: police staffing, co-response teams, safer sidewalks, upgraded lighting, and incremental public safety improvements that make a real difference. These presentations were public and included members of both the “Yes” and “No” committees. Because they are part of the public record, the information is there for anyone who wants it. There’s nothing hidden here. The process has been fully transparent, and the benefits are clear for all to see.
A key component of the levy is adding two police officers per year for the next five years, ensuring our city finally reaches staffing levels that match Burien’s size and needs. At the same time, it preserves and expands the co-response program, pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals to respond more effectively to behavioral health, homelessness, and public drug use. Expanding this program to 24/7 coverage means the right help is available at the right time, day or night.
As someone who moved to Burien only a few years ago, I can see the difference these programs have made. The city feels safer, calmer, and more connected. This model works, and expanding it makes sense.
At the October 20 City Council meeting, the city discussed updates to its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and capital priorities like new sidewalks and better lighting. These are visible, long-term investments that benefit everyone in Burien.
We wouldn’t be asking voters to approve this levy if it weren’t truly needed. Burien faces a $2.5 million deficit, rising costs, and the loss of federal co-response funding. Without this levy, we risk slower response times, fewer staff, and losing programs that keep people safe. Doing nothing isn’t saving money; it’s setting our city back. Doing nothing will cost us far more in the long run and set us back.
Voting YES on Proposition 1 protects what’s working, strengthens what’s needed, and ensures Burien continues moving forward safely, responsibly, and with proven results.
Learn more at YesForBurienPublicSafety.com
— Jamie Jo Skeen
Burien Resident
On behalf of the Yes for Pro Safety Levy.
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