How would we pay for ARC? | Letter

Published 12:20 pm Monday, March 2, 2015

I have lived in Kirkland all of my life and like the idea of an Aquatics, Recreation and Community Center. It all depends on how we go about locating it, building it, maintaining it and paying for it.

I like the North Kirkland Community Center site, simply because we already own the land, it has a four lane street to handle the traffic and has easy I-405 access.

My question, and the question that everyone should have is: How are we going to pay for building and maintain it?

One reason cited for building it is because the Aquatic Center at Juanita High School would close permanently. Why would the Aquatic Center close? The reason is because The Lake Washington School District cannot afford to keep it open.

If The Lake Washington School District cannot afford to keep it open, how could anyone think that the city of Kirkland could? Maybe we are flush with money? Do we have a large stash of money hidden away, that I don’t know about?

I don’t think so – we have trouble maintaining our roads, parks and traffic circles.

Where would the money come from? The sale of bonds (with added interest that we cannot afford) and or a tax levy (that I, and many others cannot afford)?

My suggestion is, that if the community is in favor of the project, that we begin a collaborative effort to go ahead with it. That means we start fundraising. If people really want this, they will contribute to the fund. I know that not everyone could contribute financially, but they could donate labor. Construction companies could donate labor and equipment to help build it. It would be good PR, advertising and marketing for them. The Kirkland Building Department could even give them special consideration, such as expedited building permits, waivers, and reduced fees. Banks, and other businesses could contribute also (think Key Arena, Quest Field etc). Building supply companies might even be willing to donate materials. Artists could donate sculptures, and murals.

People are good at talk. How about if everyone puts their money where their mouth is? We can vote in favor of the project now, and then complain that our taxes went up later. The real test would be if a bank account was opened, and people contributed financially to pay for it.

How about it? Let’s not burden future generations with a large debt – remember, the Jones’ are already broke.

Paul Baker, Kirkland