Letter To The Editor: Embrace The Democratic Process

Letter to the editor:  

I was thrilled to read the press release concerning the exploration of creating a library ballot measure to go before the people. Regardless of the city administration's opinion of the legality of the wording on the petition, the peoples' legal representation has stated that not acting in accordance with state law concerning certified initiative petitions would expose the city to a law suit.   The people are prepared to file in superior court a "writ of mandate" requiring the city to make a decision under the statute of the law. Further, the people's legal council believes there is a civil rights issue, which could be part of the suit. The city is still within its 20-day period and we are hopeful they will be able to draft a ballot measure with wording that will address the intent of the initiative petition. It would be a courageous move on the part of city administrators, and would go a long way in repairing damaged relationships. When the time comes for the public to consider the ballot measure, we would expect the cases made for one location or another would be free from tax payer funded city lobbying, and that it be a truly democratic process.

Very hopefully,

Stuart Avery
Renton, WA