Everett readers split on $420 million fire bond, state tax fights

Residents of King County and the state of Washington are currently weighing in on major budget and tax issues ahead of the November election. The letters published in The Everett Herald on Friday, October 31, focus on the cost of local infrastructure and the state’s ongoing fiscal battles. Writers argue that voters should demand efficiency from regional agencies and hold elected officials accountable for spending habits.

Bill Krepick of Edmonds opposes Proposition 1, a $420 million construction bond for South County Fire. He notes that the agency serves cities that have since been annexed, which should reduce the need for administrative staff. Krepick points to internal reports from 2019 to 2025 showing that 911 calls rose by approximately 25%, while administrative staffing costs jumped roughly 120%. He argues that uniformed staffing costs increased only about 10% over the same period, yet station operating costs rose by about 65%. In 2024, the 50 highest-paid employees at the agency averaged approximately $264,000.

Krepick emphasizes that about 85% of emergency calls are medical rather than fires. He suggests that taxpayers deserve an independent analysis of whether smaller vehicles and dedicated paramedics could handle these calls more cost effectively than the proposed 16 station renovations. He states that a 'No' vote is not a rejection of public safety but a request for a right-sized capital plan.

In the state race for the 10th Legislative District, candidate Robert 'Chili' Hicks criticizes the state leadership for what he calls financial mismanagement. Hicks notes that the Climate Commitment Act adds 52 to 57 cents to every gallon of gasoline, despite earlier promises of lower costs. He cites data showing that Governor Ferguson cut $336.5 million in state Medicaid appropriations, which disqualified Washington from $446 million in federal matching funds. This move, according to Hicks, removed $782.5 million from low-income care. Hicks also addresses his opponent, Representative Clyde Shavers, who voted against the Millionaires’ Tax. Hicks claims Shavers supports the tax but voted no because school funding figures were not finalized. Hicks lists Shavers' 'yes' votes on natural gas ban HB 1589, paid leave mandate HB 1213, and HB 1155, which Hicks says stripped small businesses of certain protections.

Other letters address broader economic themes. Lawrence East of Everett argues that corporate greed has captured the market, citing the decline in free broadcasting for major sports games and the rising number of billionaires in the area. Mark Mason of Camino Island urges voters to support Measure 645, arguing that the legislature will continue to raise tax thresholds if the current one is defeated. James Tobler of Lynnwood agrees with a recent article on county spending, criticizing the $120 million baseball stadium and $20 million waterfront bridge while hospitals remain in debt. Frank Sterle Jr. from White Rock, British Columbia, draws parallels between the treatment of Indigenous peoples and the devaluation of civilian life in war zones, referencing the residential school system and missing Indigenous women in Manitoba.

The election is scheduled for this November. Voters will decide on the South County Fire bond and the state tax measures. Candidates in the 10th Legislative District will face voters seeking to decide the district's representation in Olympia.