Once again, the Port of Poulsbo commissioners are attempting to expand their tax base to include the greater surrounding Poulsbo area. Silently operating under the radar, the commissioners have published a touchy-feely “Argument for Port Expansion,” expressed in the voter guide under Ballot Measures — “Port of Poulsbo Proposition No. 1.”

Notice that there is no “Argument Against the Measure” on the ballot. Most unusual. Only the commissioners knew of the measure. Hence: No argument against. Make sense?

I consider elected officials to be dangerous. Especially the ones who want my money so they can “help” me. Under state law, through the acquisition of property, the commissioners want “to play a major role in ‘helping’ the revitalization of Poulsbo for commercial and recreational uses.” What?

Of course, they need more taxpayer money to expand their power base. And does the City of Poulsbo need or want the port commissioners help to “revitalize” us? I say “no.” And I suggest the commissioners focus on fixing their docks and breakwater, leaving the City of Poulsbo to muck about on its own. The commissioners have their budget. They need to operate within its confines and leave the citizens of this Norwegian fishing village/tourist town alone.

K.D. Lord
Poulsbo

— Editor’s note: An invitation for writers of arguments against and for the measure was issued by the Kitsap County Auditor Elections Division. The measure has also been the subject of several news stories, port commission meetings, and a public open house at City Hall.