Port of Poulsbo Proposition 1
The North Kitsap Herald supports Port of Poulsbo Proposition 1 for these reasons.

The port could do more to encourage economic development and jobs growth, and that’s good for everybody.

The port could do more to make Liberty Bay a healthier place, and that’s good for everybody. One resident said the bay is healthier than it’s ever been, but you can’t harvest shellfish in the bay, creosoted pilings need to be replaced, five derelict vessels have been removed, and we need someone to ensure anchor-outs are not dumping in the bay.

Residents of the annexation areas should have a say in the day-to-day business of the port, particularly decisions that affect them. As constituents, the port would be directly responsible to them.

At the Jan. 24 forum at City Hall, some residents spoke about port districts’ authority under the law and what port districts “may” do. That scares them. But there are many things government bodies “may” do. What they “do” depends on the desire and will of their constituents.

The levy is 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. We think that’s a good investment for the support to our local economy, environment and public representation that will result.

North Kitsap School District Proposition 1
The North Kitsap Herald supports renewal of the North Kitsap School District’s maintenance and operations levy.

Revenue from the levy — $2.83 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation — comprises 23 percent of the school district’s budget. Renewal of the levy will maintain programs and services in local schools, and help to pay for teachers and staff, operational costs, technology, programs and curriculum that aren’t fully funded by the State of Washington.

Needless to say, failure to approve this measure would be disastrous to local schools, which have already endured years of reductions in expenses and staffing.

This four-year levy will replace the current levy approved in February 2010. We encourage a vote of approval.