How could this happen? Next thing you know there will be a proliferation of casinos, maybe even strip clubs, gun shops and other nefarious businesses!

Scary, huh?  Except that’s all it is – more spin and scare tactics by proponents of the annexation issue.

So is that how elected “representatives” are planning to influence the voters of Mukilteo? I guess now that Honey’s is gone, we need another boogey man.

Give me a break. What is the point of the letter? Citing schools and other establishments that are not even remotely in proximity? How about OV Middle School, Lighthouse Park, Old Town? They’re all “down the street.”

What is close by is a gas station, a small strip mall and Paine Field. What exactly are you implying? That patrons of casinos are criminals who will infiltrate our neighborhoods and exact mayhem and destruction on school children, elderly folks and the average citizen?

That is preposterous. If you have factual data to back up that assertion, please share your source. Otherwise, it is nothing more than a subjective, speculative spin designed to frighten Mukilteo residents.

If elected officials are for annexation, that is their prerogative. However, I would ask for two things: 1) stick to facts and data to support your position and, 2) stay away from the scare tactics and spin that is unsupported by the facts.

The people have spoken on this, and you would be wise to listen to the voters.

The recent push on Initiative 2 and the associated petition drive should be ringing alarm bells with Mukilteo government. The will of the people will not be ignored. And don’t be deluded into believing that since residents don’t show up at council meetings (a topic for a future letter to the editor) or that you only receive a few calls or e-mails on a hot button topic that our citizens are not interested or engaged. 

Given the involvement and participation on Initiative 2, you should expect that this will be replicated in the future. Listening to your constituents requires more than sitting in the comfort of council chambers waiting for people to show up.

It requires active outreach, a concept worth considering – but I’m not holding my breath.

The mayor and the council heard from the citizens last year on annexation and I doubt the sentiment has changed. It needs to be put to a vote if it is resurrected. The people will have the final say, and scare tactics in the interim are beneath the dignity of elected officials. Stick to the facts and LISTEN to the voters.

Ed Kunigonis

Mukilteo