Council News Release

Council President Richard Conlin
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Sally Clark

COUNCIL MOVES PARKS LEVY FORWARD
Beth Purcell nominated as Chair Parks and Green Spaces Levy Citizens’ Advisory Committee

SEATTLE – The Council today took the next step in deciding whether to renew a parks levy. Encouraged by poll results showing a high level of support for the continuation of a parks levy, Council President Richard Conlin, and Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Tim Burgess, Bruce Harrell, Jean Godden, and Sally Clark sponsored legislation to create the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Citizens’ Advisory Committee. The Committee will advise the Council on the pros and cons of asking voters to approve a parks levy on November’s ballot and will deliberate on the content of a proposed parks package.

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Parks and Seattle Center Committee, said, “We know that the people of Seattle want the City to continue to increase our park lands. Creation of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee is the next step in responding to Seattle’s desire for more open space.”

The Councilmembers are nominating Beth Purcell as the Chair of the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Citizens’ Advisory Committee. Council President Richard Conlin said, “Beth Purcell is a great choice to lead this important effort. It’s very important that Seattle’s citizens participate in the Council’s process of deciding whether to move forward with acquiring more open space. The Committee will be a vital link connecting the Council to the community.”

Citizen’s Advisory Committee Chair Beth Purcell said, “The Pro Parks 2000 Levy was a great success. As Seattle continues to grow, we are fortunate to have a community that continues to value parks, recreation, and open space. I am excited to chair the Citizen’s Advisory Committee and build on our legacy of great parks in Seattle.”

The Parks and Green Spaces Levy Citizens’ Advisory Committee will bring its report, including specific parks projects that could be covered by a continuation of the levy, to Council by June 30, 2008. After receiving the Committee’s report, the Full Council will decide whether or not to ask voters to approve a parks levy on this year’s November ballot, and what projects would be included. The current Pro Parks Levy, approved by voters in 2000, will expire this year. The Levy provided for the acquisition of 42 acres of open space, including 15 new neighborhood parks, and funded 70 park development projects, including habitat restoration, athletic field improvements, and city trails. A poll released earlier this month showed that sixty-seven percent of Seattleites favor a renewal of the Pro Parks Levy.

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City Council