WEBVTT 00:00:03.000 --> 00:00:05.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -When we look at who has access to open space, 00:00:05.267 --> 00:00:06.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% there are real gaps. 00:00:06.400 --> 00:00:07.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -We want more, more, more. 00:00:07.834 --> 00:00:09.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We want to get bigger, bigger, bigger. 00:00:09.667 --> 00:00:11.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Voters will decide this fall 00:00:11.434 --> 00:00:15.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% whether to double King County's Conservation Futures tax levy 00:00:15.200 --> 00:00:17.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to fill a funding gap of $2 billion 00:00:17.868 --> 00:00:19.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for land preservation. 00:00:19.267 --> 00:00:22.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It's an average cost of less than $2 per month. 00:00:22.300 --> 00:00:26.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Supporters say the levy hasn't kept up with rising home values 00:00:26.167 --> 00:00:29.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% because of the state's 1% cap on property taxes. 00:00:29.334 --> 00:00:31.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -The economy just doesn't support a tax increase. 00:00:31.701 --> 00:00:35.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -But opponents argue homeowners already pay enough. 00:00:35.033 --> 00:00:37.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -We need to be honest about where this money is going. 00:00:37.734 --> 00:00:39.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Should voters give the green light 00:00:39.634 --> 00:00:43.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to acquiring more green space through higher property taxes? 00:00:43.334 --> 00:00:46.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It is not a huge dollar amount. 00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:49.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It is doing really good work. 00:00:49.534 --> 00:00:52.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's a conversation on land conservation 00:00:52.334 --> 00:00:54.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% next on "City Inside Out." 00:00:54.701 --> 00:01:04.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:01:04.067 --> 00:01:13.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:01:13.400 --> 00:01:16.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Welcome to this edition of "City Inside Out." 00:01:16.033 --> 00:01:18.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm your host, Brian Callanan. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:20.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% King County is asking voters 00:01:20.267 --> 00:01:23.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to double the Conservation Futures Tax, or CFT levy, 00:01:23.968 --> 00:01:26.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% this November to preserve the environment. 00:01:26.567 --> 00:01:28.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% That would be about $30 more per year 00:01:28.834 --> 00:01:31.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% for the average property owner. 00:01:31.033 --> 00:01:35.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The county says the state's 1% limit on property-tax increases 00:01:35.067 --> 00:01:38.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has decreased the effective tax rate of the CFT, 00:01:38.734 --> 00:01:43.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% leaving behind a $2 billion gap for land-preservation projects. 00:01:43.467 --> 00:01:46.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But opponents say taxpayers emerging from the pandemic 00:01:46.734 --> 00:01:49.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% are already overburdened, and they have concerns 00:01:49.667 --> 00:01:53.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% about how the county is managing land it already owns. 00:01:55.200 --> 00:01:58.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Advocates say the path to land conservation in King County 00:01:58.901 --> 00:02:00.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has become a lot more challenging. 00:02:00.834 --> 00:02:02.434 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -So the faster we can do it, 00:02:02.434 --> 00:02:04.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the cheaper it's going to be in the long run. 00:02:04.434 --> 00:02:06.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Heather Ramsay Ahndan is a volunteer 00:02:06.834 --> 00:02:09.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% supporting the Conserve Our Future campaign 00:02:09.467 --> 00:02:11.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% for King County Proposition 1, 00:02:11.501 --> 00:02:14.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% which would roughly double the Conservation Futures Tax, 00:02:14.534 --> 00:02:15.968 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% or CFT levy, 00:02:15.968 --> 00:02:19.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to protect open lands in King County. 00:02:19.267 --> 00:02:20.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% To conserve farmland, 00:02:20.767 --> 00:02:23.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% river corridors, and other green spaces, 00:02:23.367 --> 00:02:27.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% county residents have agreed since 1982 to pay the CFT, 00:02:27.701 --> 00:02:30.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% A property tax levy that currently costs 00:02:30.167 --> 00:02:33.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the average property owner about $22 per year. 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:41.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Yet, while the CFT has successfully helped protect 00:02:41.767 --> 00:02:44.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% more than 100,000 acres of open space 00:02:44.667 --> 00:02:48.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in cities like Seattle and more rural areas, too, 00:02:48.033 --> 00:02:50.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the county's ability to collect taxes 00:02:50.501 --> 00:02:53.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% has changed significantly under state law. 00:02:53.200 --> 00:02:55.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And so what's happened over time is that in King County, 00:02:55.567 --> 00:02:57.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we can only collect half of what the state 00:02:57.467 --> 00:02:59.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% had authorized 50 years ago. 00:02:59.267 --> 00:03:02.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Ahndan, who's also the county's Land Conservation Initiative 00:03:02.634 --> 00:03:04.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% program manager, 00:03:04.133 --> 00:03:07.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% says with a cap on how much the county can collect each year, 00:03:07.234 --> 00:03:11.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% as well as a 1% cap on how much a levy can grow annually, 00:03:11.133 --> 00:03:13.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the CFT has been effectively shrinking. 00:03:13.734 --> 00:03:15.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -So as property values are rising, 00:03:15.300 --> 00:03:17.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that also means our purchasing power is decreasing. 00:03:17.434 --> 00:03:19.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So every year, it gets worse and worse and worse. 00:03:19.868 --> 00:03:22.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And that's a problem, especially when it comes 00:03:22.200 --> 00:03:24.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to protecting sites like this one in Glendale, 00:03:24.968 --> 00:03:27.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in unincorporated King County near White Center. 00:03:27.667 --> 00:03:31.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -This is a 5-acre acquisition that we were able to close on 00:03:31.300 --> 00:03:32.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% at the end of 2020 00:03:32.701 --> 00:03:36.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% using Conservation Futures dollars to fill a park desert. 00:03:36.167 --> 00:03:38.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% When we look at who has access to open space, 00:03:38.334 --> 00:03:39.634 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% there are real gaps. 00:03:39.634 --> 00:03:42.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -With a focus on inclusion, King County has found, 00:03:42.467 --> 00:03:44.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% through its Land Conservation Initiative, 00:03:44.934 --> 00:03:47.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that nearly 500,000 people in the county 00:03:47.667 --> 00:03:49.634 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% live outside walking distance, 00:03:49.634 --> 00:03:52.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% more than a 1/4 mile away from a public park, 00:03:52.367 --> 00:03:54.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% green space, or trail. 00:03:54.601 --> 00:03:59.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Supporters say Prop 1 would help acquire nearly 65,000 acres 00:03:59.367 --> 00:04:02.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to close that gap, boosting climate resiliency, 00:04:02.501 --> 00:04:03.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% local food growers, 00:04:03.701 --> 00:04:06.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the county's overall quality of life. 00:04:06.300 --> 00:04:08.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -There are neighborhoods that do have really 00:04:08.200 --> 00:04:09.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% good access to open space, 00:04:09.601 --> 00:04:11.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and if you're living in one of those neighborhoods, 00:04:11.367 --> 00:04:13.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it can feel like you've got plenty of resources. 00:04:13.968 --> 00:04:15.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I think it's important to remember 00:04:15.334 --> 00:04:16.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that not everybody in King County 00:04:16.868 --> 00:04:18.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% has that kind of access. 00:04:18.467 --> 00:04:19.968 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -But to Michael Fisette, 00:04:19.968 --> 00:04:23.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the CFT simply feels like a governmental land grab. 00:04:23.567 --> 00:04:24.567 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -They don't need more. 00:04:24.567 --> 00:04:26.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Fisette, who wrote the statement 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:28.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% against Prop 1 for the ballot this fall, 00:04:28.701 --> 00:04:31.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is a financial planner who says King County, 00:04:31.367 --> 00:04:33.367 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% which owns 3% of the land, 00:04:33.367 --> 00:04:36.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and other public agencies like the Forest Service 00:04:36.400 --> 00:04:40.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% own a total of over 61% of the land in the county. 00:04:40.100 --> 00:04:41.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It goes back to the nature of government. 00:04:41.868 --> 00:04:43.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We want more, more, more. 00:04:43.534 --> 00:04:45.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We want to get bigger, bigger, bigger. 00:04:45.501 --> 00:04:47.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It never stops, unless somebody steps in and says, 00:04:47.968 --> 00:04:49.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "Enough is enough." 00:04:49.801 --> 00:04:53.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Beyond Fisette, there's no formal opposition campaign 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:55.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% against Prop 1, though back in June, 00:04:55.434 --> 00:04:57.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn 00:04:57.734 --> 00:05:00.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% said no to putting the measure before voters. 00:05:00.367 --> 00:05:02.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And folks are having a tough time making ends meet. 00:05:02.267 --> 00:05:04.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Fisette echoes Dunn's argument 00:05:04.067 --> 00:05:06.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that while the increase in the levy works out 00:05:06.601 --> 00:05:10.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to just over $2 a month for the average homeowner, 00:05:10.133 --> 00:05:14.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% tacking on any higher costs at a time of historic inflation 00:05:14.067 --> 00:05:17.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and other impending tax requests doesn't make sense. 00:05:17.868 --> 00:05:20.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -All these little $2 a month, they sure add up. 00:05:20.667 --> 00:05:22.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Fisette, who lives in Carnation, 00:05:22.567 --> 00:05:25.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% says as he sees more visible homelessness 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:26.834 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% on King County public lands, 00:05:26.834 --> 00:05:28.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% he'd like local leaders to take better care 00:05:28.934 --> 00:05:31.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of what they have before asking for more. 00:05:31.667 --> 00:05:34.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -So, and I just see them buying up more and more property 00:05:34.434 --> 00:05:36.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and not maintaining it. 00:05:36.067 --> 00:05:38.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Not in the 17 years we've lived there 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:39.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has King County ever come through 00:05:39.334 --> 00:05:40.968 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and picked up a piece of trash. 00:05:40.968 --> 00:05:44.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% My wife and I are the ones who pick up the trash off the trail. 00:05:44.067 --> 00:05:47.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Fisette knows, after 40 years of voters supporting CFT 00:05:47.868 --> 00:05:49.968 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and up against a "Yes" campaign 00:05:49.968 --> 00:05:54.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that's raised more than $167,000 as of early October, 00:05:54.701 --> 00:05:56.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% he's fighting a losing battle. 00:05:56.100 --> 00:05:58.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -I fully expect this measure to pass. 00:05:58.234 --> 00:06:01.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But the thing is, somebody has got to speak up. 00:06:01.300 --> 00:06:04.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -In his mind, King County needs more housing, 00:06:04.033 --> 00:06:05.667 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% not more green space. 00:06:05.667 --> 00:06:08.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And he worries more open areas will mean fewer acres 00:06:08.834 --> 00:06:10.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to be taxed in the future, 00:06:10.467 --> 00:06:13.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% resulting in higher costs for property owners. 00:06:13.400 --> 00:06:16.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -So the property taxes aren't going up just $2. 00:06:16.267 --> 00:06:19.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% They're going up more than $2 because of that cascading effect 00:06:19.467 --> 00:06:22.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that more property is off the tax rolls. 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:25.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Now voters will decide in this present-day debate 00:06:25.367 --> 00:06:28.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% about the future of King County land conservation. 00:06:28.334 --> 00:06:31.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -I'm all for open space, but enough is enough. 00:06:31.234 --> 00:06:34.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -It's a matter of sort of pay a little bit now 00:06:34.367 --> 00:06:37.567 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% or pay a lot more later. 00:06:37.567 --> 00:06:39.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And joining us to discuss this issue further, 00:06:39.400 --> 00:06:41.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we have with us Terry Lavender. 00:06:41.133 --> 00:06:44.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% She's worked for 35 years in King County Conservation, 00:06:44.033 --> 00:06:46.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% chaired the Conservation Futures Grant Review Committee 00:06:46.734 --> 00:06:48.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% as a volunteer for almost 20 years. 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:49.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Terry, it's really good to have you here. 00:06:49.467 --> 00:06:50.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Thank you. 00:06:50.501 --> 00:06:51.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -We also have with us Todd Myers. 00:06:51.767 --> 00:06:54.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% He is director of the Center for the Environment 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:55.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for the Washington Policy Center, 00:06:55.667 --> 00:06:58.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% who joins us as a voice of concern over this measure. 00:06:58.033 --> 00:06:59.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Todd, good to see you, too. 00:06:59.400 --> 00:07:01.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Thank you for having me. -Let's start with you, Terry. 00:07:01.400 --> 00:07:03.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I want a brief opening statement, if you will, on this. 00:07:03.801 --> 00:07:05.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% King County's asking for an increase 00:07:05.367 --> 00:07:07.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in the Conservation Futures Tax levy, 00:07:07.367 --> 00:07:09.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the CFT, with Prop 1 on the ballot. 00:07:09.467 --> 00:07:11.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Why should voters support it? 00:07:11.234 --> 00:07:14.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, if -- I'm very proud to live in King County. 00:07:14.400 --> 00:07:17.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we have a great record of conservation 00:07:17.534 --> 00:07:21.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% with farmland preservation, forest preservation. 00:07:21.400 --> 00:07:24.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We're working on urban projects. 00:07:24.467 --> 00:07:27.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Cities and non-profits can apply for this fund 00:07:27.501 --> 00:07:30.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% just like the county can. 00:07:30.033 --> 00:07:33.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I've been a volunteer with the fund since 1992, 00:07:33.701 --> 00:07:35.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when it was actually filling shortfalls 00:07:35.734 --> 00:07:39.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in the 1989 bond at that point. 00:07:39.300 --> 00:07:44.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think it's a great vision of conserving forest land, 00:07:44.767 --> 00:07:51.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% farmland, rivers, trails, and also great urban places. 00:07:51.634 --> 00:07:53.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I think it's just really important 00:07:53.734 --> 00:07:58.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to make the fund stronger right now 00:07:58.367 --> 00:08:01.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% while opportunity is still there, 00:08:01.334 --> 00:08:03.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% before these properties are lost. 00:08:03.734 --> 00:08:06.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so I urge you all to support it. 00:08:06.767 --> 00:08:08.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, thank you for that, and I'm going to dive into 00:08:08.033 --> 00:08:09.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% some of those issues as we get in here. 00:08:09.634 --> 00:08:11.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But Todd, let me direct this question to you. 00:08:11.200 --> 00:08:13.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% What are your concerns about this measure? 00:08:13.634 --> 00:08:15.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I have a lot of sympathy for conservation. 00:08:15.501 --> 00:08:17.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I've argued for conservation, 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:18.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% salmon recovery funding at the state level. 00:08:18.868 --> 00:08:21.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I think we need to do actually more spending 00:08:21.234 --> 00:08:22.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% on those sorts of things. 00:08:22.534 --> 00:08:24.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I have a lot of sympathy for the purpose. 00:08:24.567 --> 00:08:26.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% My concern, though, is, is that the way this is implemented, 00:08:26.801 --> 00:08:28.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it doesn't achieve those goals. 00:08:28.601 --> 00:08:30.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So, for instance, one of the things that's 00:08:30.367 --> 00:08:32.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% pointed out in the voters' pamphlet statement 00:08:32.267 --> 00:08:34.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is this helps under-served communities. 00:08:34.400 --> 00:08:37.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And yet, of the three properties or three projects 00:08:37.601 --> 00:08:39.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that they identify in the voters' pamphlet statement, 00:08:39.334 --> 00:08:42.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% at least, one of them is Cougar Mountain in Issaquah, 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:44.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and another one is the Sammamish Trail in Sammamish, 00:08:44.167 --> 00:08:47.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% two of the wealthiest communities in King County. 00:08:47.067 --> 00:08:49.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so I think that the way this is actually implemented 00:08:49.334 --> 00:08:52.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% doesn't end up achieving the goals that are promised, 00:08:52.534 --> 00:08:54.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that the voters are being told one thing. 00:08:54.901 --> 00:08:56.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But most frequently, and if you look at the map 00:08:56.801 --> 00:09:00.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of the conservation properties, where it's done is primarily 00:09:00.968 --> 00:09:03.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% providing access to wealthier communities in East King County. 00:09:03.834 --> 00:09:05.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I have one other concern, which is, 00:09:05.567 --> 00:09:08.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is that it frustrates me -- and this is a general concern, 00:09:08.167 --> 00:09:11.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which is that the way that we spend money in King County, 00:09:11.567 --> 00:09:12.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in Seattle, 00:09:12.934 --> 00:09:16.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is that we waste billions of dollars on sound transit 00:09:16.467 --> 00:09:19.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for cost overruns that could go to great projects. 00:09:19.467 --> 00:09:22.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% There's a lot of work to be done on salmon recovery, 00:09:22.467 --> 00:09:24.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% on reducing the amount of sewage in Puget Sound, 00:09:24.534 --> 00:09:25.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and things like that. 00:09:25.934 --> 00:09:28.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And yet when we actually want to preserve important 00:09:28.701 --> 00:09:31.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% conservation areas, we increase taxes. 00:09:31.033 --> 00:09:33.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I think there needs to be far more discussion 00:09:33.267 --> 00:09:37.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% about how we're wasting literally billions of dollars 00:09:37.267 --> 00:09:39.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when we're raising taxes to get small amounts, 00:09:39.834 --> 00:09:42.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% actually, relatively, for conservation. 00:09:42.300 --> 00:09:44.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I don't think that discussion is ever had. 00:09:44.234 --> 00:09:45.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I think if we're honest 00:09:45.367 --> 00:09:46.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% about doing the most for the environment, 00:09:46.667 --> 00:09:48.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we need to have that discussion, as well. 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:50.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay, there's a few pieces that I'd like to pull out, 00:09:50.501 --> 00:09:52.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and let me just talk about the dollars and cents 00:09:52.300 --> 00:09:53.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of this with you here, Terry, 00:09:53.634 --> 00:09:55.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% because Councilmember Dunn on the King County Council 00:09:55.868 --> 00:09:58.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% brought this up when the council was discussing 00:09:58.234 --> 00:09:59.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% this measure earlier this year. 00:09:59.801 --> 00:10:02.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We're trying to come out of a pandemic. Every dollar counts. 00:10:02.167 --> 00:10:05.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And at least for Seattle voters, looking specifically at that, 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:07.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% this is one of many tax measures that could be 00:10:07.734 --> 00:10:10.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% going up significantly within the next year. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:12.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% How do you respond to the critics who might be saying 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:14.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we're getting overtaxed? 00:10:14.167 --> 00:10:16.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, this is small. 00:10:16.267 --> 00:10:20.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Currently the median household, 00:10:20.434 --> 00:10:22.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which I live in a less-than-median house. 00:10:22.200 --> 00:10:24.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I know a lot of people live in a bigger-than-median house. 00:10:24.834 --> 00:10:26.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's $822,000. 00:10:26.634 --> 00:10:28.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Would be the median price. -Yeah. 00:10:28.434 --> 00:10:33.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And currently, you're paying just under $24 a year. 00:10:33.167 --> 00:10:35.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so this would increase it significantly. 00:10:35.434 --> 00:10:36.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm not denying that. 00:10:36.567 --> 00:10:39.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It increases it up to almost $52 a year. 00:10:39.567 --> 00:10:43.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But you're still looking at $4, you know, something like $4 00:10:43.834 --> 00:10:47.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% a month for conservation that's available to the cities. 00:10:47.934 --> 00:10:50.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's acquisition only for the county, 00:10:50.467 --> 00:10:58.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the cities, non-profits, and it just -- not doing it 00:10:58.534 --> 00:11:01.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% doesn't conserve any property. 00:11:01.601 --> 00:11:06.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so I think it's just a really important measure, 00:11:06.934 --> 00:11:08.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and it's not big. 00:11:08.133 --> 00:11:09.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -It's a small tax. 00:11:09.567 --> 00:11:11.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I don't deny there's lots of other taxes. 00:11:11.334 --> 00:11:13.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. Right. -But it's a small tax. 00:11:13.267 --> 00:11:15.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay. Thank you for bringing up that point. 00:11:15.300 --> 00:11:17.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And Todd, I want to make sure I put out a financial question 00:11:17.834 --> 00:11:20.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to you, too, because there's a lot of inner workings to this. 00:11:20.133 --> 00:11:21.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The pro-CFT camp would point out that 00:11:21.901 --> 00:11:25.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% because state law limits annual property tax increases to 1%, 00:11:25.801 --> 00:11:29.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the effective tax rate of the CFT has declined by about 50%, 00:11:29.667 --> 00:11:31.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% while property values have increased. 00:11:31.133 --> 00:11:32.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So how do you respond to this idea 00:11:32.868 --> 00:11:35.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that CFT hasn't been able to keep up with the pace 00:11:35.567 --> 00:11:38.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it needs to maintain to purchase open space in King County? 00:11:38.901 --> 00:11:40.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, I think there's lots -- like I said, 00:11:40.267 --> 00:11:42.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think there's lots of good projects. 00:11:42.467 --> 00:11:44.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I actually recognize that that the cost 00:11:44.968 --> 00:11:47.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of this individual tax is relatively small. 00:11:47.868 --> 00:11:50.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I don't disagree with what they've said. 00:11:50.167 --> 00:11:53.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The problem is, is that that is in context of inflation, 00:11:53.534 --> 00:11:54.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of gas prices, 00:11:54.767 --> 00:11:57.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of significantly increased taxes at the state level 00:11:57.501 --> 00:11:58.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that we're about to hit. 00:11:58.968 --> 00:12:02.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And again, I think I would be much more amenable to this 00:12:02.834 --> 00:12:05.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% if I saw government, King County, 00:12:05.934 --> 00:12:08.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% managing its money well elsewhere. 00:12:08.868 --> 00:12:11.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And again, I think the other issue is, 00:12:11.033 --> 00:12:13.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is that I think this would be worthwhile 00:12:13.767 --> 00:12:16.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% if the money were going to projects 00:12:16.033 --> 00:12:21.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that actually met what is being told to the voters, right? 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:25.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Like I said, in many of the circumstances, 00:12:25.033 --> 00:12:27.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where you see the conservation lands 00:12:27.834 --> 00:12:31.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% is in wealthier communities. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:33.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It doesn't mean that they're not worth conserving. 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:35.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% There are some good lands out there, 00:12:35.467 --> 00:12:37.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but I think you have to be honest 00:12:37.100 --> 00:12:39.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% about what these lands are. 00:12:39.100 --> 00:12:41.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% And is this the best way? 00:12:41.067 --> 00:12:43.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And is this -- should we be raising taxes 00:12:43.033 --> 00:12:44.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to get the money rather than doing other things? 00:12:44.901 --> 00:12:46.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay, you had a point you wanted to make here. 00:12:46.934 --> 00:12:51.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. I think the properties that are being conserved -- 00:12:51.300 --> 00:12:54.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Well, first of all, this is our funding source 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:56.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for doing farmland preservation, 00:12:56.300 --> 00:12:58.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for buying development rights off of farmland. 00:12:58.367 --> 00:13:01.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And then they remain in private ownership. 00:13:01.801 --> 00:13:04.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And this is the funding source we do that with. 00:13:04.000 --> 00:13:06.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This is the funding source that buys development rights 00:13:06.300 --> 00:13:07.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% off of forest land. 00:13:07.767 --> 00:13:12.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So the 100,000-acre forest east of Duvall 00:13:12.067 --> 00:13:15.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% has all of the residential rights removed off of it. 00:13:15.834 --> 00:13:18.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's still in forestry, 00:13:18.133 --> 00:13:21.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and this is the funding source that does that. 00:13:21.133 --> 00:13:23.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This is the funding source, the only funding source 00:13:23.701 --> 00:13:25.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we have in King County, for acquisition 00:13:25.767 --> 00:13:30.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for places for conservation along rivers and streams. 00:13:30.467 --> 00:13:31.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I happen to live on Bear Creek, 00:13:31.901 --> 00:13:33.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and we've bought all kinds of property 00:13:33.801 --> 00:13:36.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that is being restored, and I go out and plant trees 00:13:36.267 --> 00:13:37.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and all kinds of things. 00:13:37.934 --> 00:13:41.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So this is what we have. This is the funding source. 00:13:41.434 --> 00:13:45.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I think there's been a recognition that it is not -- 00:13:45.734 --> 00:13:49.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it historically maybe hasn't always bought properties 00:13:49.033 --> 00:13:55.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in lower-income areas, and so starting in 19-- or 2019, 00:13:55.667 --> 00:13:57.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we have the Match Waiver program, 00:13:57.300 --> 00:14:01.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which if you meet certain criteria with the application, 00:14:01.868 --> 00:14:05.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% instead of getting 50% of the acquisition dollars, 00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:07.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which is typical for a CFT grant, 00:14:07.334 --> 00:14:08.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% you can get 100%. 00:14:08.601 --> 00:14:10.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So this has bought properties 00:14:10.601 --> 00:14:14.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% like along the Duwamish shoreline in South Park. 00:14:14.467 --> 00:14:18.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's bought properties adjacent to affordable housing 00:14:18.934 --> 00:14:21.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in Des Moines and Shoreline. 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:23.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I think we're working hard 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:28.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to buy properties where there is a lack of open space. 00:14:28.601 --> 00:14:31.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The big purchase on Cougar Mountain recently, 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:33.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which I'm sure you would say is in a rich area, 00:14:33.567 --> 00:14:35.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we actually bought it for -- 00:14:35.434 --> 00:14:36.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% well, to complete Cougar Mountain, 00:14:36.934 --> 00:14:39.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but also because it's adjacent to the Park and Ride, 00:14:39.701 --> 00:14:43.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and we're finally getting a way we can get people out there. 00:14:43.167 --> 00:14:45.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So... 00:14:45.167 --> 00:14:46.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -But it is in a wealthy area. 00:14:46.734 --> 00:14:49.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Why is equitable access important? 00:14:49.801 --> 00:14:51.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I want everybody to have a chance 00:14:51.367 --> 00:14:53.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to see Cougar Mountain, and it doesn't -- 00:14:53.367 --> 00:14:55.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% there's no Cougar Mountain in the middle of 00:14:55.667 --> 00:14:57.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I don't know where, but, you know, I mean -- 00:14:57.801 --> 00:14:59.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Well, okay, let's take a look at the one down 00:14:59.934 --> 00:15:01.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% by the Enumclaw Plateau. 00:15:01.434 --> 00:15:03.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay. -Pinnacle Peak. 00:15:03.667 --> 00:15:05.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I know it's got a different name. 00:15:05.701 --> 00:15:06.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Anyway. 00:15:06.901 --> 00:15:10.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And, you know, that's in a more low-income area, 00:15:10.734 --> 00:15:12.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and we've bought all the land around that. 00:15:12.667 --> 00:15:14.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And there's a great trail going up 00:15:14.200 --> 00:15:16.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and incredible views of Mount Rainier. 00:15:16.334 --> 00:15:19.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I don't think you can say it's only in wealthy areas. 00:15:19.601 --> 00:15:20.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I don't -- No, no, no. 00:15:20.801 --> 00:15:22.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I don't -- don't mean -- don't get me wrong. 00:15:22.434 --> 00:15:24.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm not saying it's only in wealthy areas, 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:25.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but there's no doubt -- 00:15:25.434 --> 00:15:27.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I mean, it is being sold in the voters' pamphlet statement 00:15:27.801 --> 00:15:29.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and elsewhere 00:15:29.133 --> 00:15:31.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% as giving more access to disadvantaged communities. 00:15:31.934 --> 00:15:34.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I also don't deny that there have been some examples, 00:15:34.567 --> 00:15:37.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but if you look at certainly the history and if you look at, 00:15:37.300 --> 00:15:39.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% like I said, the examples that are in the voters' pamphlet -- 00:15:39.400 --> 00:15:42.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which I didn't choose, the advocates chose -- 00:15:42.033 --> 00:15:45.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% they are in wealthy areas, so I want to be honest 00:15:45.167 --> 00:15:48.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% about what the program is for and what it is preserving. 00:15:48.367 --> 00:15:51.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The farmland preservation -- I have some concerns about that. 00:15:51.634 --> 00:15:55.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But again, that's not in low-income areas. 00:15:55.734 --> 00:16:00.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% If we want to prioritize the conservation, 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:02.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% or if we want to prioritize access, 00:16:02.334 --> 00:16:05.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% then let's do that and be honest about what we're doing 00:16:05.968 --> 00:16:10.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% rather than trying to tell everybody what they want to hear 00:16:10.634 --> 00:16:12.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when I don't think the program actually works that way. 00:16:12.634 --> 00:16:15.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Can I jump in and shift the conversation, 00:16:15.067 --> 00:16:17.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% if I could a little bit here, because I want to make sure 00:16:17.167 --> 00:16:19.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that we talk about climate change, 00:16:19.033 --> 00:16:21.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which I think is at the root of all of all of this, 00:16:21.567 --> 00:16:23.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because I think a big point for the 00:16:23.100 --> 00:16:25.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% "Yes" campaign here, Terry, is this is going to help 00:16:25.834 --> 00:16:28.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% King County confront climate change, importantly, 00:16:28.033 --> 00:16:30.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and protect more farms, homes and roads 00:16:30.067 --> 00:16:31.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% from floods and landslides. 00:16:31.467 --> 00:16:32.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Can you help me out with that point of it? 00:16:32.868 --> 00:16:34.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I saw that on the website. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I just want to know, how does that work? 00:16:35.334 --> 00:16:36.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% What are you trying to get across there? 00:16:36.934 --> 00:16:39.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, the more mature forest we achieve, 00:16:39.601 --> 00:16:41.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the more carbon sinks. 00:16:41.234 --> 00:16:45.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Okay, so a great example of one sort of close to urban areas 00:16:45.501 --> 00:16:50.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is Wayne Golf Course in Bothell, which is a great big forest, 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:54.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and that now has carbon credits available off of it. 00:16:54.968 --> 00:16:56.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% King County is one of 00:16:56.667 --> 00:17:00.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the only local jurisdictions in the United States 00:17:00.701 --> 00:17:03.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that has a carbon credit program. 00:17:03.434 --> 00:17:05.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so we're working with that 00:17:05.634 --> 00:17:09.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to return more money for conservation. 00:17:09.801 --> 00:17:12.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They also have a -- They're also one of the only parks districts 00:17:12.767 --> 00:17:15.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that's gotten the "salmon safe" label. 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:17.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, right. -So... 00:17:17.167 --> 00:17:20.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But ask the question again, please. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:22.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Oh, it just how it helps -- 00:17:22.300 --> 00:17:25.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I wanted to get specific about protecting homes, 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:27.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% farms from floods, landslides there. 00:17:27.300 --> 00:17:28.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Can you get into that piece, please? 00:17:28.901 --> 00:17:31.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -So we've bought lots of property along the Cougar -- 00:17:31.367 --> 00:17:36.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% along the Cedar River that was historically always, I mean, 00:17:36.601 --> 00:17:38.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% routinely flooded. 00:17:38.701 --> 00:17:42.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Part of what happens is -- so some of the more mobile-home 00:17:42.334 --> 00:17:45.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% or manufactured-home parks -- and part of what happens 00:17:45.100 --> 00:17:48.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is part of the fund goes to relocate those people, 00:17:48.801 --> 00:17:51.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and it's very carefully done with them 00:17:51.067 --> 00:17:53.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% choosing school districts and different things. 00:17:53.133 --> 00:17:57.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So just allowing rivers room to move 00:17:57.267 --> 00:17:58.667 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% is good for salmon and good 00:17:58.667 --> 00:18:01.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for the people who used to live in the way of them. 00:18:01.234 --> 00:18:03.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Right. 00:18:03.300 --> 00:18:05.200 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -I don't know. It's just -- 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:07.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It's the only funding source we have to do that with. 00:18:07.534 --> 00:18:08.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. Yeah. Please. 00:18:08.534 --> 00:18:09.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I want to say that that's not true. 00:18:09.701 --> 00:18:10.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The Riverbend Project, 00:18:10.834 --> 00:18:12.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which I think is what you're talking about... 00:18:12.100 --> 00:18:13.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It is. Yeah. 00:18:13.267 --> 00:18:14.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -...was actually funded, also, by state money. 00:18:14.634 --> 00:18:17.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It was, but it's 50% CFT. -I understand that. 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:19.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But it's not the on-- you said it's the only source. 00:18:19.267 --> 00:18:20.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Sorry. -It is not the only source. 00:18:20.367 --> 00:18:21.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It's the only source the county has. 00:18:21.868 --> 00:18:23.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. Right. Okay. 00:18:23.167 --> 00:18:24.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -There is a lot of -- There are a lot of projects 00:18:24.667 --> 00:18:26.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that get money from the state, 00:18:26.033 --> 00:18:27.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% from the federal government, from other places. 00:18:27.434 --> 00:18:28.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And the justification you have to have 00:18:28.934 --> 00:18:33.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is why is this grant necessary to do those things? 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:35.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Flood plains by design, other state programs 00:18:35.067 --> 00:18:37.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that do exactly those sorts of things. 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:38.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I think it's misleading 00:18:38.834 --> 00:18:40.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to say that this is the only source. 00:18:40.300 --> 00:18:41.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% With regard to climate -- -Sorry. 00:18:41.367 --> 00:18:43.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -With regard to climate change, 00:18:43.734 --> 00:18:45.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the example that you give, I think, 00:18:45.100 --> 00:18:49.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is why -- is a perfect example of how politics overrides 00:18:49.234 --> 00:18:52.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the science of good decision-making. 00:18:52.100 --> 00:18:55.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Forests -- mature forests, they sequester -- 00:18:55.501 --> 00:18:58.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% they will absorb carbon until a certain point, 00:18:58.434 --> 00:19:01.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and then they start emitting it. 00:19:01.701 --> 00:19:04.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The best strategy -- The University of Washington, 00:19:04.133 --> 00:19:05.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 00:19:05.734 --> 00:19:09.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% says that the best strategy for using forests 00:19:09.133 --> 00:19:10.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is to harvest them, 00:19:10.334 --> 00:19:13.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% turn them into houses or other materials, 00:19:13.033 --> 00:19:15.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and then restart the process. 00:19:15.167 --> 00:19:17.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% What the Conservation Future does is, 00:19:17.868 --> 00:19:19.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is it preserves those forests. 00:19:19.267 --> 00:19:22.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Forests have many benefits, standing, right? 00:19:22.434 --> 00:19:25.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% For habitat, for aesthetics, other things like that. 00:19:25.567 --> 00:19:29.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But carbon sequestration is not one of them, 00:19:29.033 --> 00:19:32.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and the sciences consistently says that. 00:19:32.067 --> 00:19:33.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so that's what frustrates me is, 00:19:33.634 --> 00:19:35.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is that I think that a lot of things 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:37.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% are used as a justification for 00:19:37.300 --> 00:19:39.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when the goal really is aesthetics 00:19:39.634 --> 00:19:41.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% or when the goal is really something else 00:19:41.834 --> 00:19:43.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and that they use this. 00:19:43.334 --> 00:19:47.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think that we ought to have more science, not less in this. 00:19:47.267 --> 00:19:50.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And again, I support many of these programs, 00:19:50.100 --> 00:19:52.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but I think the way that we're doing these things 00:19:52.167 --> 00:19:53.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is too caught up in the politics 00:19:53.901 --> 00:19:56.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and not enough in the prioritization of science. 00:19:56.234 --> 00:19:58.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Terry, I feel like there's a piece you wanted to say. 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Please. 00:19:59.434 --> 00:20:01.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, the majority of forest land 00:20:01.534 --> 00:20:03.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that King County has purchased 00:20:03.133 --> 00:20:06.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the development rights off of has stayed in forestry. 00:20:06.334 --> 00:20:09.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% All of that east of Duvall is still in forestry, 00:20:09.601 --> 00:20:12.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and a great deal -- anything in the forest-production district 00:20:12.934 --> 00:20:15.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is not off-limits for logging. 00:20:15.534 --> 00:20:18.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That's not part of what the conservation easement buys. 00:20:18.601 --> 00:20:20.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So... 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:21.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -But the example you gave was something different. 00:20:21.634 --> 00:20:23.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -The example I gave was different. 00:20:23.300 --> 00:20:24.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That is correct. -Yeah. 00:20:24.601 --> 00:20:27.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. And so... 00:20:27.033 --> 00:20:30.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Anyway, I think that you have to be really -- 00:20:30.133 --> 00:20:31.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% picking examples is a hard thing. 00:20:31.634 --> 00:20:32.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, no, it is. 00:20:32.834 --> 00:20:35.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Because they all tell different stories, but... 00:20:35.167 --> 00:20:37.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And voters will really key in on those things, too. 00:20:37.133 --> 00:20:41.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right, and Conservation Futures only pays for 50% 00:20:41.801 --> 00:20:44.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of the acquisition of any project. 00:20:44.033 --> 00:20:45.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. -So... 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:46.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Unless it's a Match Waiver 00:20:46.601 --> 00:20:48.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that we talked about a little earlier. 00:20:48.434 --> 00:20:51.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So the idea that it leverages state funds, 00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:52.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Salmon Recovery Board funds, 00:20:52.734 --> 00:20:55.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and stuff is a really important component of it. 00:20:55.067 --> 00:20:56.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I agree with you, 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:59.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% every project has multiple funding sources. 00:20:59.234 --> 00:21:02.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I was just saying of the funding sources King County controls, 00:21:02.567 --> 00:21:04.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that is the primary acquisition source. 00:21:04.701 --> 00:21:06.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -An important piece of this, for sure. 00:21:06.501 --> 00:21:08.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I would like to go down another path with you if I could here, 00:21:08.734 --> 00:21:11.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Terry, because I look at King County, 00:21:11.467 --> 00:21:13.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I look at the surrounding area here. 00:21:13.167 --> 00:21:14.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We are very clearly in a housing crisis. 00:21:14.934 --> 00:21:17.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I don't think anyone would deny that. 00:21:17.100 --> 00:21:18.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% When you look at preserving more public lands, 00:21:18.968 --> 00:21:22.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% just going down this path here, that potentially takes more land 00:21:22.367 --> 00:21:24.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% out of the mix for more housing that could be built. 00:21:24.601 --> 00:21:28.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm thinking about this from the perspective of urban planners, 00:21:28.334 --> 00:21:30.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% from people who live here, too, who might be concerned about, 00:21:30.801 --> 00:21:32.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "Wait a minute, if we're conserving more land, 00:21:32.567 --> 00:21:35.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% then we don't have much as we need for this housing crisis." 00:21:35.968 --> 00:21:37.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% How do you balance those two? 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:39.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Because I think that's an important part of this, as well. 00:21:39.167 --> 00:21:44.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Sure, and I think the majority of acreage being purchased 00:21:44.334 --> 00:21:45.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is in the rural area. 00:21:45.934 --> 00:21:49.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The forestry, the farmland, along the rivers. 00:21:49.133 --> 00:21:53.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Land that might not be the best choice for housing anyway. 00:21:53.834 --> 00:21:55.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Might already be attached to some of your... 00:21:55.601 --> 00:21:57.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And wouldn't be available 00:21:57.434 --> 00:22:00.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for dense housing under zoning and stuff. 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:03.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% In the urban areas, a lot of the properties being -- 00:22:03.534 --> 00:22:05.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% there's been -- I've seen a shift, 00:22:05.033 --> 00:22:06.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and so many of the properties 00:22:06.501 --> 00:22:09.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% being purchased now in the urban areas 00:22:09.334 --> 00:22:12.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% are adjacent to affordable-housing projects. 00:22:12.467 --> 00:22:15.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And it allows that affordable-housing project, 00:22:15.567 --> 00:22:18.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when, if it gets one of these grants, to be able 00:22:18.133 --> 00:22:21.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to set aside green space that works for that. 00:22:21.834 --> 00:22:24.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And there are -- Every once in a while, there's a gem. 00:22:24.033 --> 00:22:26.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Camp Kilworth down by Federal Way, 00:22:26.300 --> 00:22:30.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which is a 40-acre piece, you know, on the Saltwater, 00:22:30.167 --> 00:22:34.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% a beautiful forested piece, that received a Match Waiver 00:22:34.801 --> 00:22:38.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and was able to be purchased for $1.6 million 00:22:38.901 --> 00:22:41.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% out of the Conservation Futures Fund. 00:22:41.467 --> 00:22:46.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so -- And that's going to be run by the YWCA, 00:22:46.267 --> 00:22:49.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% YMCA as a camp for kids. 00:22:49.501 --> 00:22:51.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so every once in a while, there's something big like that. 00:22:51.901 --> 00:22:53.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But for the most part, 00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:54.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that wasn't going to be housing anyway. 00:22:54.501 --> 00:22:58.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I'm not denying that housing is a crunch, 00:22:58.167 --> 00:22:59.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but I don't think the impact 00:22:59.868 --> 00:23:03.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that conservation has on it is that great. 00:23:03.601 --> 00:23:05.200 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% And I'm not sure -- Yeah. 00:23:05.200 --> 00:23:06.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Okay. Thank you for making that point. 00:23:06.667 --> 00:23:07.734 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Todd, any thoughts about this? 00:23:07.734 --> 00:23:09.167 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Housing, I know, is 00:23:09.167 --> 00:23:11.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% always an issue that interfaces with environmental issues. 00:23:11.501 --> 00:23:13.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, I think there's a mix of circumstances. 00:23:13.634 --> 00:23:16.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think there are plenty, obviously, and frankly, 00:23:16.334 --> 00:23:18.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% sometimes there's land that you want to conserve that you -- 00:23:18.267 --> 00:23:20.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% because you don't want it to be housing, right? 00:23:20.033 --> 00:23:23.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Especially those along rivers, and especially the River Bend, 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:24.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% where there was a flooding area. 00:23:24.334 --> 00:23:27.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The problem was that there was people living there. 00:23:27.200 --> 00:23:29.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So, absolutely, there are circumstances 00:23:29.434 --> 00:23:32.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% where you want to protect those lands 00:23:32.267 --> 00:23:35.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and take them out of the possibility of development. 00:23:35.267 --> 00:23:37.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But what you're talking about in some of these cases 00:23:37.400 --> 00:23:39.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is essentially a parks program. 00:23:39.167 --> 00:23:41.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Parks are wonderful. That's great. 00:23:41.067 --> 00:23:43.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But King County has been through this already, 00:23:43.968 --> 00:23:47.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which is, is that in 2009, in the economic downturn, 00:23:47.634 --> 00:23:50.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it had to give away a lot of its land 00:23:50.300 --> 00:23:52.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% because they didn't have the money to maintain it. 00:23:52.801 --> 00:23:54.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so that's another aspect of this is, 00:23:54.767 --> 00:23:57.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% is that you have to make sure that land is maintained 00:23:57.567 --> 00:23:59.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in a good status and can't just be left. 00:23:59.968 --> 00:24:02.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We've seen, we had a lot of parks in Seattle 00:24:02.567 --> 00:24:05.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and now not all of those parks are usable 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:07.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% because they have not been maintained. 00:24:07.167 --> 00:24:09.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Got it. Can we speak to this idea? 00:24:09.100 --> 00:24:12.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Make sure that King County is taking care of the lands 00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:13.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it already has before adding to them, 00:24:13.667 --> 00:24:15.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think is where we're going here. 00:24:15.501 --> 00:24:20.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. I'm not sure about King County giving away parks. 00:24:20.033 --> 00:24:21.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They were parks in urban areas. 00:24:21.901 --> 00:24:24.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And King County is not an urban government. 00:24:24.367 --> 00:24:26.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay. -That's my understanding. 00:24:26.634 --> 00:24:29.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So you could correct me if I'm wrong. 00:24:31.133 --> 00:24:37.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So King County -- this money buys a certain type of land. 00:24:37.300 --> 00:24:39.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It doesn't buy a ball field. -Right. 00:24:39.968 --> 00:24:42.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -It doesn't buy active recreation. 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:45.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It buys trails and passive recreation. 00:24:45.133 --> 00:24:47.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So just by the very nature of what it is, 00:24:47.968 --> 00:24:51.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it's going to take less. 00:24:51.767 --> 00:24:57.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You know. Less resources to take care of it, as you say. 00:24:57.234 --> 00:25:00.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% There's not going to be that many places 00:25:00.767 --> 00:25:03.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% where you're going to have a garbage can and, you know, 00:25:03.667 --> 00:25:06.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and a big facility that needs to be... 00:25:06.367 --> 00:25:08.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% That's not to say there aren't some. 00:25:08.501 --> 00:25:11.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I don't know. I don't think -- 00:25:11.901 --> 00:25:13.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I think I -- -Briefly, please. 00:25:13.834 --> 00:25:16.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I think that may be correct. 00:25:16.300 --> 00:25:18.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% My concern is, is that we have been through this 00:25:18.067 --> 00:25:21.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% before in 2009, where King County did say 00:25:21.167 --> 00:25:24.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we have parcels that we can no longer manage 00:25:24.634 --> 00:25:28.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and that they were -- they did find cities to take them over. 00:25:28.501 --> 00:25:31.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Management is an important part of keeping these parcels. 00:25:31.501 --> 00:25:33.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You can't just grab them 00:25:33.033 --> 00:25:34.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and then not have the management. 00:25:34.667 --> 00:25:38.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So, since we have been there, that's top of my mind, 00:25:38.367 --> 00:25:40.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% since we've been through it before, 00:25:40.667 --> 00:25:41.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I understand that, in many cases, 00:25:41.934 --> 00:25:44.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% there are agreements like with the YMCA or YWCA, 00:25:44.634 --> 00:25:46.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% like you said, where they manage it, 00:25:46.267 --> 00:25:48.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but you have to make sure that those are durable and long-term. 00:25:48.634 --> 00:25:49.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay. -Right. 00:25:49.801 --> 00:25:52.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And I think part of growth management 00:25:52.801 --> 00:25:56.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% was putting things where they're best served. 00:25:56.000 --> 00:25:59.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And so these parks were in urban areas, 00:25:59.067 --> 00:26:00.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% as I understand what you say. 00:26:00.667 --> 00:26:04.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And they went to the local urban government, 00:26:04.033 --> 00:26:07.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which makes a lot more sense as far as maintenance. 00:26:07.400 --> 00:26:10.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% King County didn't, like, just abandon them. 00:26:10.701 --> 00:26:13.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% They found another home for them and... 00:26:13.534 --> 00:26:15.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -But they were forced to deal with that. 00:26:15.801 --> 00:26:17.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And that may be part -- -But I take your point. 00:26:17.868 --> 00:26:19.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I think a lot of city governments 00:26:19.133 --> 00:26:21.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and local governments were dealing with a number 00:26:21.334 --> 00:26:24.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of different issues in 2009, for what that's worth. 00:26:24.367 --> 00:26:25.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We need to start wrapping up the show. 00:26:25.634 --> 00:26:27.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We've covered a lot of really good ground here. 00:26:27.667 --> 00:26:30.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Terry, just some final thoughts for for voters out there 00:26:30.033 --> 00:26:32.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that are -- that want to know about this, the CFT. 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:36.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay. It is not a huge dollar amount. 00:26:36.767 --> 00:26:41.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It is doing really good work in the county. 00:26:41.534 --> 00:26:45.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'm very proud of our salmon-recovery efforts 00:26:45.701 --> 00:26:49.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for a major urban county, 00:26:49.267 --> 00:26:51.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% forest land that's been protected, 00:26:51.133 --> 00:26:53.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the work to protect farmland, 00:26:53.434 --> 00:26:58.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and also moving towards putting green spaces 00:26:58.234 --> 00:27:01.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% next to affordable housing, and some other issues. 00:27:01.567 --> 00:27:04.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So I urge you to support this measure. 00:27:04.667 --> 00:27:06.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Got it. Todd, some final thoughts here, please. 00:27:06.634 --> 00:27:08.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I think you've heard that we actually don't disagree 00:27:08.868 --> 00:27:10.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% on several things, which is the value of these. 00:27:10.968 --> 00:27:13.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I think we need more funding for salmon recovery 00:27:13.434 --> 00:27:15.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and some other things. 00:27:15.100 --> 00:27:16.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But I think first off, 00:27:16.868 --> 00:27:18.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that this is our last priority, right? 00:27:18.734 --> 00:27:20.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We raise taxes for this. 00:27:20.334 --> 00:27:22.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% There's a lot of other things we don't raise taxes for. 00:27:22.400 --> 00:27:24.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And when government wastes money, 00:27:24.567 --> 00:27:27.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I think we don't pay attention to that enough. 00:27:27.100 --> 00:27:28.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I would like to see the environmental community 00:27:28.868 --> 00:27:30.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% spend more time saying, "Why are we wasting money 00:27:30.901 --> 00:27:33.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% when it could go to projects like this?" 00:27:33.234 --> 00:27:36.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But I also think that we need to be honest about 00:27:36.234 --> 00:27:39.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% where this money is going, what types of projects. 00:27:39.300 --> 00:27:40.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Most of the projects are in rural, 00:27:40.801 --> 00:27:43.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and that may be good, 00:27:43.467 --> 00:27:46.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but I think you have to sell it accurately 00:27:46.234 --> 00:27:48.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and tell people what they're getting, 00:27:48.234 --> 00:27:50.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% rather than trying to be all things to all people, 00:27:50.133 --> 00:27:51.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which I think is a lot of how this is sold. 00:27:51.834 --> 00:27:54.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Okay, Thank you. Some very good points raised here. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:56.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I appreciate it. And we will be right back. 00:27:56.467 --> 00:27:59.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:27:59.868 --> 00:28:01.667 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% What are people saying online 00:28:01.667 --> 00:28:04.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% about the Conservation Futures Tax levy? 00:28:04.100 --> 00:28:05.534 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% One person writes... 00:28:14.767 --> 00:28:15.934 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Another says... 00:28:25.234 --> 00:28:27.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We'd like to know what you think. 00:28:27.267 --> 00:28:30.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Send us an e-mail at contact@seattlechannel.org 00:28:30.767 --> 00:28:35.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 00:28:35.100 --> 00:28:38.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Coming up next time, Secretary of State appointee 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:41.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Steve Hobbs is in a tight race against Pierce County Auditor 00:28:41.734 --> 00:28:43.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Julie Anderson. 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:46.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's a special election to replace Republican incumbent 00:28:46.300 --> 00:28:49.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Kim Wyman, who left to work for the Biden administration. 00:28:49.834 --> 00:28:52.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Will Hobbs, a Democrat, be elected to fill her term? 00:28:52.868 --> 00:28:55.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Or will voters favor Anderson, 00:28:55.000 --> 00:28:58.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% a nonpartisan, for the job of Elections Chief? 00:28:58.033 --> 00:29:00.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Hear from both candidates right here 00:29:00.067 --> 00:29:01.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% on the next "City Inside Out." 00:29:01.868 --> 00:29:03.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I hope you join us. 00:29:03.434 --> 00:29:11.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:29:11.267 --> 00:29:19.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪