Evan Smith: Democrats’ endorsement of School bond comes with reservations

By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

The 32nd District Democratic Committee sent a press release Friday, January 15, headlined “32nd District Democrats Endorse School Levies and Bonds for February 2010 Election -- Support for Propositions in Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline.

However, while the support for ballot measures in the Edmonds and Northshore districts was absolute, as was support for Shoreline’s operations and technology levies, support for Shoreline school-construction bond came with an important reservation.

One clause of the resolution said, “The 32nd District Democrats support the bond issue provided that the Shoreline Historical Museum remains in its present location and receive support from the City of Shoreline, the City of Lake Forest Park, the City of Seattle, and the Shoreline School District.” 
 
One prominent Shoreline political figure told me that the clause was added at the insistence of prominent Democrats who are active in supporting the Museum. Many people fear that a rebuilt Shorewood High School would take over part of the Museum's space in the old Ronald School building.
 
Here is the text of the press release:

“Vowing to support the education of all residents of the community, the 32nd District Democrats voted to support bond and levies for the February 9, 2010 election at their January meeting.

“’Voters in the Edmonds, Northshore, and Shoreline school districts are asked to support the propositions on their ballot,’ said 32nd District Democrats Chairwoman Carin Chase.

“The Resolution adopted by the 32nd District Democrats States:
"Therefore be it resolved that the 32nd District Democrats shall support the passage of the operations and technology levies on the February 9, 2010 ballot and encourage every voter in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park to vote; and
"Be it further resolved that the 32nd District Democrats support the bond issue provided that the Shoreline Historical Museum remains in its present location and receive support from the City of Shoreline, the City of Lake Forest Park, the City of Seattle, and the Shoreline School District;

"Visit www.32democrats.org for full text.

“Yes for Shoreline Schools” has been individually endorsed by State Sen. Darlene Fairley, State Reps. Maralyn Chase and Ruth Kagi, Shoreline City Council members Keith McGlashan, Will Hall, Chris Eggen, Doris McConnell, Shari Tracey, and Chris Roberts, and many members of the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park community.

“Building the new high schools will bring needed jobs to the area, and provide a better learning atmosphere for all students, including our children with special needs,” said resolution sponsor and Shorecrest graduate Katie Rohs

“We have a responsibility to provide a 21st century education to all of our children.
“The District Democrats also voted to support the operations levies in Edmonds and Northshore. Kenmore City Councilmember Bob Hensel spoke in favor of the levy, stating that the Northshore schools are among the best in the area.

“Also at the meeting, the Democrats voted to support the King County Library Levy.

“For more information on how to support the Edmonds levy, please visit 'Vote Yes for Edmonds Schools.'

"For more information on how to help support the Shoreline levies, please visit the 'Yes for Shoreline Schools campaign.'

"For more information on how to help support the Northshore propositions , please visit 'Citizens for Northshore Schools.'

"The full text of the resolution regarding he Shoreline School District propositions is available on the website of the 32nd District Democrats – www.32democrats.org.

"For More Information Contact: Carin Chase
www.32democrats.org
carin.chase@32democrats.org."