BURIEN, Wash. -- Old Burien is a community that has been around for more than 100 years. The City of Burien itself was incorporated much later than that.
"This city is only 17 years old," said Mike Martin, Burien City Manager.
The city takes a big step forward on April 1, when it annexes 1700 acres of unicorporated King County. Overnight, Burien's population jumps by 14,500 people.
Voters approved the annexation last year by a 55% to 45% margin.
"It makes for a more efficient delivery of services. The county can't afford and, really, shouldn't be in the business of providing services like cities," said Martin.
Martin also points out that new citizens and, of course, current Burien citizens, really won't notice a difference.
"None of that changes, the school district doesn't change, special districts don't change, the police protection via the sheriff, identical. Just guys wearing different uniforms."
But the message Martin wants everyone to know is this:
"We pride ourselves in Burien for being responsive. We're a small staff but we're very responsive. So when people have problems they have somebody they can call."
To add a comment, please register or login.