Redmond propositions | Yes to Redmond parks, public safety

Redmond voters should say yes to two ballot measures that will improve emergency services, bring new parks on line and create more recreational opportunities.

Voters can rest assured the City Council is budgeting carefully with its embrace of a priorities-of-government model. But some additional money is needed to maintain Redmond's quality of life. Proposition 1: Yes, for public safety

Proposition 1 would pay for nine firefighters each at the Overlake and new North Redmond fire stations. It would also add 17 police employees, including restoring a regular police presence in the Redmond public schools as part of a comprehensive school-safety program.

The investment would cost owners of the average $420,000 Redmond home an additional $145 per year.

Proposition 2: Yes, for parks and recreation

Redmond's second ballot measure will provide an infusion of money to develop already acquired parkland, improve existing parks and create more recreational opportunities.

The additional tax — about $21 annually for the average Redmond home — will augment the city's existing financial commitment to its park system and the parks impact fee new developments must pay.

Besides developing recently acquired parkland and improving existing parks, the city will use the additional money to expand the popular Old Fire House Teen Center program to seven days and to provide after-school programs in Redmond's elementary and junior-high schools.

As Redmond continues to increase in density, the natural space and recreation that parks programs provide grow in importance. Already, the city is having to turn away about 100 recreation sports teams a year for lack of venues; recreation-program enrollments are up 20 percent over a year ago.

Both of these measures propose reasonable investments to help keep Redmond safe and to help the city's park and recreation system maintain its high level of quality and accessibility.

Redmond voters should approve both Propositions 1 and 2.