On Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph announced that she will not send the Proposition A levy proposal to the Kent City Council or the voters for this Fall’s General Election, set for Nov. 3.
Proposition A would have added 30 new police officers and support staff to the Kent Police Department upon passage.
“Despite polling indicating voter support for the levy, I can’t in good faith ask Kent residents to raise their taxes during this challenging time,” Ralph said. “Families are struggling with basic things like utility bills – asking them to pay more during a global health pandemic isn’t what is best for our most vulnerable.”
“Instead, I will continue to work with the community to find ways to improve our public safety, sense of community and fulfill the City’s responsibilities within the budget we already have,” Ralph concluded.
I don’t feel safe in Kent, WA. People are constantly drag racing their little souped up cars, speeding and making driving conditions hazardous. Their are drug dealers doing business around several apartment complexes in broad daylight on W. Smith St. Many people are carrying guns in their cars and so arguments turn into deadly shoot- outs like the old Wild West! We NEED MORE POLICE here. … do I need to start carrying a gun too to protect myself from these thugs if a disagreement happens in town???? Crazy isn’t it!? Please reconsider your decision and as soon as possible, maybe after COVID-19, hire more police here in Kent to enforce the laws and make it a safer place to live.