Lacey park bond faces vote today

Turnout expected to hit 30 percent

LIONA TANNESEN THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- Today is election day for Lacey voters, who must decide whether to approve $9.98 million in bonds so the city can develop as many as 15 parks.

The money would be used to add ball fields, trails, playgrounds and skate parks, and to make other improvements to community and neighborhood parks.

The bond issue would cost the average homeowner 36 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for 20 years. That means the owner of a $130,000 home would pay an additional $46.80 per year.

Backers optimistic

The parks bond is the only issue on the ballot.

"We're cautiously optimistic," said Jon Halvorson, a leader of the citizen committee supporting the bond. "We want to encourage our supporters to get out and vote. Every vote counts."

The Thurston County Auditor's Office estimates that 30 percent of Lacey voters will turn out, said Kristin Murphy, assistant elections manager. Forty percent of the absentee ballots which were sent out have been received, she said.

But election officials warn: Dropping a ballot in a mailbox today doesn't guarantee it will be postmarked by the proper date.

"We would highly suggest, rather than driving to the post office, they direct themselves to a poll site and place it in a ballot box," said Keith Mullen, a county elections specialist.

Supporters plan to wave signs on street corners today.

"Just get out and make sure you are at the poll site before eight o'clock (p.m.)," Mullen said.

To vote

- When: Poll sites are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

- Where: Anyone who does not know where to vote or has other questions should call the county's Elections Department at 360-786-5408. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by today to be valid.

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