Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 3:14 PM
TO: Senator Dan Swecker
FROM: Mr. Chris Cucchiara(Constituent)
SUBJECT: WA State Hwy 12 - Mossyrock Traffic Light
MESSAGE:
Dear Representative Swecker
Memorial Day weekend 2007, my son Cory became one of those DOT statistics at the subject intersection. Though he was airlifted and spent 8 days at Harborview, he was luckier than Ryan in that he survived that horrific collision and after two years of operations & rehab is as close to normal as he is ever going to be.
Following that accident there was a similar outcry from the community and an exhaustive traffic analysis performed by local residents to bring the traffic light to one of the most deadliest intersections in the state. The analysis and results of this study were provided to the appropriate DOT safety departments. The school district whose grounds abut Hwy 12 and whose elementary age students cross that intersection daily to attend school submitted a request for a traffic light to address their safety concerns.
Like many other parents in this community I assumed that the funding would soon follow the approval to install a traffic light system at the intersection. As time often does, the months of non action slipped by without many people noticing until December 8th. When I look into the Rashoff's family eyes I feel somewhat guilty that I wasn't more proactive in following up with the traffic light system request.
This time will be different. I will not rest or assume that the process will bring the traffic light system to that intersection before another driver or youthful pedestrian joins the statistics that compel our attention. I would like to offer my assistance in coordinating the necessary requirements to fund and install the traffic system. I have project management, communication skills, and time I'm willing to contribute. If necessary, I have the means and the resolve to initiate civil action if that is what it is going to prompt the state DOT to fund and install a traffic system in the next quarter. Cory's medical bills and subsequent impact on our health care system was in excess of 200,000.00 dollars. When your child is fighting for their life there is no check a parent isn't willing to write. As I stated earlier we were lucky in that we had that option. I want to assist in following through with your very visible remarks to the media that in this situation "it is my turn to ask for help".
Given the recent accident statistics at this intersection, I would expect the engineering study needed to justify the traffic system to be brief.Quite often these studies cost as much as the solution. But even more costly are the consequences of delay or non-action. Please advise how I can be of assistance in expediting the process in getting a traffic system installed.
Sincerely
Chris Cucchiara
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2010 MOSSYROCK BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL (Sat, August 7th) annual kick off partners and all volunteer meeting will be held on January 29th, Friday at 6 pm at the Mossyrock Community Center. All are welcome. Dinner will be served! Be a part of this successful and fun community wide event. We had almost 8,000 people visit Mossyrock last year! Plenty of opportunities for individuals and groups to participate. We are looking for food and craft vendors, entertainers, and other fun events we can incorporate into the Festival. 
In December, the Mossyrock School District Board of Directors adopted a resolution calling for an election to seek renewal of the maintenance and operations levy. This request is to replace the existing levy that is currently being collected. It is not an additional tax.
We are providing you with information on this ballot issue because we would like to inform you of the facts concerning this important election. We invite your questions. If you would like more information, please contact any school board member or the school district office at 983-3182. We appreciate your continuing interest in and support of our Mossyrock Schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Karen Ernest, Secretary, Mossyrock School Board
WHY A LEVY ELECTION?
The Mossyrock School District receives funding from state, federal, and local sources. Most of the District’s income comes from the state, but the state does not fund at 100% of what is needed for basic education. In addition, most of the federal funds are earmarked for special programs only.
Local funds from voter-approved levy collections accounts for 9.3% of the district’s budget or $550,000 per year. We are hopeful that state levy equalization funds will be available next year. Mossyrock School District will receive them contingent on levy approval. This should amount to approximately $140,862 per year, which is about 2.5% of the budget.
According to Governor Gregoire’s budget proposal, several program areas (Learning Assistance Program, K-4 class size support, middle school vocational program, highly capable program) were cut. Taking into account the Governor’s recommendation, the legislature will determine exactly what reductions will be made. While this levy will not make up for anticipated cuts from the state, levy renewal will enable the district to more closely maintain educational programs at the current level and continue the programs and staffing that the levy has funded in the past.
IS THIS IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT LEVY?
NO! This levy would replace the current levy which was approved two years ago. The anticipated tax rate of $1.19 per $1,000 assessed valuation is LOWER than the current levy rate. The table below will help you calculate the approximate cost.
Assessed Value Annually Monthly
$50,000 $ 59.50 $ 4.96
$60,000 $ 71.40 $ 5.95
$75,000 $ 89.25 $ 7.44
$100,000 $119.00 $ 9.92
WHAT IS BEING SOUGHT?
The levy request is for a tax rate of approximately $1.19 per $1,000 assessed valuation (AV), which will provide $550,000 in the first year and $550,000 in the second year.
HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?
The levy fund will help the district maintain its educational programs as well as provide for new books and supplies, transportation, facility maintenance, equipment, bus replacement, and extra curricular programs.
HOW DO NEIGHBORING DISTRICTS’ CURRENT M & O LEVIES COMPARE?
Mossyrock’s is the lowest!......Mossyrock_ $ 550,000 $1.21 per thousand
(based on 2010 Tax Rates).....White Pass_ $ 964,460 $1.80 per thousand
(none include bond levies)...... Morton___ $ 615,000 $1.94 per thousand
...................................................Onalaska__ $ 972,386 $2.17 per thousand
More info to follow soon.
