Fire, schools, parks and more all on current ballot

The island is in the midst of election season, with voters making determinations on a variety of candidates and measures, including the fate of Proposition 1, which would increase taxes for the fire district.

At the King County Assessor’s Office, previous predictions were that the fire district’s proposed rate increase would not affect the Vashon Park District next year. That prediction still holds, according to Al Dams, the chief deputy assessor. He said that if the fire district levy passes, there would still be a buffer of about 38 cents before a step called pro-rationing would kick in and cause a reduction in revenue for the park district.

Beyond 2018, Dams said his office would not make predictions, as there are too many variables to account for. He did say, however, that when pro-rationing occurs, it is typically during recessions when properties are losing value, and there is less room under the legal limit for taxing districts to collect their revenue.

Ballots were sent out last week; Vashon contests include races for the park, fire and school boards. Several unopposed candidates are running for the airport, sewer and cemetery districts. Some islanders will also vote for a commissioner for Water District 19.

Ballots must be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 7, and can be mailed or dropped in the King County Elections drop box outside the Vashon Library.

Amiad relocates, artist to create studio in former space

After 24 years running her real estate business across from the Village Green, Emma Amiad is moving to a smaller, quieter spot just a few doors away.

Amiad, a buyer’s broker, will be in her new office in the former Vashon Island Music space by Nov. 1. Island artist Allison Crain Trundle will take over Amiad’s spot, turning it into her studio and teaching space.

Amiad said she is making the move because she does not need all the square footage she has had, and she hopes to have less tourist traffic in her new office come summer.

Because the Chamber of Commerce is located on the outskirts of town, she said island visitors often miss it — and many stop by her office instead, asking about the island, getting a bus schedule or requesting a map.

“It takes a huge amount of our time,” she added.

Trundle, however, is excited about what the new space will offer her, saying, “I have been painting outside a long time.”

She is a full-time artist, whose abstract paintings — full of color and motion — are frequently commissioned. In addition to creating her own work, she teaches adults and children and will create a space for that as well as a small show space.

Calling herself community-minded, she noted she will likely participate in the island’s first Friday Gallery tours once she is settled.

“I’m sure I’ll jump right on that bandwagon,” she said.