A majority (81%) believe that traffic is a major problem in the Maple Valley area, but only 26% believe that proposed improvements would make a substantial difference. Of the major roads into and out of the Maple Valley area, nearly half (46%) believe that SR-169 (Maple Valley Hwy.) should have increased capacity. However, when it comes to how to pay for transportation infrastructure, few (26%) favor increased taxes or road tolling (12%).

The survey asked voters to identify which King County-supplied services they wish to see more, less, or the same. Many wanted to see more bus service and Park & Rides (57%), streamlining of the building permit process (53%), and protection of natural resources and amenities (47%). Many were satisfied with existing services such as fire protection (62%), public health (54%), and law enforcement (48%). Finally, a majority wanted to see less of King County selling open space (52%).

On environmental issues, most (55%) consume products and recycle and most (52%) manage their property - both with the primary goal of preserving the environment. Nearly half (46%) have done volunteer work or contributed money to benefit the environment.

Responses to questions on the economy are interesting. Many people do not feel that present regulations encourage businesses to locate in King County (50%); believe that incentives should be given to businesses to promote employment (51%); and that state and local governments should ease regulations to encourage businesses to remain or locate here (59%). However, only 49% feel state and local governments should provide more educational assistance for retraining.

With respect to governance issues, people generally believe King County does not make effective use of its tax revenues (73%), nor does it provide enough data for citizens to accurately assess its performance (67%). Most people (82%) believe King County departments should be audited by professional outside auditors with local citizen representatives, but less than half (44%) believe some, or all, of King County government should be run by professional managers. Most people (63%) believe some King County services should be subcontracted using a bidding process. Finally, most (63%) would support an Executive Department of Rural Affairs to provide focus in King County on unincorporated citizens’ needs and issues.

Very few people (less than 7%) applied for building, remodeling, or clearing permits in 2007. Of those who did apply, most were generally dissatisfied with services provided by the Department of Development & Environmental Services (84%) and the Health Department (78%). Most (59%) would not hook up to a public water system if it were available and costs would be $14,000 to $20,000 for a 5-acre parcel. The vast majority (78%) also does not support metering of private wells. Very few people (only 10 of those who voted) developed Rural Stewardship Plans in 2007 to mitigate any impacts or ease any restrictions caused by the CAO.

Concerning the King County Parks' planned expansion of Ravensdale Park, few (36%) feel there is a need to expand the park to 8 to 12 playfields. Less than half (48%) believe the unincorporated rural area is the proper location for a regional park, and they also say that such a park would adversely affect traffic. Other factors were not surveyed.

To close out our Advisory Survey, we asked residents their feelings on fireworks. A slight majority (55%) does not support any ordinance to ban fireworks in unincorporated King County, with 39% favoring such a ban and 6% undecided.

The Area Council expresses its deepest appreciation to all those who took the time and effort to participate in the election of its members and to complete our bi-annual Advisory Survey. We also especially thank those who took the extra time and efforts to give us your own valuable comments. Thank you for continuing to help the Area Council understand the sentiments of unincorporated area residents and accurately convey them to our elected officials.