Apparently the current Vashon Park District commissioners believe they can adopt an annual budget and it cannot be changed without a unanimous vote. In other words, new commissioners that are elected would not be able to change course because the commissioners continuing in office could block it.

This view is based on an incorrect interpretation of the statute regarding park and recreation districts. That statute prohibits park districts from spending more money than they have. It does not bar changes to the annual budget. A basic principle of governmental law is that one legislature cannot bind a future one. The park commission is a mini legislature. The outgoing board members cannot chain the new commissioners to a budget they do not support.

— Laura Wishik