Time for another levy to improve Seattle parks?

San Francisco voters yesterday passed a $185 million green spaces levy, aimed at restoring decrepit parks, adding a few new ones, and sprucing up recreation centers. Opponents grumbled about how the money would be spent, but did not campaign against Proposition A, which passed with 71 percent approval. Why am I telling you this? Because it may be a harbinger of such a levy in Seattle, as soon as this year. If so, it would represent a victory for the City Council over Mayor Greg Nickels. The new council president, Richard Conlin, is interested in expanding the Mayor's plans for a "legacy levy," involving Seattle Center and the Pike Place Market, by creating a wider, "green legacy levy" next November that would scale back Market and Center requests (about $80 million and $150 million respectively) and add money for parks and community centers. The city's $198.2 million hanging by a thread in Olympia, is enough reason for the City to be mum. But don't be surprised if part of the answer to funding a fix-up at Seattle Center lies with the expiring visitor taxes now supporting the two stadiums and once thought to be dedicated to keeping the Sonics.