Eyman claims 270,000 signers and counting

Looks like Mukilteo’s Tim Eyman may succeed in getting another measure on a statewide ballot.

In an e-mail sent today, the professional initiative promoter says he’s collected 270,055 signatures on petitions for Initiative 1033. The tallying was done by his Spokane partners, Jack and Mike Fagan.

He wrote:

“Over the weekend, we reached a major milestone in the signature drive for the Lower Property Taxes Initiative I-1033. We need at least 22,000 more in the next 11 days to make it. “

To qualify, he must submit 241,153 valid voter signatures to the Secretary of State by July 2. Eyman calculates he needs 292,000 to cover all potential margins of error.

For those who’ve forgotten all about this measure – I included – it is dubbed the Lower Property Taxes Initiative by its backers and Job Killing Initiative by its critics.

Not sure who to believe? Those who sign the petition - and those who don't - are reading this description of the measure prepared by the Attorney General’s Office.

This measure would limit growth in state revenues deposited in funds subject to the state expenditure limit, and limit growth in county and city revenues deposited into the county and city current expense funds. The limit would be adjusted based on annual growth in inflation and population. The limit also would apply to revenues transferred out of these funds. The limit would exclude voter-approved revenue increases. Revenues above the limit would reduce property tax levies.