A resolution you can keep
Published 3:46 pm Friday, December 30, 2011
If you’re still in the market for a 2012 resolution, how about one that doesn’t require a ton of self-discipline but adds intellectual heft in places that matter — at the dinner table, around the water cooler, or anywhere people gather to gab?
This year already is shaping up as one of momentous decisions for voters, and that goes far beyond electing a president and governor. A slew of critical state issues is likely to be decided directly by Washington voters, including taxes for education, transportation funding, and a couple of historically controversial social questions.
Paying attention to the debates surrounding these issues, familiarizing yourself with the nuances of each, could actually increase your own political influence. Informed people are sought out by others come election time, and their views can be persuasive.
Some of the issues it will be worth your time to follow:
•Same-sex marriage. Legislation is expected to be introduced in Olympia that would give it equal legal status with heterosexual marriages, and indications are that it stands a better chance than ever to pass. If it does, opponents could file a referendum, giving voters the final say in November. Stay tuned.
•Marijuana legalization. Petitions with about 350,000 signatures for Initiative 502 were filed last week with the Secretary of State’s office, all but assuring it will appear on the ballot in November. (The Legislature has the option of approving it on its own, but that appears unlikely.)
The measure, which would heavily regulate and tax pot, has some important supporters, including former U.S. Attorney John McKay and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes. But it’s also opposed by some users of medical marijuana, who claim the initiative’s DUI provision would leave them unable to drive at any time. There’s also the question of whether it could be applied at all, given federal law barring marijuana use.
•Taxes. Once state lawmakers close a $1 billion-plus budget shortfall, they could ask voters to approve a temporary sales-tax hike this spring to minimize cuts to education. Officials are also crafting a transportation package that could go before voters in November, one that could include gas taxes and/or license fees to pay for new projects.
•New congressional districts. Snohomish County voters east of Everett are likely to be part of a revamped 1st Congressional District, one with an open seat for the 2012 election. It should be competitive, with two Snohomish County candidates — Republican John Koster and Democrat Steve Hobbs — among the field of legitimate contenders.
Voters in two other districts will have to get to know their member of Congress. Lynnwood, Brier and Mountlake Terrace will move into the 2nd District, represented by Democrat Rick Larsen, while Edmonds and Woodway voters will be part of the Seattle-centric 7th District, represented by longtime Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott.
That’s plenty of reasons for resolving to become more politically engaged this year. The storylines can get you hooked, making it an easy resolution to keep.
