Both sides of I-960 will debate Thursday
Published 9:53 pm Tuesday, September 18, 2007
EVERETT — The author of Initiative 960 and a leading antagonist to the ballot measure will face-off in an early morning debate Thursday at an Everett hotel.
Tim Eyman of Mukilteo wrote the initiative that he argues will tighten the screws on legislators’ ability to raise taxes, fees and other forms of revenue for state government operations.
Christian Sinderman, the Seattle political strategist running the opposition campaign, will counter that the measure would make government less efficient and slower to respond in emergencies.
The two will duel in the 7:30 a.m. breakfast meeting of the Private Enterprise Coalition at the Holiday Inn.
Eyman’s latest initiative offering takes aim at the process of raising revenues. It reaffirms the current state law that requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature to raise a state tax.
The initiative also bars state agencies from creating a new fee or increasing an existing one without approval by lawmakers. This would cover all levels of fees in all departments from the cost of overnight campsites at state parks to the monthly rental of parking spaces at the state capitol.
Sinderman guides a coalition that includes representatives of nurse and firefighter unions, the AARP and the Washington State Hospital Association.
Their beef is that additional requirements imposed on lawmakers would bog them down in procedural tasks, leaving less time to consider major issues.
They contend the measure will prove costly, too. Even when a tax is increased by the required legislative super-majority, the initiative calls for a statewide advisory vote. Eyman views that as a chance for voters to express their support or opposition to the tax.
Thursday’s meeting will also feature a discussion on the pros and cons of Proposition 1, the roads and light rail measure pushed by Sound Transit and the Regional Transportation Investment District.
Proposition 1 is on the ballot in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties only. It proposes $1.5 billion in road improvements in Snohomish County, plus extension of light rail to south Everett.
If approved, the projects would be funded with higher sales taxes and car tab fees levied within the two districts.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
@2. Breakout Header:I-960 face-off
When: 7:30 a.m. Thursday
Where: Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine St., Everett
Cost: $35 includes breakfast
Tickets: Call Claudia at 425-355-7223
