Snohomish County Executive John Lovick and County Council member Brian Sullivan attended a recent hearing in Olympia and testified in favor of House Bill 2147. Their support for this regressive legislation sponsored by 38h District Rep, June Robinson, targeted tax incentives for Boeing that were supported by Gov. Jay Inslee and approved by the Legislature in 2013.

The Economic Alliance of Snohomish County has reported that aerospace jobs continue to experience growth along with an increase in tax revenues which benefit our local governments and services they provide. The Alliance pointed out that “Washington State and Snohomish County are benefiting in major ways, including a $1 billion investment in a new 777X facility that is already under construction at the Everett plant. “ Further, that ….” to the state’s own estimate, the incentives approved in November 2013, will generate more than $21.3 billion dollars in state and local tax revenue over 16 years.”

Tampering with the legislation that was previously approved and delivering on its purpose of providing incentives, is a major error in judgment by Robinson, Lovick and Sullivan.

Their message further reduces government’s credibility with Boeing and other potential new businesses. This inappropriate action could hasten the loss of aerospace jobs, while sending a wrong message that could result in decisions by potential new businesses to locate in other states, or negatively influence existing employers on expansion plans for their current operations in Washington.

We are fortunate to have a high-quality aerospace workforce and Boeing in our community which gives us a higher standard of living than most places in the United States. To retain our economic achievements we need elected officials who have vision beyond their next election.

Hopefully, future generations will have greater opportunities than today and not a legacy of empty hangars. Citizens, it is time to speak up and make a difference before it is too late!

Hank Robinett

Snohomish