Add flip-flop over Boeing tax break to Lovick’s political portfolio

In the political crevice between “Hail Mary” and “hell no” could be found the state House Finance Committee on Friday sitting in judgment of an attempt to rewrite a 25-year agreement between the state and its largest private employer, the Boeing Co.

That deal, chiseled into law in early November 2013, offers the aerospace giant the promise of $8.7 billion in tax savings in exchange for assembling the 777X in Everett.

The committee that day was considering the merits of a bill to modify the deal, tying the number of jobs Boeing provides to the amount of the tax savings it enjoys. Under the bill, if the jobs total dipped below prescribed levels, the size of Boeing’s tax break would shrink.

In a hearing void of much drama, Snohomish County Executive John Lovick provided a puzzling moment when he told lawmakers to pass the bill and hold Boeing accountable.

For Lovick, this was a flip-flop of jumbo proportion, because back in November 2013, it was unlikely you’d find anyone in the county as enthusiastic as Lovick about extending the tax breaks to land the 777X.

Lovick championed the cause of Boeing to House and Senate committees during a special session back then during which state lawmakers acted. He said the law would do great things for the county and state and he cited no concern with it.

Last week, though, Lovick told the House members it’s turned out to be a bad deal. This time he voiced the concern of workers frustrated and angry that Boeing has shipped hundreds of jobs not tied to the 777X out of state since securing the tax-break extension.

“I do not favor providing tax breaks and incentives to create jobs in other states,” he said, adding that the bill to revise the deal “provides the checks and balances we need to make sure our tax dollars and the promised jobs stay in Washington.”

It isn’t clear what changed Lovick’s mind and why he felt moved to testify. He eluded reporters after the hearing and had not returned phone calls as of Wednesday morning.

It’s a testament to his likability that this change of heart hasn’t stirred much reaction from the public. Yet with Lovick gearing up for a re-election campaign, there’s bound to be political fallout.

He might lose the endorsements of some prominent community leaders, including Democrats. Though Lovick has no opponent now, recent events might inspire someone to step forward — a development that Boeing and other aerospace firms operating in the county might be particularly interested to see.

Lovick’s support of the “clawback” bill isn’t the first evidence of his conflicted soul on aerospace matters.

On at least two occasions in late 2013, he publicly urged Machinists to approve a new concession-laden contract which Boeing insisted be ratified to seal the 777X deal. That really angered some leaders and many members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Lovick reportedly apologized to union leaders for what he’d done.

While this latest episode might help heal the rift between him and Machinists, there’s no guarantee he’ll secure the union’s endorsement in the campaign. It might, however, shore up Lovick’s credentials with non-aerospace labor groups put off by his action in 2013.

On balance, Lovick’s actions won’t be the issue on which the race for county executive will be determined. It does, however, offer voters another prism through which to view him this fall when the ballot arrives and they are standing on the edge between re-election and rejection.

Political reporter Jerry Cornfield’s blog, The Petri Dish, is at www.heraldnet.com. Contact him at 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com and on Twitter at @dospueblos.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.