The conversation on whether to repeal this year’s state gas tax increase is heating up online.
Initiative 912 appears as a “hot topic” on a spate of Northwest blogs whose authors are churning out comment on why it should be defeated.
They decry the damage of the measure that would erase the 9.5-cent increase approved in spring. The first three cents of the hike took effect July 1.
These bloggers argue that the monies raised – predicted to be $5.5 billion in 16 years – are urgently needed to make travel safer and faster for those who rely on cars, buses and bikes to get around.
“The problem with 912 is the misinformation, and there is a need for education,” said bloggerDaniel Kirkdorffer (www.kirk dorffer.com/ontheroadto2008).
He’s also told the stories of Republican lawmakers who voted for the increase including an extensive Oct. 3 post on state Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Mill Creek.
“Part of what I’m doing is to point out the facts and the political realities,” he said in his blog. “I’m not looking to try to convince anyone to change their mind. I’m looking to sway those in the middle who may be undecided.”
Clicking along, one can touch down on www.washblog.com and www.evergreenpolitics.com for regular appropriations of articulation against the measure.
And at BetterDonkey.org, humor is the rejoinder. There you’ll find a video on the virtues of “Viaduct Tape, a sticky tape formulated specially for bridges and freeways.”
Across the Blogosphere’s philosophical divide, defense of I-912 is much more sedate.
Pro-initiative posts are sparse on Soundpolitics.com, which emerged as a standard-bearer of conservative commentating during the pitched fight for the governor’s seat.
Founding blogger Stefan Sharkansky said the action cooled considerably once the initiative qualified for the ballot. It’s not forgotten. His post on the matter this week drew 29 responses.
Online travelers may notice an uptick in blogging on I-912 this week. With a majority of voters in Snohomish County and the state receiving their ballots this weekend, it’s a critical moment for making decisions.
No doubt, some voters will eavesdrop on blog conversations before deciding. But on balance, there’s no evidence that the Internet exchanges will alter the outcome, said Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
“People generally have their views made up and aren’t looking for information to change their mind,” he said. “They want information to fit into their belief system.”
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Speaking of conversations, The Herald is hosting a Coffee with the Candidates this Wednesday to give residents a chance to meet and question those seeking seats on the Snohomish County Council.
This get-together begins at 7:30 in public meeting room 2 of the Snohomish County campus administration building at the corner of Pacific and Oakes avenues in downtown Everett. Entrance and coffee are free.
Reporter Jerry Cornfield can be reached at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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