GOP candidate Carlson backs off on tax-cut plan

Associated Press

SEATTLE — Maybe Democats aren’t the only ones using "fuzzy math."

Republican gubernatorial candidate John Carlson has dropped part of his property-tax-cut plan, saying the Legislature is unlikely to approve a constitutional amendment that would allow exemption of $100,000 of a home’s value.

A spokesman for incumbent Democratic Gov. Gary Locke characterized the plan as irresponsible.

"He’s spending money the way he’s building bridges. It’s the same money over and over again," said Locke spokesman Ed Penhale. He was referring to the Locke-Carlson debate last month, in which Locke said Carlson was using the same tax revenues to promise expensive new bridges near Seattle and Vancouver, essentially spending the same money twice.

Carlson, a longtime conservative radio-talk-show host, said Friday he was shifting his position on the $100,000 property-tax exemption because he wants reform as soon as possible. It takes a two-thirds vote by the Legislature to approve an amendment to the Washington state constitution, though other property-tax breaks would require only a simple majority.

"I just want to take action right away in my first year on the job," he said at a news conference.

In addition to backing Initiative 722, which would limit property-tax increases to 2 percent per year, Carlson said he wants to eliminate the state’s share of the tax over 10 years.

The phase-out would cost the state $340 million in the first two years, and Carlson says he’d make up the lost revenue with part of the state’s $1 billion budget surplus. Beyond that, he says he would streamline government to reduce spending.

The Legislature failed to pass several property-tax-reduction plans this year, including one proposed by Locke that would have cut the state share by $120 million a year.

In last week’s presidential debate, Republican nominee George W. Bush accused Democrat Al Gore of relying on "fuzzy math" to criticize his tax-cut plan.

Copyright ©2000 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A pedestrian struck and killed by vehicle Wednesday in Everett

The pedestrian was a man in his 60s. The collision happened at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Want coffee? Drink some with the Marysville mayor.

A casual question-and-answer session between mayor and constituents is planned for March 24.

Judge sentences man for role in human smuggling ring

Jesus Ortiz-Plata was arrested in Everett in May 2024. A U.S. District Court judge sentenced him to 15 months in prison.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Bill Wood, right, Donnie Griffin, center right, and Steve Hatzenbeler, left, listen and talk with South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman, center left, during an Edmonds Civic Roundtable event to discuss the RFA annexation on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds community discusses annexation into the regional fire authority

About 100 residents attended the Edmonds Civic Roundtable discussion in preparation for the April special election.

Timothy Evans, a volunteer at the east Everett cold weather shelter, with his dog Hammer on Monday, Feb. 10 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Temporary shelter opens in Everett during unusually cold weather

The shelter will open nightly until Feb. 14. Help is needed at the new location, as well as six others across the county.

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.