Here’s what they’re saying on initiatives

With the first night of ballot counting in the books it’s clear the voters want the state out of the business of selling liquor and giving long term care workers more hours of training and are divided on the setting of tolls.

Here’s a sample of statements issued tonight regarding the initiatives.

Initiative 1125 – toll setting

Sponsor Tim Eyman:

Whatever happens with I-1125 tonight, our initiative has already proven to be a tremendous success. Just getting 1125 on the ballot was a huge victory because it forced a healthy debate on politicians’ plans for tolls. State and local governments were moving full steam ahead — below the radar screen of regular citizens — to impose tolls on highways, bridges, and roads throughout the Puget Sound region and beyond. Just the fact that 330,000 citizens signed 1125 petitions was a clear vote of no confidence — that’s six Mariner stadiums filled with people who are plainly distrustful of tolling. 1125 put the establishment on the hot seat, exposing their widespread tolling plans. 1125’s campaign made tolls even more radioactive. That’s a good thing.

Gov. Chris Gregoire:

I am pleased tonight that I-1125 is failing – and that voters recognized the short-sightedness of this initiative. While we are making incredible progress to replace the vulnerable SR 520 floating bridge and the Alaskan Way Viaduct, we have more work to do to improve our transportation infrastructure. Had this initiative passed, it would have greatly inhibited our ability to fund significant road improvement projects. Tonight, it appears we will keep that forward momentum and continue to invest in regional solutions to improve traffic, transit and congestion.

Initiative 1163 – long term care workers

SEIU Local 775, initiative sponsor:

After repeated delays of I-1029 by the state legislature, sponsors of the 2008 initiative went back to the ballot again, calling on voters to make this priority clear. Throughout this campaign, the opponents of 1163 have put out false and wildly exaggerated cost estimates that far exceed those given by the Office of Financial Management. Nonetheless, the voters agreed that making these long overdue reforms is a priority, even at a time when the state is facing a difficult budget situation. Ultimately, this was a referendum on whether improved training and background checks for long-term care workers are worth the cost. For the second time, the voters resoundingly said ‘yes’.

Gov. Chris Gregoire, who opposed the measure because of its cost:

It’s critically important that our long-term care workers are among the finest in the field. However, the initiative had no way to fund the training. With our state facing a $2 billion shortfall, paying for this training will require new sources of revenue, or cuts to other essential programs. I’m committed to working with the Legislature to find a solution that meets the intent of voters and protects our seniors and most vulnerable, while protecting our state budget and other valuable services.

Initiative 1183 – privatizing liquor

Gov. Chris Gregoire, who opposed the measure:

The voters have spoken. I remain concerned about Initiative 1183’s unintended consequences. This initiative expands the sale of liquor, which can present risks to our public safety. Additionally, we know that Washington has one of the nation’s highest ‘no sales to minors’ compliance rates at 95 percent – compared to the private sector, which has a 76 percent compliance rate. We must closely monitor the implementation of Initiative 1183 and work to avoid any unintended public safety risks.

Protect Our Communtiies, which opposed the measure:

The campaign for Initiative 1183 is over. The Protect Our Communities coalition thanks the many individuals and organizations who supported our cause and tried to defeat I-1183. More than 900 people will lose their jobs as a result of I-1183, and our thoughts are with them and their families. Protect Our Communities was formed by first-responders, working families and independent businesses because we felt I-1183 would take Washington in the wrong direction. We remain concerned about the initiative’s consequences on public safety and we hope the supporters of I-1183 will do everything in their power to ensure that the revenue promises made to local law enforcement during the campaign are fulfilled as Washington ends its current liquor control system.