Even grassroots can’t sprout without money

The effect that tax-cutting initiatives have had on elected leaders is inarguable. Few, if any, would claim that the specter of Tim Eyman doesn’t hover over them like a sledgehammer whenever they even think about raising a tax.

Indeed, some of them – even some Democrats – admit privately that Eyman’s tax-cutting initiatives have improved government by forcing it to make tough but necessary choices and deliver services more efficiently. Some will also admit that the initiative process provides a needed counterbalance to well-funded special interests.

Regrettably, in taking on entrenched special interests, the initiative process has been all but overtaken by those same interests.

Just look at the spending it took to get initiatives on the ballot this year. Herald political writer Jerry Cornfield reported Sunday that backers of the four initiatives likely to appear on the November ballot had raised more than $2 million combined, and that nearly half of that was paid to firms that gather voter signatures. Yep, initiative signature-gathering is now an industry.

Two measures that fell short of the required number of signatures, one increasing penalties against sex offenders and one that would deny government benefits to illegal aliens, only collected a combined $31,000.

Even when it comes to “grassroots” movements, money talks. Which pretty much takes the “grassroots” out of the initiative movement.

That’s not necessarily bad – well-funded interests campaign against initiatives, too. But voters should understand that there’s usually big money on both sides of a ballot issue.

The campaign for Initiative 920, which would repeal Washington’s estate tax, already has received more than $600,000 from Seattle developer Martin Selig. Other business interests also support I-920, which will be opposed by the state’s largest teachers union and other education interests. The estate tax is expected to rake in almost half a billion dollars over the next five years, and all of it is earmarked for education.

Initiative 937, which would require large utilities like the Snohomish County PUD to get at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar – for the most part hydropower, by far the PUD’s biggest source, doesn’t count – has gathered more than $450,000 to date, mostly from environmental groups and firms engaged in energy efficiency or wind power.

Big spending is also expected on both sides of Eyman’s I-917, which again seeks to cap vehicle license fees at $30, and I-933, which would require government either to compensate property owners when land-use rules lower the value of their land or waive the rules.

Gone, apparently, are the days when a good idea could get traction on its own. Without political consultants, attorneys and paid signature-gatherers, the voice of the people can’t make much noise.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, July 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Authorities search for victims among the rubble near Blue Oak RV park after catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The half-mile stretch occupied by two campgrounds appears to have been one of the deadliest spots along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas during last week’s flash floods. (Jordan Vonderhaar/The New York Times)
Editorial: Tragic Texas floods can prompt reforms for FEMA

The federal agency has an important support role to play, but Congress must reassess and improve it.

Comment: Midterm messaging fight for working class has begun

And Democrats have a head start thanks to the GOP’s all-in support for cuts to the social safety net.

Saunders: Considering attacks from left, ICE agents must mask

It’s not ideal, but with physical attacks against agents up 700%, the precaution is understandable.

Comment: GOP delayed worst of BBB’s cuts until after midterms

Republicans are counting on low-information voters’ party loyalty over their own financial interests.

Comment: Superman has been ‘woke’ as far back as Krypton

Conservative critics upset by the movie director’s comments on immigration need to read up on the hero’s origins.

Tufekci: Link between flood warnings and people wasn’t there

What might have saved many in Texas was a NWS coordinator position eliminated in the DOGE cuts.

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Retain Escamilla, Binda on Lynnwood City Council

Escamilla was appointed a year ago. Binda is serving his first term.

A Volunteers of America Western Washington crisis counselor talks with somebody on the phone Thursday, July 28, 2022, in at the VOA Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Dire results will follow end of LGBTQ+ crisis line

The Trump administration will end funding for a 988 line that serves youths in the LGBTQ+ community.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, July 13

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

FILE — The sun sets over power lines in rural Ward County, Texas on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Republicans plan to terminate billions of dollars in clean energy tax credits. Experts say that will mean more greenhouse gas emissions and more dangerous heat. (Paul Ratje/The New York Times)
Commentary: Bill will deliver dirtier energy at a higher price

Cuts to clean energy policy in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will stifle our energy transition and cost us more.

Tufekci: ‘Garbage in, garbage out’ behind AI’s Nazi meltdown

That Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot defaulted to internet hate speech is concerning. Our acceptance is scarier.

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.