Editorial

What was at first a sobering night of election returns for area school and library officials should become an early wake-up call to state lawmakers who think voters will lend a sympathetic ear and wallet to anything that raises taxes.

On Tuesday, voters in Snohomish and King counties turned thumbs down on two library bonds and five out of six school-related funding packages. Only the school district in Auburn managed to coax enough voters into casting ballots and then get at least 60 percent of those to say, “yes.”

This resounding version of the other George Bush’s “read my lips” declaration on no new taxes should be ringing loud and clear in Olympia.

Which is not to say that the measures defeated on Feb. 4 weren’t worthy of support. Quality public schools and libraries are cornerstones of an educated and healthy society. There is no question that the measures before voters would have funded needed improvements to schools and libraries.

The problems this week were twofold:

First, at a time when unemployment is high, the economic horizon is barren and war is on the doorstep, the prevailing sentiment is to hunker down. You’ve got needs? So do I.

Second, for a candidate, school board to presidential, a 56 percent “yes” vote is likely to be spun as a “mandate” and being “swept into office.” For a school levy, however, 56 percent is a dismal defeat.

Legislators should pay attention to both issues.

They cannot look to the public’s pockets as the only way to clean up the very real budget mess. Voters are dealing with current economic realities in their lives, lawmakers must do the same. Ignoring that message is a sure way to stir the pot in the next election cycle.

And, they must address the supermajority issue by passing legislation that will allow simple 50 percent majorities to approve funding measures. It was good enough for them, it should be good enough for the children.