I’m continuing to quote legislators about their suspending Initiative 960 with its requirement of a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases.
Rep. Mary Helen Roberts agrees with other Democrats who voted to suspend the initiative.
Roberts said in a letter to constituents that suspending the initiative was a necessary step toward avoiding further cuts to the services that people expect.
Roberts said she hears from constituents who say they oppose further cuts to schools, higher education and the social safety net for disabled, elderly and poor people.
Republican Rep. Mike Hope, who voted against suspending the initiative, said in a press release, “The majority of Democrats told voters they know better. It proves the often-used saying, ‘No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.’”
Roberts said last week that she didn’t hear such charges when the Legislature voted to suspend initiatives calling for smaller class sizes and for cost-of-living raises for teachers, noting that both had passed with much higher margins than I-960.
Roberts’ 21st District includes most of Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mukilteo. Hope represents the 44th District, including Mill Creek, Snohomish and Lake Stevens.
Why Edmonds doesn’t join Fire District 1
At the beginning of January, Edmonds closed its fire department and started getting service by contract with Fire District 1 but didn’t join the district.
Edmonds, Woodway, Mountlake Terrace and Brier all now get their service from Fire District 1 although none of those cities are part of the district.
If those cities were to join the district, residents could vote to elect district commissioners. So why don’t they?
Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson says that joining the district would cost city residents extra money.
Under the contract arrangement, the city pays the Fire District out of the city budget. If the city were to join the District, residents would pay taxes to both the city and the Fire District.
Residents of Mill Creek, for example, pay taxes to both the city and Fire District 7.
Haakenson told me Friday that the contract arrangement costs the city about $1 million less than operating its own fire department and also saves money in human resources and other support departments.
Cole, Lonergan find Lynnwood Council kind
When I asked new Lynnwood Councilwomen Kimberly Cole and Kerri Lonergan about their first two months in office their responses were almost identical.
Both said that the new council has been characterized by collaboration and mutual respect.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@verizon.net.
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