The construction industry! After getting 80% of the tax breaks given out since the Lowry era, the business moguls are trying to keep the people from getting any tax relief. Remember these names in the future. Tell your legislators to tax these guys, if they think high taxes are such a great idea:

Much of the opponents' cash has come from construction and engineering companies that fear I-695 could derail highway and public projects for years. Port Blakely Tree Farms is the biggest contributor so far to the opposition, according to the contribution reports. The Seattle-based timber and real-estate-development company gave $30,000 to the effort. Other big donors include a combined $22,000 from two Nebraska construction and design companies - HDR and Peter Kiewit Sons - both of which have projects or offices in the state. Wilder Construction in Everett, Northwest Construction in Bellevue and Mowat Construction in Woodinville each contributed $10,000. The state's most prominent employers also have recently written checks to the opposition camp: Boeing, $10,000; Microsoft, $5,000; and Weyerhaeuser, $5,000. By contrast, contributions came into the pro-I-695 campaign in smaller chunks from people such as Ted Martin, a retired man from Colville, Stevens County, who thinks the tax is simply unfair.

The opposition, led by the Association of Washington Business and the Washington State Labor Council, is confident the initiative's popularity will plummet once people are "educated" about its consequences. "We haven't even really started our campaign yet," said Mark Funk, spokesman for No on 695. "It won't start until Wednesday." He said the campaign is confident that it is on course to get the money it needs - an estimated $2 million - to finance an effort broad enough to defeat the measure Nov. 2. The average contribution to the opposition campaign is about $5,000 - 100 times the typical $50 check sent to the I-695 campaign, according to filings with the Public Disclosure Commission. "The list of their contributors is a who's who of big business," said I-695 sponsor Tim Eyman. "They claim they have grass-roots support, but I haven't quite seen the little old lady from Arlington writing them a $50 check."

http://www.seattletimes.com/news/local/html98/init_19990914.html

-- Craig Carson (craigcar@crosswinds.net), September 14, 1999

Answers

Craig:

Doesn't it make you wonder about the wisdom or the initiative, when the opposition has all the heavy hitters? These companies are concerned about their own interests, sure; but shouldn't the rest of us be concerned if they are? Where do our jobs and the economic viability of the state come from; if not from Boeing, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, etc.? The contributions you mentioned are petty cash to these corporations, but they indicate what side they are on concerning an important issue for the future of the state.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), September 14, 1999.

db writes:

"Doesn't it make you wonder about the wisdom or the initiative, when the opposition has all the heavy hitters?"

Uh... actually, no. It DOES, however, serve to reinforce my resolve to get this thing passed.

I mean, many of these SAME heavy hitters opposed I-200... and the heaviest hitter (Locke) lied thru his AA teeth at us about that one... supported 676 and 677 and certainly the union types foamed at the mouth over R-49, which they now seem to worship above all things.

That they oppose this is LESS then meaningless, as the polls obviously show.

"These companies are concerned about their own interests, sure; but shouldn't the rest of us be concerned if they are?"

So, db, if they come to the legislature and demand elimination of the B&O tax, will you be so charitable?

They are concerned because they PERCEIVE the likelihood that their cut out of the state and local trough might be reduced. And frankly, it will be. But while that is the reason that THEY oppose this; it isn't a reason for the PEOPLE to oppose it.

"Where do our jobs and the economic viability of the state come from; if not from Boeing, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, etc.?"

Which has what to do with this? You actually think that voting to allow the citizenry to KEEP a billion dollars or so will somehow HURT this state's economy?

Please.

"The contributions you mentioned are petty cash to these corporations, but they indicate what side they are on concerning an important issue for the future of the state."

Or, whose ass they're kissing to help keep those government contracts coming in.

Westin

It is absolutely bizarre that anyone would think that these "heavy hitters" would do ANYTHING for the "good of the people," over their own bottom line.

-- Westin (86se4sp@my-deja.com), September 14, 1999.

In my opinion, there is another aspect to the self-interest on the part of big business and the AWB for its opposition to I-695, besides perceived contract losses.

My example:

After I-695 was certified for the ballot, the Wall Street Journal, which has a special Northwest section on Wednesdays, ran an article on this issue. It quoted a Spokane businessman (I don't rememember his name), who is helping to lead the charge against 695. Believe it or not, this guy owns a NEW CAR dealership, and he concurred with state figures that show Washington has a lower percentage of new car registrations than the national average, which has been attributed to our MVET.

Now you would think someone who sells cars for a living would want to reduce the MVET, because that would lower the effective cost of a car and thus create a larger customer base. In this case you would be wrong.

He was opposed to 695 because he, and big business generally, think that the politicians would then turn on business and extract the MVET loss from them. Apparently, a recent legislature granted some business tax breaks, and business doesn't want to give them up.

I'm mentioning this because it illustrates a sad fact about tax policy which is especially acute at the national level but certainly exists at the state level as well. The sad fact for many years has been that politicians are busy playing special interest tax politics. Remember the old political saying, "Don't tax you, don't tax me. Tax that fellow behind the tree." For too long special interest group public policy has pitted different groups of Americans against one another.

Business should be behind 695, and I'll bet many, many small businesspeople like me are. It's the bigger businesses who are the problem. The 1980s proved beyond doubt that tax cuts do strengthen and stimulate the economy, but apparently many people, including those who should know better, have forgotten this.

The private sector is far more efficient in using resources, including money, than the public sector. Rather than worry about losing their tax break, and putting thmselves in the position of pitting different groups of Washingtonians against one-another, the AWB and big business should get behind 695. Supporting 695 and their own tax cuts aren't mutually exclusive.

The money freed up from taxes will go to a more productive use, and those uses will benefit everyone in the state. I don't know how many vehicles in Washington will see their MVET cut by 695, but it will be in the millions. That sounds pretty broad-based to me, and a welcome change from what we see too much of in this country when it comes to tax policy.

-- A.C. Johnson (ajohnson@thefuture.net), September 15, 1999.

Westin: ""Where do our jobs and the economic viability of the state come from; if not from Boeing, Microsoft, Weyerhaeuser, etc.?"

Which has what to do with this?"

It has to do with the consequences of damaging the institutions of government, that make it possible for business to operate effectively in this state. I refer you to my earlier comments about low taxes for residents of third-world villages. The initiative does not go that far, but it is a step in that direction that should cause everyone some concern. I expect 695 to pass, based on the polls. We should start now looking for how to minimize the worst of the inpacts.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), September 15, 1999.

"We should start now looking for how to minimize the worst of the inpacts. " Recommend privatizing and contracting out all non core governmental functions such as transit, solid waste management and other utilities. Rcommend ash-canning prevailing wage legislation and PLAs and letting contractors bid effectively without constraints for public works projects. These are construction jobs, not social engineering.

-- Craig Carson (craigcar@crosswinds.net), September 15, 1999.

ADDENDUM TO ABOVE: We have in this state a PREVAILING WAGE WEB SITE. If you liberals are concerned about the public works projects you believe may be put at risk by I-695, why don't you just put the projects out to the lowest bidder that is capable of doing the job in a satisfactory manner. Forget the small business set asides, forget the PLAs, forget the prevailing wage stuff. Take advantage of what the market economy is good at, giving value for a buck. The top level page is http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/prev_wage_rates.htm

Some examples are : Flaggers up to $25.57 an hour (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/flag/Trade- Single%2009-01-99_1.html), Drywall tapers, up to $32.03 an hour (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/dryw/Trade- Single%2009-01-99_1.html), roofers up to $29.04/hr (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/roof/Trade- Single%2009-01-99_1.html), truck drivers, up to $31.68?hr (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/truc/Trade- Single%2009-01-99_1.html), sheet metal workers up to $35.83/hr (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/shee/Trade- Single%2009-01-99_1.html), tree trimmers up to $27.24 (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/ptre/Trade- Single%2009-01- 99_1.html).

Dang- It kind of makes you wonder why Jeff is wasting his time going to the U a Dub, don't it?

-- Craig Carson (craigcar@crosswinds.net), September 15, 1999.

Dang- ADDENDUM TO THE ADDENDUM. Anyone want "prevailing wage" Laborer jobs? These are the hourly pay and bennies. Source is (http://www.lni.wa.gov/prevailingwage/wages/sept99/trades/labo/Trade- Single%2009-01-99_1.html)

Counties Covered:

CLALLAM, GRAYS HARBOR, ISLAND, JEFFERSON, KING, KITSAP, LEWIS, MASON, PACIFIC, PIERCE, SKAGIT,

SNOHOMISH, THURSTON AND WHATCOM

ASPHALT RAKER $27.91 1M 5D

BALLAST REGULATOR MACHINE $27.43 1M 5D

BATCH WEIGHMAN $22.75 1M 5D

CARPENTER TENDER $27.43 1M 5D

CASSION WORKER $28.27 1M 5D

CEMENT DUMPER/PAVING $27.91 1M 5D

CEMENT FINISHER TENDER $27.43 1M 5D

CHIPPING GUN (OVER 30 LBS) $27.91 1M 5D

CHIPPING GUN (UNDER 30 LBS) $27.43 1M 5D

CHUCK TENDER $27.43 1M 5D

CLEAN-UP LABORER $27.43 1M 5D

CONCRETE FORM STRIPPER $27.43 1M 5D

CONCRETE SAW OPERATOR $27.91 1M 5D

CRUSHER FEEDER $22.75 1M 5D

CURING LABORER $27.43 1M 5D

DEMOLITION, WRECKING & MOVING (INCLUDING CHARRED MATERIALS) $27.43 1M 5D

DITCH DIGGER $27.43 1M 5D

DIVER $28.27 1M 5D

DRILL OPERATOR (HYDRAULIC, DIAMOND) $27.91 1M 5D

DRILL OPERATOR, AIRTRAC $28.27 1M 5D

DUMPMAN $27.43 1M 5D

FALLER/BUCKER, CHAIN SAW $27.91 1M 5D

FINAL DETAIL CLEANUP (i.e., dusting, vacuuming, window cleaning; NOT $20.43 1M 5D

construction debris cleanup)

FINE GRADERS $27.43 1M 5D

FIRE WATCH $27.43 1M 5D

FORM SETTER $27.43 1M 5D

GABION BASKET BUILDER $27.43 1M 5D

GENERAL LABORER $27.43 1M 5D

GRADE CHECKER & TRANSIT PERSON $27.91 1M 5D

GRINDERS $27.43 1M 5D

GROUT MACHINE TENDER $27.43 1M 5D

HAZARDOUS WASTE WORKER LEVEL A $28.27 1M 5D

HAZARDOUS WASTE WORKER LEVEL B $27.91 1M 5D

HAZARDOUS WASTE WORKER LEVEL C $27.43 1M 5D

HIGH SCALER $28.27 1M 5D

HOD CARRIER/MORTARMAN $27.91 1M 5D

JACKHAMMER $27.91 1M 5D

LASER BEAM OPERATOR $27.91 1M 5D

MINER $28.27 1M 5D

NOZZLEMAN, CONCRETE PUMP, GREEN CUTTER WHEN USING HIGH $27.91 1M 5D

PRESSURE AIR & WATER ON CONCRETE & ROCK, SANDBLAST,

GUNITE, SHOTCRETE, WATER BLASTER

PAVEMENT BREAKER $27.91 1M 5D

PILOT CAR $22.75 1M 5D

PIPE RELINER (NOT INSERT TYPE) $27.91 1M 5D

PIPELAYER & CAULKER $27.91 1M 5D

PIPELAYER & CAULKER (LEAD) $28.27 1M 5D

PIPEWRAPPER $27.91 1M 5D

POT TENDER $27.43 1M 5D

POWDERMAN $28.27 1M 5D

POWDERMAN HELPER $27.43 1M 5D

POWERJACKS $27.91 1M 5D

RAILROAD SPIKE PULLER (POWER) $27.91 1M 5D

RE-TIMBERMAN $28.27 1M 5D

RIPRAP MAN $27.43 1M 5D

SIGNALMAN $27.43 1M 5D

SLOPER SPRAYMAN $27.43 1M 5D

SPREADER (CLARY POWER OR SIMILAR TYPES) $27.91 1M 5D

SPREADER (CONCRETE) $27.91 1M 5D

STAKE HOPPER $27.43 1M 5D

STOCKPILER $27.43 1M 5D

TAMPER & SIMILAR ELECTRIC, AIR & GAS $27.91 1M 5D

TAMPER (MULTIPLE & SELF PROPELLED) $27.91 1M 5D

TOOLROOM MAN (AT JOB SITE) $27.43 1M 5D

TOPPER-TAILER $27.43 1M 5D

TRACK LABORER $27.43 1M 5D

TRACK LINER (POWER) $27.91 1M 5D

TUGGER OPERATOR $27.91 1M 5D

VIBRATING SCREED (AIR, GAS, OR ELECTRIC) $27.43 1M 5D

VIBRATOR $27.91 1M 5D

WELDER $27.43 1M 5D

WELL-POINT LABORER $27.91 1M 5D

-- Craig Carson (craigcar@crosswinds.net), September 15, 1999.

Since you asked, this is from the www.no-i-695.com site:

Who opposes I-695?

Almost no major groups or organizations favor the passage of I-695. But the list of organizations and companies that oppose it grows longer every day.

These organizations (and companies) urge the defeat of Initiative 695:

As of Sept. 14 1000

Friends of Washington

Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council

American Concrete Pavement Association, NW Chapter

American Society of Landscape Architects, WA Chapter

Asphalt Paving Association of Washington

Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington

Associated Equipment Distributors of Washington

Associated General Contractors of Washington

Association of Washington Business

Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce

Bremerton Fire Fighters, IAFF #437

Carpenters Union Local 1797

Classified Staff Assoc., District 925, SEIU

Columbia River Economic Development Council

Compass Health

Consulting Engineers Council of Washington

Deaconess Childrens Services

Everett Area Chamber of Commerce

Forward Together of Pierce County

Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce

Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound

Inland Boatmens Union

Inland Northwest AGC

International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 370

Joint Council of Teamsters, No. 28

King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Kent Chamber of Commerce

League of Women Voters of Washington

National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, WA Chapter

National Association of Social Workers, Washington Chapter

PACE

Pierce County CO-LAB

Puget Sound Council of Senior Citizens

Republican Mainstream Committee of Washington

Senior Citizens Lobby

Snohomish County Committee for Improved transportation (SCCIT)

South King County Multi-Service Center

Spokane Area Good Roads Association

Street Pavers Laborers Local #440

32nd Legislative District Democrats

Transportation Choices Coalition

Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association

Washington Construction Industry Council

Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs

Washington State Building Construction Trades Council

Washington State Good Roads & Transportation

Washington State Labor Council

Washington State School Directors Association

Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs

Washington Federation of State Employees

Washington State Council of Fire Fighters

Washington State Patrol Troopers Association

Washington Women United

Utility Contractors Association of Washington

And these companies have endorsed the defeat of I-695:

Active Construction, Inc. Boeing Company Boise Cascade Corporation Concrete Products Company CSR Associated D. A. Zuluaga Construction, Inc. Dealers Auto Auction Group Fisher Companies, Inc. Goodfellow Brothers, Inc. Holter & Sons Hurlen Construction Company Jazz-n-Java Lakeside Industries Laser Underground & Earthworks, Inc. M. A. Segale, Inc. Max J. Kuney Company Mountain States Construction Company Mowat Construction Company Northwest Construction, Inc. Port Blakely Tree Farms Puget Sound Auto Auction Reid Middleton, Inc. Safe Harbor.com Shea Construction Company Simpson Investment Company Simpson Tacoma Kraft Company Simpson Timber Company Tilbury Cement Company Triad Machinery TranSystems Consultants Corp. Wayne Williams Westwood Shipping Wilder Construction Company Woodworth & Company, Inc. Weyerhaeuser Company

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), September 16, 1999.

dbvz...

A quite impressive list you have garnered there. But as I glanced at the list most of what I see are the beneficiaries of my tax dollar, and I would certainly expect them to step up cry to keep the bucks comming.

BTW, can you please lead me to where I might find the info that shows that there will 1000 policemen laid off if I-695 passes?.. thanks

-- rons (ron1@televar.com), September 16, 1999.

rons:

I have not seen the basis for the police losses. It may be a calculation based on the MVET reductions to local government, but I have no idea. The No site has a contact button, that I have not used; so that may be a way to get an answer.

As for the opposition list, they are ALL "beneficiaries of my tax dollar", as we all are. Some benefit more directly than others, but government operates for the benefit of the entire community. My perspective is that I-695 would cut our own arm off, and yours seems to be it is someone elses arm. The result will be an incapacitiated government. I just see it as MY incapacitiated government, and I don't like it.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), September 16, 1999.