From an editorial in The Seattle times Oct. 14th, 1999 titled Car tax can be fixed

#1 It is written, Gov. Gary Locke says he'll reduce the tax and change the formula to better reflect market value. Everyone voting in the next gubernatorial election should hold him to that pledge

No Locke had his chance earlier this year and didnt do a thing about it. It wasnt even brought up as a high priority.

#2 The formula needs adjusting. The tax for new cars, for example, is based on the manufacturers suggested retail price, the sticker price that starts the bargaining process for most buyers.

The legislature did this to us 10 years ago. So theyve had 10 years to do something about and havent. To late youve had your shot, now its our turn.

#3 Proponents of I-695 look at Locke's pledge now and sense weakness.

No I see a scared politician whose dreamed up another lie to keep the people in line.

#4 Ah ha, they say. Told you the tax is flawed. Yes, it is. But if something is wrong, fix it.

The people of this state will fix it come November 2nd.

#5 What cuts? Nobody knows. Sponsors have not identified expendable programs.

Neither have the NO on I-695 crowd. One idea, how about slashing the increase in this years budget by 2%, since you had no problem in raising it by 11%.

#6 The flaws inherent in the car tax have been known for some time

As stated above about 10 years. But our government never mentioned doing anything about until now, wonder why? Maybe 500,000 signatures and 67% poll numbers have something to do with it.

#7 Locke tried to cut car tabs by $35 in 1998. The GOP-dominated Legislature grabbed the idea and asked voters to reduce car taxes by $30

$30 cut, $35 cut, nothing but pocket change. The people wanted a substantial cut in MVET but the state only offered us chicken feed.

#8 As the debate lurches forward,

No the debate isnt lurching forward, the initiative is steamrollering forward.

#9 auto assessments closer to true market value won't ease all the anguish. People should feel better, though, knowing there will be a clearer connection between the tax they pay and the car they drive.

The people will feel better know that they will only be paying $30 for their tabs next year. And we wont have to rely on some bureaucrat to define what our car is worth for taxation.

You can go here for full text of article without my comments http://www.seattletimes.com/news/editorial/html98/fixxed_19991014.html

Ed  but why would you not want to read my comments

-- Ed (ed_bridges@yahoo.com), October 15, 1999