Recently Representative from my area is quoted in the Longview Daily News as a major supporter of I-695. His name: (R)John Pennington. I guess I was surprised that John supported this initiative. I lost hope in most of our representative to whom we voted for. John is quoted several times in articles and editorials. He too can't believe all the threats of cut in services from a 2% decrease in budgeted funds. He has also stated that most of the services such as our own local cubs(community urban bus service) have a nest egg their sitting on. In our case its over 2.5 million. I wonder how many other local government agencies have nest eggs? He also agrees its time for a change. I agree with his comments, also that this may not be the perfect initiative, but its a start. Does anyone else have a list of state representative that are in support of I-695? I think its important we all know whos for or against this initiative. After all their term will be up for a vote sooner or later.

-- Mr. Bill (bspencer@kalama.com), October 26, 1999

Answers

Mr. Bill wrote, "I agree with his comments, also that this may not be the perfect initiative, but its a start."

695 is a long way from perfect, and think about that before you go after your elected representatives for opposing a flawed initiative. They may be in agreement with you that something needs to be done, and disagree this is the right thing to do because of the problems they know will result. Does that make them bad? It may just mean they are careful to do it right. Is that bad?

This isn't one of those pass/fail tests, where a decision you don't like disqualifies the office holder. There are reasons to be concerned, and your elected representative should be judged on their entire performance in office anyway.

Give it some time. If 695 passes the problems may convince you those in the opposition were right. Or at least that a reasonable and informed person SHOULD have had doubts about the wisdom of this initiative.

-- dbvz (dbvz@wa.freei.net), October 26, 1999.

695:Southwest Washington support, opposition.

49th District

Bauer(D) oppose Ogden(D) oppose Carlson(R) oppose

18th District

Zarelli(R) support Pennington(R) support Mielke(R) support

17th District

Benton(R) support Boldt(R) support Dunn(R) oppose

This list, in fact, represents a list of legislators that will be supported, or opposed, if for no other reason then 695. The problem, you see, is that NONE of those who are opposing this initiative have made any effort in the past to change the MVET issue, nor have any of them proposed any alternative to the current system.

It is, therefore, an absolute reason to "go after" these people for their opposition... particularly, like the governor, for failing to propose anything else.

Westin

"I'll take Hamm on 5, and hold the Mayo (Clinic)"

CPT Clarence Over - "Airplane"

-- Westin (86se4sp@my-deja.com), October 27, 1999.

"We have a dying revenue base here! Does anyone here speak Jive?"

Stewardess

"Why yes -- I speak Jive!"

Tim "Barbara Billingsly" Eyman

In the fine feature film "Airplane", 1980

-- Here's Mud (from one of our world famous Washington State potholes) In Your Eye (chez@u.washington.edu), October 27, 1999.

And Jeff,

Who better to know it when he hears it?

Westin

"A zebra does not change its spots." - Al Gore, attacking President George Bush in 1992. (

-- Westin (86se4sp@my-deja.com), October 27, 1999.

Exactamundo there, Skeezix!

Yes indeed, I do know a hot steaming stinking heap o' Jive when I see it. That's why, now more than ever, I'm voting NO NO NO on Me-Me-Me- 695!

"What a terrible waste it is to lose one's mind"

Then-VP Al Gore, 1991

-- El Vez de la Red (chez@u.washington.edu), October 27, 1999.