How much has the political landscape changed?

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How much has the political landscape changed? An amazing amount, ond I-695 is largely responsible. Last year they were debating tax increases. This year they are falling all over themselves looking for tax cuts. From the Seattle Times(http://www.seattletimes.com/news/local/html98/legi_20000111.html):

Two hours before the session began, Senate Democrats proposed a $200 per household property-tax cut, an expensive proposition that likely will be at the high end of any personal tax cuts offered this year. Democrats say voters are unhappy with property taxes, just as they were with the car tax.

When the gavel fell shortly after noon, the House co-speakers paid homage to the initiative in opening speeches.

"The public will be watching, and I need to tell you, if we don't fundamentally change the way government does business and re-establish the public's trust in us, I-695 will only be the start," said Republican co-Speaker Clyde Ballard, R-East Wenatchee.

"We heard that people want us to honor their will on 695 with no tricks, no evasions and no gimmicks," said Democratic co-Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle.

[At the same time, about 250 people, including Gov. Gary Locke and King County Executive Ron Sims, rallied on the Capitol steps for a "Make a fuss to save your bus" rally. They want the state to help make up for cuts in local bus service caused by I-695.] You mean that, despite the public use of funds to drum up support for this rally, out of all those transit riders they only got 248 people to show up? (I don't count Locke or Sims, they have limos). They spent $7500 in tax funds for the mailing alone (http://www.southcountyjournal.com/Homepagedocs/topnews/rcm73831.html) Gee! Long division time: $7500/248 = $30.24 per demonstrator. Dang, they could have given homeless people a greyhound bus ticket to Olympia and back for that kind of money, and bought each one a Big Mac. The transit establishment can't even buy influence at reasonable rates.

-- Craig Carson (craigcar@crosswinds.net), January 11, 2000

Answers

There was a property tax (as in reducing/eliminating it) rally the same day. Three people showed up besides the sponsor.

-- Patrick (patrick1142@yahoo.com), January 11, 2000.

Three people showed up? How many would've showed up if the government had sent flyers out announcing it? Especially if said something similar to "Make a fuss to save your bus". Maybe "Cause a ruckus so taxes don't ######" or "Shout to the sky, taxes are too high".

-- Kevin McDowell (Kevinmcd@microsoft.com), January 11, 2000.

i can only hope, that despite whatever our elected officials do in this session, I-695 is only the beginning. (and that ron sims has to find a real job soon)

richard

-- richard (ragman88@yahoo.com), January 12, 2000.


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