I-1033, R-71 Debated in Forum
Opponents of Initiative 1033 say that if passed the ballot
measure would be devastating to state and local government, hurting
police, fire, health and education services just when tax revenues
are already hit hard by recession.
Supporters of the initiative say it would do what lawmakers should
have done already – make sure that government lives within its
means.
Representatives of the two sides spoke at a League of Women Voters
of Kitsap forum Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Eagles Nest near the
Kitsap County Fairgrounds.
Karen Rogers, a Port Angeles city council member and small business
owner, said the vote on the Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative is “a
defining moment for our state.”
“Why is the rest of the world focusing on education and innovation?
Isn’t that what Washington state should be about?” she asked.
Matt Ryan, former Kitsap County commissioner, said the initiative
would impose needed fiscal responsibility.
“Maybe it will make us rethink the way we do education,” he said.
“Maybe we need charter schools like we have Back East.”
(Washington voters have three times voted against allowing charter
schools in the state.)
According to the wording on the ballot, I-1033 “would limit growth
of certain state, county and city revenue to annual inflation and
population growth, not including voter-approved revenue increases.
Revenue collected above the limit would reduce property tax
levies.”
Rogers said that small cities like hers have already made
significant budget cuts and don’t have any more non-essentials to
trim.
She said the initiative would not cut out “faceless bureaucrats”
but would eliminate those who perform essential services like
snowplow drivers and police officers. That is why police and
firefighter unions are opposing the initiative, she said.
Ryan said he hoped the initiative would give “a little bit of
spine” to legislators or local governments when negotiating with
unions.
“Every dollar of expenditure by government requires a dollar of
taxes,” he said.
The other statewide issue on the ballot is Referendum 71, sometimes
called the “everything but marriage” law. A yes vote would affirm
SB 5688, a bill passed by the Legislature that gives legal
protections for lesbian and gay couples and seniors who are in
committed relationships.
The Rev. Elizabeth Stevens, pastor at the Unitarian Universalist
Fellowship in Bremerton, spoke in favor of R-71.
“For me it’s fundamentally about families,” she said, detailing the
situation of nontraditional families in her congregation. “It’s
about wanting to take responsibility for those we love.”
Robert Struble, representing the Knights of Columbus — a Catholic
fraternal organization — and Protect Marriage Washington, quoted
scripture numerous times.
“It is folly to take sin and elevate it to the level of a civil
right,” he said.
Marriage, as defined as a union between one man and one woman, has
served us well through the centuries, he added, and making any
changes in that tradition would be harmful to society.
Struble also contended that the SB-5688 is simply a stepping stone
toward full rights of marriage for gay and lesbian couples.
“We used to talk about upholding God and country,” he said. “Now
we’re asking people to choose between God and country.”
Stevens said her God “pulls the entire world toward
acceptance.”
“This is fundamentally about the right of people to care for each
other,” she said.
Catherine Ahl, president of LWV Kitsap, moderated Wednesday’s
forum. The entire two-hour discussion will be broadcast by BKAT
several times before the Nov. 3 election. To see the schedule, go
to www.bkat.org.
