Our libraries are shutting their doors, temporarily, due to decreased operating revenue. Many of our community parks are either closed, partially closed or will close to the public soon due to revenue shortfalls. Highways and other transportation infrastructures (bridges, overpasses, viaducts, etc.) are crumbling from a lack of funds needed to repair them.
Transit workers, state workers and many private citizens have lost their jobs because funds are no longer available to “afford” to keep them on the payrolls. Perhaps the tax-supported groups organized to help these folks could do something for them, but their own funding has been severely slashed.
Three years ago the state of Washington had a $2 billion Reserve Fund earmarked for statewide emergencies. Following the election of 1999 that fund has been used up to pay for essential services impacted by the passage of Initiative I-695. As of this writing the state has a shortfall in excess of $2 billion. From Jan. 1 of 2000 to today the state has had a loss of four billion dollars!
An out-of-work economist might have the time to do a computer model demonstrating what has happened, economically, to this state following the adoption of Tim Eyman’s I-695 ballot measure. All we need to do is to look around us to discover that we have all been collectively raped in the pocketbook.
Eyman helps himself to funds to which he is not entitled and then promotes yet another $30 license tab plan. The public is aching to survive the financial hemorrhaging caused by an earlier mistake and is conned, again, into punishing itself with another moronic Eyman promise. Because several counties know that implementing Initiative I-776 would violate earlier agreements and commitments they have restrained the activation of this latest nonsense. Because of the rational wisdom of these few counties, Eyman brings lawsuits against them, monies from which will be spent in Washington courtrooms. This is madness
Tim Eyman is a Fiscal Moron and a Fiduciary Idiot. He has a one-track mind which is now stubbornly carrying us to financial ruin.
Although it was too-little, too-late, the governor’s attempt to add additional tax revues to state coffers was, at least, an attempt to do something, It was wrong, and the public knew it, but it was an attempt.
If the public could only see the true facts and figures of an independent study showing how I-695 and I-776 have a negative financial impact on our lives, perhaps we could all rally in support of: Repeal I-695 and I-776. Let the public learn what Eyman has conned them into and throw it out like the putrid trash it is. A new law would have to be passed, of course, to fund vital services. It would have to be fair and reasonable for all Washingtonians; perhaps a tax on license tabs for those who use our highways; something simple and equitable such as a flat 1 percent of the bluebook value of the vehicle. There could even be exceptions made for low-income families. Perhaps the very lowest rate could be a flat $30 for these folks, with no additional fees or costs.
The $30 license tab of I-695/I-776 is a foolish pipedream created by someone intoxicated by the sweet smell of acceptance. Eyman wants, so hard, to convince the people of Washington that he is a good guy.
Fools, tyrants and egomaniacs are always of that mindset.
Let’s get that study done. Let’s wake up, admit we have been conned and pull together to put this state back on its feet. We can do it. And will do it if we can just understand the facts.
It’s not too late.Yet.
James A. Siggens lives in Oak Harbor
