By Jody Grage, 36th District Green Party

Elections are about choice, and governments are about the common good. There are some clear choices for the common good on this fall's ballot. 

The Green Party doesn’t accept contributions from corporations, and a review of the large contributors to many of the ballot measures shows the wisdom of that policy. It’s easy to see that they support what will increase their profits even as the common good suffers. 

Fortunately, the 36th District is more progressive than many, and that gives us a special responsibility to vote in large numbers!



Initiative 1098 – Establishing a state income tax and reducing other taxes: 

Washington has the most regressive tax system in the United States. The poorest pay 15.7 percent of their wages in sales and property taxes while the richest pay only 4.4 percent. 

This measure would affect only the top 1.2 percent of earners and raise $2 billion to increase support for education and health care for all of us. 

It would provide a stable revenue stream to counter the trend from 2007 to 2009 when income went up 3 percent and taxable retail sales went down by 15 percent. 

It would reduce the state portion of property taxes by 20 percent and eliminate the B&O tax for 118,000 small business while reducing it for many more. 

And, it prohibits extending the tax to others or increasing it. 

Our state cannot be strong if we continue to allow the middle class to shrink and poverty to grow. Vote yes on I-1098.



Initiative 1082 – Industrial insurance:

This would privatize Worker's Compensation, removing government oversight in exchange for an unregulated and unaccountable system with insurance companies setting rates and increasing their profits. 

It is written and paid for by insurance companies.  Vote no on I-1082.



Initiative 1100/Initiative 1105 – Liquor sales:

These initiatives would privatize and deregulate liquor sales, reducing both state income and supervision for public safety. Liquor outlets could expand from 315 to 3,300.  Vote no on I-1100 and I-1105.



Initiative 1107 – State tax on candy, soda, etc: 

This would roll back taxes on items that are not nutritional food. It would reduce state income and be a disservice to schools and children. 

It is written by and paid for by out-of-state soda manufacturers. Vote no on I-1107.

Initiative 1053 – Requiring a two-third legislative majority to raise taxes: 

This would create California-style gridlock. Taxes are investments that pay for important services, such as education and public safety.

The largest contributor is BP. It would preserve tax loopholes. Vote no on I-1053.



Referendum 52 – Bonds for energy efficient projects in schools: 

This will save money over time, create jobs and improve the health of those in our schools. 

Not very sexy, to be sure, but worthwhile! Vote yes on R-52.

Note: The Green Party of Seattle and the 36th District are working on an energy-saving program with Seattle Public Schools.

Candidates: 

The Green Party and other third parties are virtually shut out of candidate races by the top-two primary system, decreasing our voting options. For other more inclusive options, google Ranked Choice Voting.

Ballots for in the all-mail 2010 election are due Nov. 2. Click here for more information the election, including ballot drop-box locations.