The so-called "Bridging the Gap" proposal to lift the levy lid on property taxes causes us some pause, but we are convinced the need far outweighs the usual arguments against what is Seattle Proposition 1 on your ballot next week.
For years, all the way back to the Dorm Braman years of mayor in the 1960s to today, mayors and city councils, have simply ignored street and bridge maintenance. When major accidents or natural events damaged or closed bridges or streets, quick fixes were employed, often leaving the basic problems for another time and another political leadership.
Until now, when it has gotten so bad that hundreds of streets and bridges in the city are to the point of becoming useless. The city estimates the cost to fix it all would be half a billion dollars.
Much of the problem was caused by politcal bagman Tim Eyman, a name that will live in infamy in this state. He pushed populist initiatives to cut money that had gone into city road budgets, even though the residents of the city opposed and voted against them. Voters in other parts of the state voted to cut these taxes.
Our biggest worry about this proposition would be that the mayor would grab money from this measure in his never-ending thirst for a Alaskan Way Viaduct tunnel that the majority of Seattle residents appear not to want. Not going to happen. The measure says, "No Levy Proceeds shall be used to fund the major repair or replacement, including but not limited to replacement with a waterfront tunnel, of the Alaskan Way Viaduct or seawall . . . ."
Most of the money goes to street and bridge maintenance. Bicycle and pedestrian programs get up to 18 percent and 15 percent go for "system additions/enhancements," legalese for transit.
The measure is expected to bring in $365 million in additional funds over its nine year life.
OK, we pay too many taxes now, but much of that disproportionate burden is because of a state tax system that puts most of the weight on middle and low income people. It will take a statewide desire to build a new system if we want to get rid of constant hikes in sales and property taxes.
We urge voters to approve Seattle Proposition No. 1 next week. Otherwise the transportation infrastructure will crumble until we can't get here from there.
- Jack Mayne
