Update to Voters Guide

It looks like we skipped one of the Ballot Measures in our Voters Guide, and I wanted to make sure that we put out our preference on Senate Joint Resolution 8225. We did discuss this measure at our August Endorsement meeting, however I forgot to include it on the Ballot Measures page, so it was also forgotten when we drafted the Voters Guide. I'll fix the website now.

Debt Limits Constitutional Amendment. The proposal would change the way interest payments count toward our debt limit. Gina from the Treasurer's office spoke in support of this proposal. It had overwhelming support in the Legislature. The Federal stimulus bill reimburses states for interest payments. The proposal would align with the stimulus bill language to take advantage of the Federal subsidy. Gina believes this will provide approximately $650 million over 5 years, although the actual amount depends on economic conditions.

46dems Endorsement Results: Support 43; no position 1. We Support this Amendment.

Also, we published our Voters Guide before King County Elections had released the official titles of the King County Charter Amendments, and I wanted to update everyone with the correct references.

Here is what we originally published:

On King County Charter Amendments we endorsed a Yes vote on Ordinances 2009-0496 and 2010-0328, which are both common sense reforms eliminating redundant candidate filing, and highlighting duties in unincorporated areas, respectively. However we ask that you Reject Ordinance 2010-0169, since it is an important check on the powers of the Sheriff to have bargaining rights reside solely with the County Council.

Here is how that should read:

On the King County Charter Amendments, we endorsed a Yes vote on Charter Amendment No 1 (Amendments to the Preamble) and Charter Amendment No. 2 (Amendment of Section 690 - Campaign Finance), which are both common sense reforms highlighting duties in unincorporated areas and eliminating redundant candidate filing, respectively. However, we ask that you vote No on Charter Amendment No. 3 (Amendment of Section 890 and New Section 897 - Collective Bargaining), since it is an important check on the powers of the Sheriff to have bargaining rights reside solely with the County Executive.

Please don't forget to vote!!