Re: Sales tax vote

June 1, 2010

Dear Neighbor:

Thank you for contacting me about King County’s recent sales tax increase proposal. As may know, I have been very clear about my opposition to any type of tax increase. You can learn more about my position by reading the recent OpEd piece I wrote for the Seattle Times

To give you a brief background on what happened last week: the sales tax increase proposal was defeated by a 5-4 vote on Monday. Six votes were required for the August primary ballot. However, alternative legislation was introduced to the Council on the same day which would have put a property tax increase on the August ballot instead. The Council debated this measure the next day with little opportunity for public comment and nominal transparency.

As always I’m eager to work out a broad bipartisan solution in which we seriously address King County’s structural budget gap. I’m also dedicated to avoiding any meaningful cuts to our criminal justice programs. Nevertheless, the County needs to spend within its means and that responsibility ultimately lies with the entire Council and the Executive.

There are several areas we can look at to trim costs. As chair of the Council of the Whole (C.O.W.), I have an opportunity to work with the Executive in creating a “countywide strategic plan” which would highlight financial stewardship and performance measurements that address our structural gap. Further, I want to make sure that we bring all interested parties to the table so that we can craft a cohesive solution to this problem.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you read an editorial published in the Seattle Times last Thursday titled “The credible way for King County to seek a tax boost.” In it, the Times’ Editorial Board lays out a sensible way for the Council to address the county’s budget problem.

I appreciate your concern regarding this issue. I’d like to stay in touch with you on this issue as it develops. Please contact me if you have any additional questions.

Regards,

Jane Hague, King County Council – District 6
Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-296-1006
www.kingcounty.gov/hague.

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