Campaign ‘99

Candidate Q&A

This week’s question, asked of candidates for Spokane City Council: “What’s your position on state Initiative 695, and why?”

The background: I-695 would replace the state’s motor vehicle excise tax - paid when car owners renew their vehicle license tabs - with a flat $30 fee. Some of the tax money is sent to local governments. I-695 would also require governments to get voter approval for an increase in taxes or fees.

Position 1

David Bray: Supports. “I believe it’s an opportunity for taxpayers to see some real relief at all levels, and there are alternative funds to replace those monies that are threatened.”

Roberta Greene: Opposed. “I-695 to me is too Draconian of a solution to what everyone admits is a problem with the motor vehicle excise tax. I don’t trust that state government will find a way to fund the shortfall for local governments.”

Position 2

Steve Corker: Opposed. “It not only impacts social services, but transit and roads. The second part of the initiative would totally hamstring local government’s ability to work in the short term.”

Al French: Opposed. “It’s the poor subsidizing the rich.”

Position 3

Jeff Colliton: Opposed. “It looks good on the surface, but it is very costly for cities and counties throughout the state. We don’t have any waste in our city budget. … We are good stewards of the public’s money.

Steve Eugster: Opposed. “I think it is unconstitutional. However, I believe it is a protest by a majority of people in this state who are upset with the unfairness of our tax system. I hope … 695 will be the catalyst for a serious discussion about reforming the state and federal tax system.”

It’s all in the mail

The City of Spokane Voters Pamphlet, prepared by the League of Women Voters, has been mailed to registered voters in the city. If you don’t receive one, they are available at City Hall, city libraries and community centers, or check the city of Spokane Web site - www.spokanecity.org - or the League of Women Voters Web site - www.lwvwa.org/spokane … Also in the mail are state voters pamphlets, which detail the four statewide ballot measures: the license tab initiative, the fish netting initiative and two constitutional amendments that cover state finances … And coming later this week, absentee ballots will be mailed to all voters signed up to get one.

Friendly reminder No. 1

Candidates and political action committees are required by law to file their spending and contribution summary reports this week.

Friendly reminder No. 2

Washington state residents who aren’t registered to vote but wish they were have one more week to get it done. You must go to your local county elections office, which is on the second floor of the Courthouse for those living in Spokane County, to sign up … You must also vote by absentee ballot in the Nov. 2 election, but can opt to go to the polling station in subsequent elections.

Campaign trivia

Last week’s trivia question: “Who was the last person to be elected to three straight terms on the Spokane City Council?” The answer: Jack Hebner, who served from 1981 to 1993 … There were no correct submissions (or incorrect submissions, for that matter) so we’ll keep the button and offer it to the person who comes up with the best political trivia question that can be offered in next week’s column … Phone, mail or e-mail your best question to the locations listed below.

Catch the candidates

Oct. 18: Spokane City Council candidates Bray and Greene, at a debate sponsored by North Spokane Rotary. 12:30 p.m., Inn At the Park. Call 838-4080 for information.

Oct. 19: League of Women Voters forum for Spokane City Council and School District 81 candidates, 9th District House race, state and city ballot issues. 7 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall Basement, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Oct. 22: Forum on the strong-mayor initiative, sponsored by the Citizens League. Noon, Ridpath Hotel Legend Room, 515 W. Sprague.