I-1464 editorial clarified

To clear up some things from the S-R editorial on I-1464. Ninety-one percent of Americans agree money has too much influence in American politics. To see how broken our system is, look at your ballot. Every statewide initiative was previously brought forward as bills to our legislators in Olympia, but our elected officials did not act on them. Why? Because big money interests blocked the way.

I-1464 is ambitious in order to overhaul a broken system and put power back in the hands of Washington voters by: Requiring transparency in lobbying and SuperPAC political ads. Limiting campaign contributions from lobbyists and public contractors. Stopping the revolving door of government officials taking jobs as lobbyists as soon as they leave office. Increasing penalties and strengthening enforcement of ethics and campaign finance laws.

The editorial said this may hurt local businesses, but the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee found that most of the out-of-state spending occurred in Seattle, not in border towns, as claimed and Idaho residents would see no change.

We hope that legislators spend more time listening to voters and less time listening to lobbyists and special interest groups. If we do not approve Initiative 1464, nothing will change.

Ben Stuckart, co-chair - Yes on I-1464 Campaign, and Ann Murphy, president, League of Women Voters of Washington

Spokane