Another election, another bad initiative

What a ballot we have for the general election!

So much of it advisory votes--non-binding votes by citizens to advise the legislature on tax increases passed during this year's legislative session.

So, dig out a Voters Pamphlet or go on line and do your homework. We have a few pamphlets at our office on Main Street; more are available in the county auditor's office in the courthouse, probably at libraries, and of course, online at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters-guide/2019-voters-pamphlet.aspx.

Check out Initiative 976, another effort by Tim Eyman to return car tab fees to $30. It would reduce or remove the authority of state and local governments to charge motor vehicle taxes and fees based on vehicle weight that pay for transportation projects.

According to the Voter's Pamphlet, the total revenue loss to the state in the next six years would be $1.9 billion and to local governments, $2.3 billion. Affected accounts range from snowmobile facilities and the Sound Transit project to general highway construction and support for mass transit.

The mass transit portion includes Wahkiakum County's own Wahkiakum On the Move transit system. With car tab funding, the county has been able to expand the program offerings and link Naselle with Longview/Kelso bus and train routes.

Public transportation and highway development benefit us all through the movement of people and goods and services. Think twice before cutting fees that we're already accustomed to paying.

You get what you pay for, right?