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'Tax Revolt'? Chamber not buying I-695: Bellevue council hears from both
sides
`Tax revolt'? Chamber not buying I-695: Bellevue council hears from both sides
1999-10-05
by Jeff Switzer
Journal Reporter
BELLEVUE -- The city's business community and a handful of residents squared
off last night over Initiative 695.
At a Bellevue City Council public hearing on the issue, representatives of
Bellevue's Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses voiced opposition to
the initiative, which would create a flat, $30 car-tab fee and put all government
tax and fee increases to voters.
But some Bellevue residents called the warnings about lost revenue a continued
effort to use scare tactics against the initiative.
"I-695 is a tax revolt," said initiative backer Steve Kelley, a Crossroads
area resident. "This is a two-by-four between the eyes to get their attention,
but it is a tax revolt, a taxpayer revolt."
Leslie Lloyd spoke for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce's 1,200 members in
calling the initiative poorly conceived. She said a loss in state revenue if
the initiative passes would eliminate funding for road projects intended to
reduce traffic congestion.
"Congestion relief is an issue of economic survival," Lloyd said. "We urge
the City Council to oppose the initiative."
City Council members listened politely, but gave no hint as to whether they
will endorse or oppose the initiative, which will arrive in absentee voters'
mailboxes within a few weeks.
"This initiative attempts to rein in a particular tax that's easily targeted,"
Mayor Mike Creighton said. "But we have a very complex and convoluted tax system.
We do have a complex issue and a very big dilemma on local government that's
not easily solved."
Kelley said Bellevue should not endorse or oppose the initiative or officials
could face a backlash of voter disapproval.
James Stewart of Bellevue expressed disappointment that Bellevue was already
speaking against the issue by distributing information on the impacts in its
city newsletters. He said the city should remain neutral.
"(The Legislature) will find a way to adjust the state budget," Stewart said,
"so that cities and counties won't be impacted."
A Bellevue signature-gatherer for the initiative, John Favour, said politicians
are involved in "world-class squirming and waffling."
"I'm absolutely convinced that a 2 percent reduction in the state's budget
will not cause the sky to fall," he said. "My hope is that the City Council
will support I-695. Nobody knows for sure what's going to happen."
The public hearing was required by state law before the city can take a position
for or against the initiative. Under I-695, the city reportedly stands to lose
$2.7 million in revenue in 2000 and $3.9 million in 2001. Increases to as many
as 1,871 city fees could require voter approval if the initiative passes.
Jeff Switzer covers Bellevue. He can be reached at 425-453-4234 or jeff.switzer@eastsidejournal.com
