|
From the Director - Initiatives: Huge Impacts for Cities
By Stan Finkelstein, AWC Executive Director
Two significant initiatives appear to have qualified for the November ballot: I-900 regarding performance audits and I–912 regarding transportation funding.
Proponents filed 311,858 signatures for I–900 and 400,996 signatures for I-912. The deadline for filing signatures was July 8. An initiative needs 225,014 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot in 2005. The Secretary of States Office notes a cushion of 20 – 25% signatures is usually needed to insure the initiative is placed on the ballot, hence 270,000 – 280,000 signatures. Formal verification by the Secretary of States Office is expected by the end of July for I-900 and mid-late August for I-912, but given the raw number of signatures we expect both will be placed on the November ballot.
- I-900 would direct the State Auditor to conduct performance audits of every state and local agency.
- I-912 would repeal the 9.5 cent gas tax increase passed by the Legislature in 2005.
Initiative 900
I-900 would require performance audits of executive, legislative and judicial agencies. The audits would include a review of the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of each agency’s policies, management, fiscal affairs and operations. Although the Initiative provides resources for the State Auditor it does not allocate monies for local governments and the staff time required to assist in researching and compiling the information necessary to conduct the audit. AWC is not opposed to performance audits conducted locally. Some cities already perform such audits by those who understand the city and local priorities. We note each city is different with its own set of priorities as determined by the citizens and local elected officials. State standards and performance objectives will not work.
Initiative 912
I-912 would repeal the 9.5 cent gas tax increase including a direct gas tax distribution to cities that results in a 20% increase from current levels. The repeal of this $8 billion dollar investment over the next 16 years in our transportation system will have a significant impact on the state’s economy and quality of life. These impacts will be felt at the local level.
The AWC Board has taken a position in opposition to both initiatives and has prepared a number of information pieces which you can find on our website www.awcnet.org/initiatives . Our information includes a list of dos and don’ts regarding the use of public resources.
A formal organization has been formed to oppose I-912. You can access their information at www.keepwashingtonrolling.com. No such organization has been formed to oppose I-900.
We will continue to update you on these initiatives via future Bulletins and other means. As always, please feel free to contact the AWC staff if you have any questions.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!!!
[ return to top ]
[ next article ]
|
