What problem are we trying to solve in Sammamish with the initiative/referendum vote?
The initiative process, as I understand it, allows citizens the ability to initiate and enact legislation directly without passage by the City Council. The referendum process is the right of voters to repeal or approve an ordinance passed by the City Council before it becomes effective.
Having lived on the “Plateau” for 32 years and witnessing first hand a great deal of change and growth — I believe the current elective form of City Council government has served us quite well. Sammamish is one of the best-run cities in the state. We have great financial strength and a stellar bond rating, with a pay-as-you-go approach to building roads and parks. We are building a Community/Aquatic Center with cash — not new taxes. City taxes have not gone up in five years and won’t for the next two years — and we aren’t charged utility taxes. The representative, democratically-elected Council government has done an exemplary job in a rapid growth environment and, in the process, the city has earned a fine reputation as one of the best communities in the state.
The pro-side argues that big outside special interest groups will not be involved in Sammamish affairs. Don’t kid yourself. Tim Eyman funded an initiative in Redmond and outside money recently funded initiatives in Issaquah, Sequim, Blaine, Shelton, and Mukilteo. They all failed; but local citizens of those communities were stuck with the election and legal costs. There is good reason to believe that powerful outside monied interests are assisting with this initiative/referendum in Sammamish as well. Council member elections happen every two years. If the pro-side wants so desperately to change things — run for office or recruit someone who will represent your views on Council. The pro-side will also argue that the majority of citizens in our state already enjoy the “liberties” of initiative/referendum. Not exactly – 74 percent of the 191 “code” cities in Washington like Sammamish — including Kirkland, Snoqualmie, and Auburn do not.
Special interest groups? Big outside money? Poorly-drafted laws? Unintended consequences? Unfunded mandates?
We don’t need any of it. Vote no.
-Steve Teichler, Sammamish
