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Three ballot measures

The Columbian
Published: October 14, 2010, 12:00am

After you study, learn about and decide on the six initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot, don’t relax. Three other ballot measures await your attention. Here are summaries and recommendations from The Columbian (only our opinions, remember) regarding those three issues. For more details, visit www.vote.wa.gov/ (click on “2010 General Election Voters’ Guide, then “State Measures.”)

House Joint Resolution 4220 — Before even considering this proposed constitutional amendment on denying bail for those charged with serious crimes, consider the vote in the highly contentious Legislature. This passed in the state Senate 48-0 and in the House 92-4.

Several recent high-profile cases show why this change is necessary. Last year a Seattle police officer was shot to death on Oct. 31, and within a month four Lakewood police officers were slain in a coffee shop. Many argue convincingly that culprits in both cases should’ve been behind bars instead of out on the streets.

HJR 4220 would give judges more power to deny bail based on the threat to public safety. Currently judges must determine bail solely on the risk of flight. Most offenders would still be allowed to post bail, but if the danger to the public is high, judges would be able to deny bail. HJR 4220 in no way diminishes presumption of innocence. It does, however, grant judges more power to protect the public. The Columbian recommends a “Yes” vote on HJR 4220.

Senate Joint Resolution 8225 — This is another measure that passed unopposed in the Senate and with strong support in the House. SJR 8225 would allow general obligation bonds to use reduced interest rates on a new federal subsidy called “Build America Bonds.” State transportation and local bonds already use this benefit.

To the tune of an estimated $100 million over the next four years, this change would reduce construction costs for schools, colleges and universities, parks and open space, community buildings, prisons and other public buildings.

Proponents, including state Treasurer Jim McIntire, say SJR 8225 will not obligate the state or federal government to more debt.

Vote “Yes” on SJR 8225.

Referendum 52 — This proposal to authorize bonds for school construction and repair might sound good at first glance: 30,000 new construction jobs and a huge increase in energy efficiency in schools. But a closer look shows why the legislation ran into bipartisan opposition (two state senators, Republican Joe Zarelli of Ridgefield and Democrat Rodney Tom of Bellevue, oppose R-52). Worst among its flaws, R-52 would increase debt, and opponents argue that our state already has a per capita debt almost twice the national average. Another reason to oppose R-52 pertains to timing; replacing and repairing schools, even by going into debt, might make sense in boom times, but not during an economic crisis.

The fatal flaw: R-52 would make permanent the sales tax on bottled water. Even if it’s temporary, that’s a bad tax; it would be even worse as a permanent fixture in the state tax scheme.

The Columbian urges a “No” vote on Referendum 52.

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