press release from West Seattle Kiwanis:
With the General election less than a month away, Washington voters are confronted with a fistful of ballot measures in addition to the competitive battles for public offices. Among them, Initiative to the People 1185 is gathering unusual steam. In an effort to air both positions, Kiwanis of West Seattle will hear arguments on both sides at its noon meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 10 at BE’s Restaurant, 4509 California Ave S.W.

Initiative Measure No. 1185 concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government. It would require sixty-six percent legislative approval or voter approval to raise taxes; require “fee increases,” as defined, be set by the legislature; and dedicate collected fees to their identified statutory purposes.

This measure would require that any action by the legislature that “raises taxes,” as defined, be approved either by at least sixty-six percent of both houses of the legislature or by the voters. It would require “fee increases,” defined as including new fees and increases in existing fees, to be set by the legislature. It would limit use of fee revenues to the statutory purposes for which the fees were collected under the fee-authorizing statutes.

Amber Carter, Association of Washington Business director of government affairs for tax and fiscal policy will speak as a proponent of the measure. Speaking against Initiative 1185 will be Representative Reuven Carlyle (D) of the 36th Legislative District, a member of the House Ways and means Committee.

Members of the public are invited to attend. Please RSVP. Luncheon is $8 including tax and tip; beverages only, $3. Call 206-938-8032 or e-mail warrenlawless@comcast.net. Parking is available behind the marked alley entrance to Be’s.