It's the WASTE not the cost! For years transportation $'s have been squandered on other items...money wasted that could have done plenty to fix the problems that thye now want MORE money for. If I ran my finances like the stat and federal Govt. I would be in JAIL!

Are they crazy? Nobody is going to vote YES for this. We have gotten the short end of the Tab Tax for too many years.

I live in Kittitas County. What is this tax going to do for the roads in Central Wa?

I live in Kittitas County. What is this tax going to do for the roads in Central Wa?

I live in Kittitas County. What is this tax going to do for the roads in Central Wa?

Ilive out side of the general seattle area along with many others. what does this do for me?

I live in Kittitas County. What is this tax going to do for the roads in Central Wa?

I live in Kittitas County. What is this tax going to do for the roads in Central Wa?

A plan that puts 70% of the money into moving 5% of the people is the exact opposite of common sense...therefore it is exactly what Olympia wants! This package MUST have more roads, expand capacity if they want to reduce congestion. Light rail does little if anything to reduce congestion. Put the money into fixing/replacing 520, replacing the viaduct and expanding capacity and get rid of the light rail boondoggle.

NO!!!!!!
None of the projects do anything for the commuters who travel east/west in South King County.]
NO NO NO

I like the fact that it is balanced between mass transit and fixing the existing system. I'm also in favor of reasonable, value based license tab fees.

Why would Thurston County residents be responsible for King County roads and projects? My family will vote NO on the return of the license tab tax.

The car tab tax should be based on vehicle weight or mass. The greater the weight, the greater the road damage. The tax structure would be simplified to classification of vehicle (small passenger, SUV, etc). Indirectly this could also contribute to encouraging owners in purchasing smaller vehicles while reducing green house emissions.

I will vote no! They need to find a way to make it so everyone pays their share. Not on the value of our car. Put it in a gas tax so those who use the roads more pay for it.

The improvements included in this package, such as widening highwy 9 in Snohomish county, were the reason for passing he gas tax... now we are being asked to pay another tax, for the wxact same projects. When we repealed the original excise tax every city, county, municipality, and transportation entity jacked up every tax they could think of to make up for that loss of revenue (remember haow much it used to cost to ride the ferry?); Now they expect us to bring that back as well??? The backers of this are insane. Lets not forget that every tax we pay is not even deductible. Screw them.

i say NO to this license tab price hike!!i am tired of paying taxes for roads and having it all go to the seattle metro area and not on the coast where i live.the state needs to make any new taxes regional-so people in seattle pay for their own roads instead of the rest of the state constantly supporting seattle while our roads remain in need of repair. this state robs our people of to much taxes already.our state is turning into a facist state just like the feds are trying to do to us. they say 60% of this tax package is for sound transit-i rest my point-> its all about seattle, not the whole state.this mark funk guy is a nut case if he thinks the rest of the state is going to volunteer even more of our hard earned cash to enrich seattles roads and not ours.people need to wath this video-http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/ it will explain what your governments plans are for you.

I think the citizens of Seattle have been quite clear on the issue of vehicle license tab taxes. We have voted it down overwhelmingly once, why is the state trying to cram it down our throats again? The other concern I have is trying to put in taxes for roads and sound transit together. Keep the two issues seperate because they are two seperate issues. It just shows me that the state is not concerned about what we think or want, it is all about what they want and what they will do to get it. I will vote down this initiative and I hope that all Seattle citizens will too!

NO increase in the tab tax. Go to tolling. I'm paying $1.75 per round trip across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (for which the state allowed King county residents to have a voice).

Let's make it "fair" and "proportional," shouldn't we? The Tacoma Narrows Bridge cost $880 million. So with the 520 bridge coming in at an estimated $4.4 billion, that would make the toll there something a little under $10.

Now let's add "fair" and "proportional" tolling for the Alakan Way Viaduct. Now sell THAT to the state's most populous county and see what result you get.

The idea of raising my car tabs is rediculous due to the recent gas tax increase. I have to live within a budget every month, I don't see why that state of Washington shouldn't have to do the same.

I would definitely vote for the return of the car tab tax. I think it is a sad comment on State's residents that they cannot see beyond today. It is only going to get worse, not better. Anyone who believes the money cannot solve some of our transportation projects, just needs to spend a few mintues viewing the new Tacoma Narrow Bridge during rush hour. The new bridge has saved commuters at least 20 minutes each way per day. The car tab tax, although not perfect, is one way of distribution the escalating costs of keeping our transportation infrastructure in line with use. If the people of Washington cannot see beyond today, then the leaders we elect need to do it for us.

Higher tab fees again? I don't think so! Another swing and a miss by our backward thinking "leaders". Toll roads are the way to go, you pay as you go. Don't want to pay, find another route.

We'd have a lot more moneyin state coffers to repair existing roadways and build new ones to get rid of the bottlenecks in Mt. Vernon, Everett and elsewhere if those funds weren't being funneled into building soundwalls, putting down "quiet pavement" and building sports stadiums with the people's tax monies.

I heard a transportation authority on C-SPAN (if I recall correctly) who said "light rail is the least cost effective form of transporting people, but it is considered the sexiest by legislators and government when they are trying to get the people to go along with their plans". Now I have no research to back that up, but I'm sure if one is interested one could find the support for that statement.

I'm voting no.

At least they could be honest and put the Transit name first in the name of the title since this is a 60% transit proposal.

The transit package is overpriced an will carry very few people. We need the roads package. But I can't get the roads with Proposition 1 without wasting 60% of my money on trains. So I must vote NO until I have the change to vote on ONLY A ROADS package.

I'm almost 40 years old now, and this argument has been on the board my whole life. Its time for people to stop saying "what's in it for me" and look at the greater good that could/would/should be accomplished.

I live in San Juan County, what is this tax going to do for our over priced ferry's not to mention Sound Transet does not even go that far north so what good is it for us? In addition I also live in Kittitas County (for college) and how are these taxes going to help over here?

The 'State' is out of their minds if they think people are going to vote this in!

NO! this state taxes and taxes. why do they pay sales tax on constuction? To divert money they promise will go to roads. We promise is the selling point and it is lies. I don't know when wa residents will wake up but more money given to olympia isn't the answer. Where is the money from the gas tax?

if you want me to vote for any!!! new taxes then you will have to get my employer to give me a $10.00 per hour raise to help pay for it.

I am voting NO, and plea for everyone else to do the same on any plan that increases taxes. We are all out of money just like you. With all the private growth like condos and apartments in the last 15 years without those developers paying for their impact on the rest of us like roads, utilities, schools which have raised our property tax, utilities, and other taxes, we are out of money. I remember just 19 years ago my cable bill was under $10 a month and there were NO commercials!! Let the developers pay for the roads the home owner has paid enough.

Once again, the government looks to Seattle to lead the state. Guess what, the new Narrows bridge, which King county voted on, but rarely uses, now has a toll which was needed to pay for its construction. Funny that the lack of car tab funding was one the reasons given for the need of a toll. Now when seattlelites need new bridges and viaducts, here comes the entire state to help them. This year alone, I will pay bridge tolls far and away over the amount of the proposed tabs. Why should I pay both when people who work in Seattle do not pay for opportunity to drive 520 everyday, or use the Viaduct? Fair? I think not.

No No and No! First tell me where the 9 cents went from the last gas tax! The state just keeps their hands out for more money, and we the people of washington do not see where any of it goes. Putting the two issues on the ballot is a deal breaker big time. The issues are seperate, keep them seperate. Tolls are the way to go and the state needs to listen to the people of washington. I will vote no!

Who's pocket will this go into? Where is all the lotto money gone? We had this tax before and we saw very little improvements. Why would we reinstate this? Gas tax alone is killing us. Wage freezes and tax increases do not mix.
NO to car tab increase!!!!!

The real issue is not whether we want to get these projects done. Of course we want better and safer transportation systems. The State needs to prove they can be responsible with the money given to them. They simply can't be trusted.

I live on the Olympic Peninsula. We are paying for Seattle area improvements through gas tax and we pay for our local improvements through tolls. To get to Seattle, we pay $14.45 each way on the ferry and $6.70 per passenger one way. To get to Tacoma, we now pay a toll of $3. When the Hood Canal Bridge improvement is completed, we will pay a toll to even get to Kitsap County.

I think that tolls are fair because the people who use the bridge, highway, etc. are paying for the cost. It really makes me angry to think about paying for a new 520 bridge with my gas tax or license tab money. There should be tolls on these new projects, too. The technology is in place to make traffic disruption minimal for regular commuters. When I am on that side of the water, I would be glad to pay the toll when I use the bridge.

Given the opportunity, I would vote no and actively work to defeat the measure.

I read through these comments and just shake my head. Our educators have not done a very good job of helping our adults/taxpayers to understand the basics of economics. Yes, the majority of this transportation money goes to the King/Pierce County ares, but there is where the economic engine of this State is. If the people in King and Pierce County cannot get to work, or businesses are discouraged from moving here because of our inadequate transportation system, then the revenue stream that is generated by those people and businesses dries up. This impacts the WHOLE state including counties outside of King/Pierce County. When a community or State loses its commerical/business economic engine, the burden of providing governmental services falls onto the homeowner in the form of property taxes. Your choices then are, pay more property taxes, or reduce services (parks, roads, schoools, social services, etc). Be careful what you wish for.

I agree with Dave, have the developers pay for it.

When will the state get that the people have paid enough! I will vote no all the way on this one. The state has had enough of my hard earned money to last a lifetime. We are taxed to death in Washington, and I am out of money. Find another way to get the money you need for these projects. I know, how about a toll? The people that us it pay for it. What a great idea! What is the matter with the state? They have no forward thinking. I will vote NO No NO!

I'd vote no for two reasons. The gas tax already in place and because the trade in value of a vehicle is based on the auction value (not market value).

The minute you add excise tax on vehicles I'm voting no. Unless the excise tax was based on a fixed $ per vehicle for a fixed number of years. The remainder of the money should be raised by use taxes, tolls or gas tax. To build more mass transit I would support a sales tax increase for the building cost but would insist that the fare supported its operation and maintenance.

limit use, give incentives to businesses who plan and place workers close to there place of work. For example Boeing has way to many people who live by Renton drive to Everett and vis-a-versa when they could do a few swaps and have the people drive less than 5 miles to work in stead of 35. I would ride my bike to my place of work if it was safer! People need to change there way of life and live smarter and save resources ,not just keep waisting more. We need a change not more and bigger and more expenses.

This is anything BUT a balanced package! The proponets need to be upfront with the voters.The total cost to pay for the projects including the bond interest will be near 169 Billion. To put that in prespective, if I'm not mistaken, the state's biannual transportation budget is a little over 3 billion. Of that 169 Billion only approx.10% will pay for road improvements. 90% of the balance will go to transit projects, the lion's share to light rail. What the taxpayers also need to know is that they will be paying for the operation and maintenance of that system...yes, subsidizing the fares the estimated 4.5% of the commuters that will be using that system (by 2025) to take them where they don't want to go when they don't want to get there. Has anybody figured out the cost of getting the commuters to and from the transit station to where they really need to get to? Another fact that the voters need to consider is that if they approve these taxes, the earliest they will see them go away (when is the last time you saw a tax go away?) is 2057. They also need to be asking the proponets of this measure exactly WHEN they will see the completion of these projects...they might be surprised! What will be on the ballot was NEVER the intent of the Legislature! This is NOT the best we can do...it isn't even close....

I'm not going to vote for this either. The state government will not spend this money wisely. All of the crazy environmental impact statements that need to be written are just one example and the state charging itself sales tax is amazing. That is simply a way for the state to skim transportation money for other uses. This money over the years, if banked and then spent prudently, probably could have paid for one or more of the current mega projects.

Of course, this tax skimming works only way. State, local government, and mass transit vehicles are exempt from licensing taxes. Perhaps we should introduce a initiative to starting charging governments for their fair share of these costs.

The State is unbelieveable. In the past there have been taxes earmarked for transportation and the money disappeared in to the General Fund and never used on transportation. The State has lied to us so many times about transportation taxes I don't know how to believe them. I know that I won't believe them because they hired a campaign consultant. The consultant is getting paid to convince the voters no matter what the package looks like. The consultant has NOTHING in this game except the BIG CHECK the State will pay him. I'd like to know how much that is costing and is it coming from the transportation budget or the General Fund. Get the transportation money that they put in the General Fund and lied about out of the General Fund and back in to Transportation and I'll consider voting for more money, if it's required. Let's see some honesty from the State. Right now my vote is NO!!!!!

NO - I won't support another Excise Tax. Our elected officials weren't real truthful with what the the .10 cent gas per gallon tax covered, so why would this return to the Excise tax be any different. I'm not confident that the "street" value of the vehicles determined by the state would be accurate. Vehicles depreciate at a much greater rate than the example provided.

Not only that, but Sound Transit doesn't make it easy or convenient to use their system. They don't provide adequate parking at the train stations, in fact at Auburn they've actually taken parking away at the because of an agreement with local buisnesses who agreed to help with initial financing (unknown to the ridership) required the parking spaces. We couldn't even buy a pass for parking there. There is hardly any parking available at the Sumner Station. Puyallup is full by the 2nd train. I hate to think of Kent.
Georgia Shriver

Oh sure increase taxes to make Seattle's congestion better, what about the rest of the state? How about having to wait 1.5 hours just to get on the first ferry leaving the island you live on? And then not making the ferry becasue there are too many other vehicles from other islands... then the state increases the fees on top of increased fees with no imporved service. So tell me how are these increased taxes going to solve this issue now and for the future?

When and how is Sound Transit going to help me get my shoping done at Costco? Or get any of the other shopping done that cannont be done out in the islands... Let's not forget WE are still part of the state and WE need help with congestion too!!! We already pay a lot of taxes plus a 'toll-fee' to get to and from our home, why make it impossable for us Financially????

VOTE NO TO THIS TAX INCREASE!!!

I am a new driver and listen intently to my parents discuss all of these issues. It scares me to think that the state wants more and more money with nothing to show. I am concerned because how do I ever afford a vehicle if I will not be able to pay for the tabs? I am not able to vote, but if I was, I would vote no. This affects me too!

This state has too Much money! How about using all the money spent on noise reduction walls for people who bought their houses next to the freeway at a million $ a mile! Or those off/on ramps so that transit buses in Lynnwood and Mill Creek avoid ONE traffic light to get to
I-5!!! Use that money that we waste, then talk to me. Even if it passes, why can't the state use NADA or Kelly....they create their own depreciation...up to their exact same underhanded, greedy ways....Again!\
VOTE NO!!!

I will vote no!

Sound Transit stole money from tax payers last time and the state needs to LISTEN and SERVE the people of Washington before taking in more money.

This Democrat controlled state has wasted MONEY and TIME to the point that structures are LITERALLY crumbling - time and time again! It is the WASTE not the cost that frustrates the tax payers. For years transportation dollars have been wasted! User taxes like Gas Taxes and Tolls are the way to go and not the SUBJECTIVE value of a car.

well it sounds like about 98% of us are voting no, you think that guy getting interviewed on the news supporting the plan with naive optimizum is going to listen to us? .... no.

If Gregoire can find the money to hire 8,000 (that's thousand!) new state eomployees...the state can find the money to fix roads w/out an excise tax. Use the payroll tax from state employees to pay for the roads. Just the extra 8,000 ought to take care of that!!

A couple of more things to add to my previous remarks...Voters need to remember that they are voting for taxes NOT projects...it is totally within the authority of the RTID Board to change those projects. Also many of these projects are requiring matching funds from various local jurdisctions...voters need to be asking those jurdictions if they have the matching funds or they anticipate the need to raise those matching fund revenues from other increased taxes !

Like everything else that is proposed by the leadership, this is designed to do nothing for anyone except King County. Any idiot driving on I-5 North on any given day can see that Light Rail won't work because the vast majority (95%or better) are single passenger vehicles. Get the trucks from Oregon and California off the roads and make the cargo move by rail and suddenly you don't have so much highway congestion and breakdown because of overweight vehicles. Use a toll that makes folks who use those particular roads pay for improvement. Spokane and Walla Walla etc. don't stand to benefit from anything but will help bear the burden of the insatiable tax mongers that live in our legislature. I'll be voting NO and I don't care what kind of creative sales plans are put in place.

We need real experience running the projects not these cheerleaders that always get promoted to positions they cant handle.

There is no way that I will vote yes for another transportation tax increase so soon after the last one!!!! No way! First it was six cents and we believed the hype and quietly voted yes. Then the six cents became nine and still the viaduct and other allegedly unsound structures on the supposed verge of imminent collapse await funding while Seattle's mayor, King County, and the Governor battle to define who's in charge.
Folks...remember when our vehicle tabs were in the hundreds of dollars and rising annually? If we do not give pause now to see where present monies are going and reflect on how well it's being spent, Olympia will further be encouraged to want more, take more, use more. This is an insatiable appetite for tax dollars that our open wallets can sate or our closed ones can help manage and control.
Yes we do need to address road infrastructure issues and encourage additional use of public transportation; however, financial decisions should be framed as running a marathon instead of a race into our pockets.
Let's first assess how well state leaders are managing our present "nine cents" worth of projects before committing billions of more.

Well I decided to put in my two cents after reading all the other comments. My vote is NO! My first complaint is why are these two issues on the ballot together? They are two seperate issues. And no, you the state cannot dip into my wallet any more! I pay and pay and pay and get nothing for my money now. I will vote down anything now that washington government wants more tax dollars for. You have had enough of my hard earned money and you are not getting any more. I have seen nothing for the other gas tax increases we grudgingly gave you. You will not get another dime of my money if I have anything to say about it! Hey WASHINGTON, VOTE NO!

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes. Where does it all go? We have seen major growth, This has to result in increased revenue. I know personally my taxes have gone up significantly. I avoid Seattle at almost any cost. I have refused Free Mariner, seahawk and other event tickets. It just isnt worth the hassle. I think it would come as a surprise but the rest of the state is not here to support Seattle. The big monster needs to deal with its issues without draining the pockets of the rest of the states tax payers. One thing I would do if I lived there is insist the spending made sense. Where does it go is it being spent responsibly?

NO!!! NO!!!

How many times will government keep trying to overide the will of the voters ??

I can't agree with this tax. It is not a consumption tax, but another form of income tax. Further, I'll not vote for anything that gives Sound Transit more money without a plan for rail transit that actually goes where the congestion is. What about an eastside line that follows 405 and where the commuters actually go?

Further, I would support an iniative that provides external oversight of expenses (like the GAO) to account for the waste we do have. Once government is as lean as private industry and individuals, we can discuss alternative funding measures (if they are still needed).

This is sad. As someone who has worked hard to try and convince Sound Transit to put together a reasonable and rational package only to see them fill this with billions in pork and waste I have to say that this deal is Dead On Arrival.

They are trying to sell us on a plan that will cost us $1.1 TRILLION over the next hundred years to deliver completely ineffective projects while they have completely ignored massive pressure from the public to include the BNSF corridor as a low cost, easy to impliment, commuter rail solution.

As much as I hate to say it, vote no on this pig, and then push the legislature to make Sound Transit into a Public Facilities District with an elected board that is directly accountable to the voters.

That is the only way we will ever get reasonable and cost effective solutions.

They like all government projects are doing this backward. Before spending any money on a plan you should find out how you are going to fund it. Like us buying a house you don't go look for your dream house then figure out how to pay for it or it will never happen. You go to the bank or other lender and find out how much you can afford then you go find a house that fits your budget. Government should do the same instead of waisting all this money up front in planning and 10 year research then getting it shot down in a few months because it cant be funded.

I got it! if you want to do it there way just borrow the money from China or tack it onto the national debt, it won't even make a dent. Check it out.... http://zfacts.com/p/461.html

IF you think I am willing to give sound transit another dollar your nuts. When we voted down the taxes on our veh tabs they snubbed their noses at us and continued to collect our money anyway and the wonderful state let them! What is the matter with them. THey will not get another dime from me. THe transportation bill needs to live within their means like the rest of us. No No and No is how I will vote and people are crazy if they give any of these people any more of our hard earned money!

The people voted excise taxes down several years ago. Then the state increased vehicle registration fees based on vehicle weight. A large SUV pays more than a small car, as it should be. Then the state increased gas taxes to pay for road repairs/improvements. Where is this money going? Everyone know that the gas tax money goes directly into the general fund and is NOT dedicated to transportation projects. I'll vote NO to this tax increase.

I appreciate comments about the economic effect on the state should Seattle not get tax relief. However, the Province of King sucks up too much of the state budget in DOT expenditures while other less populated areas go without real road improvements. Since the late 80's my county has been promised a third lane on I-5 that would be budgeted "..in ten more years". Twenty years have elapsed and no third lane. Now we are strangled with freeway traffic. Yet money keeps getting poured into Seattle and the 2nd Narrows bridge was built. Those of us in the other parts of Washington will not tolerate taking our money and not "sharing" the DOT budget. Worse yet the proposed license tab tax will be bumped to the advertised amount and then a few years down the road legislators will up it again without shame. I don't care if a wealthy luxury car owner should "pay their fair share". I only care that I and my family and friends will be proportionately gouged for the value of our personal cars/vehicles. I was surprised that the state rep admitted in Robert's story that the state had been unfairly estimating the value of our vehicles for tax purposes. This allowed the state to take in more taxes than they should have. And they were appalled that the citizenry reacted they way they did by voting for Iman's initiative. Down town Seattle's I-5 narrows from four lanes to two lanes under the convention center. Oh, that convenion center was built on top of an empty lot that could have been gutted and allowed for a multi-lane expansion through down town. Building the convention center over top and keeping the lanes pinched down to two lanes is insane. I'm not voting for a new tax for the state to squander. Sound Transit doesn't deserve a huge chunk of the budget. It doesn't serve enough riders. It also doesn't stop down the street from me to hop on.

You know when the state keeps asking us for more and more many it really chaps my hide. We are the highest taxed state and we never have enough many for there big plans. I for one would love to know where it goes!

I have had it with the tax gouging this state does & with 'gas tax' that just gets added to the general fund & NEVER are available for what they were supposedly collected for.
Enough! When the value of my home becomes more in line with what it actually is, when the roads start being taken care of from all we pay now, when I live where I can take a bus or the train I pay towards now & can't reasonable use - THEN I will consider money approval in levys & in these issues. Until then - government better get out of my pocket.

We are a over taxed state, property taxe going up yearly, 9% sales tax and Highest national gas taxe and Liquor taxe. How can they even ask for more taxes my property taxes are 4,000.00 yearly in Colorado the same valued house would be 1/2 of that. I would certainly vote no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The plan is backwards. Due to the geographic sprawl of our vicinity and the disgusting lack of prior planning and failed construction projects (building,tearing down and then rebuilding on-off ramps on I-405 in Bellevue, etc.) in conjunction with designed blockage of I-5 expansion (note: Convention Center shrinking the downtown corridor to 2 lanes from 7) we are now so behind that the concept of light rail and patchwork road improvements will still fail to bring us the needed capacity for regional transportation. The projects also will take too long to complete. We need a combination of new roads, buses, buses and more buses with only a small committment to light rail.
Thank you.

We must pass this transportation bill to provide transportation needs in the future. If not traffic will get so bad that this area will suffer economicly and future costs will even be greater. We need the mass transportation even more then we need the roads.

Sound Transit will kill this, and has been a problem for Transit for years. Because of their blank check approach... the Monorail tried to limit themselves before knowing all the facts and that ended up backing into a corner what still would have been a better system.

Roads move people to and through a city, light rail can't do that.

And I lost all trust for sound transit when they chose an expensive tunnel vs just paralleling I-90 between first hill and beacon hill. It told me they were about paying contractors off not efficient transit.

As long as sound transit is getting any money... NO WAY

Seems pretty one sided here. I believe I have only seen one yes, and my guess is that it comes from someone who drives a old car that will still have $30 tabs.

I will be voting NO! Our governmental leaders -- especially Ron Sims -- have taken advantage of King County voters long enough. Why should we pay for commuter transit when we cannot depend on a bus to get us from the UW to Ballard!? I have WALKED it 3 or 4 times when the power was off or the street was blocked, because they are all electric trollies. The northbound buses come from West Seattle, which means that every problem there and downtown affects service North; how stupid. No more taxes for transit until Metro is fixed!

I live in Gig Harbor. We just had the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge shoved down our throats to be paid for with user fees. No one else is helping us pay the cost except those that use it. Not King, Pierce, Snowhomish or anyother county! If the state can force us to pay for our megaprojects, then they should do the same everywhere else. Period.

Where is all the gas tax increases going? Where is the Lotto revenue going? Where is the extra money in the budget going? It's time for a real accounting of the Transportation division, how do they spend the money? This needs to be done before you ask for more.

A BIG "NO" VOTE from me on this one! The State hasn't proved to me that they can wisely spend our tax money they're ALREADY getting from us. Especially when you consider that the DOT spends a few hundred THOUSAND dollars on a "party" to open the new Narrows Bridge - money that COULD have been put towards paying off the darn thing! (I'd like to have the "yes" people on this board EXPLAIN how THAT is in the best interest of voters!)
I say we should find all our elected officials who backed this rediculous tab-tax resurection ( or even THOUGHT of this idea) and make sure they don't get voted back in to office.

It strikes me that all tax increases, are solely benefiting King County/Seattle. The rest of Washington State, is still sitting with old roads, potholes and all. Wake up and smell the coffee. It belongs in Seattle, not the State of Washington.

I am totally against this bill. Our government already taxes all of us to much. Even business's get taxed allot. Running a business in this state isn't affordable. It just shows, hurt companies first, then go after the public. I say wrong. If they have money problems, don't take it out on us. They need to fix their own problems first.

Re tax suggestion. I forgot to add, Whatever happened to the surplus Governor Gregoire inherited? Can't some of that be used towards the projects she means to get from us the taxpayer. I am fed up being taxed to where we struggle to live. Bring back Dino Rossi.

I will vote NO!!. Speaking only for what I see in Pierce county there is nothing in the package that will benefit the commuter. The SR167 expansion wiull only serve the Port of Tacoma in moving containers to the warehouses in the Puyallup and Sumner areas. The Cross base highway wil likely never be built and the SR-162 fiascal does nothing to alleviate the grid lock between Sumner and Orting. On the transit side the link between Seatac and Tacoma accomplishes what? All funded by an excisetacx the voters have resoundily said no to on more than one occasion. We would be better served by getting rid of the 20th century mentality of our current office holders and electing someone with a new perspective, but even with that the current politicians are trying to undo the will of the voters.

I will be voting no on an increase to the License Plate Tabs, mainly because the majority of the improvements are located on the West side of the state in and around Seattle/Tacoma. I'm located in the Tri-Cities and don't really see where this is helping us.

Yep again we have to vote against CRAP like this and income tax every few years. Its truly amazing the State has had increased revenue from all the taxes on fuel, property and sales, but yet are always wanting more. The population has doubled
(this increasing the revenue even more in the last 10 years) but they are always wanting more. Well its time to send a Major Wake up call to Olympia. NO MORE TAXES AND FEE'S. Additionally at least gregotax&spend won't be able to stuff ballot boxes in king county this time. Heck with her record, i could win the govenor race.

Why should I vote for Seattle's light rail? It's not going to help me in Port Angeles. And as far as the License tabs go I will be voting NO on any new tab tax.

only a fool would vote for this washington is one of the highest state Vote No or Dont vote

I will vote against the Highway and Transit proposal. Here is why! If you add up all the different tax packages being proposed over the next few years there is no way we as individuals can afford the cost. The Tri County has to understand we as tax payers are looking at our individual bottom line. For me it becomes a matter of financial survival.

I will vote against the Highway and Transit proposal. Here is why! If you add up all the different tax packages being proposed over the next few years there is no way we as individuals can afford the cost. The Tri County has to understand we as tax payers are looking at our individual bottom line. For me it becomes a matter of financial survival.

NO MORE TAXES OLYMPIA MORONS!!!!YOU CANT BE TRUSTED WITH OUR MONEY NOW.MAKE ANY TRANSPORTATION TAXES REGIONAL SO PEOPLE WHO PAY GET SOME BENEFIT, NOT JUST KING COUNTY.

Why is it that our arrogant generation thinks that it can enjoy the sacrifices of previous ones and not pay it forward. And Eastern Washington residence need to wake up to the fact that, per capita, the state spends nearly six times east of the mountains as it does west of the mountains.

Why is it that our arrogant generation thinks that it can enjoy the sacrifices of previous ones and not pay it forward. And Eastern Washington residence need to wake up to the fact that, per capita, the state spends nearly six times east of the mountains as it does west of the mountains on roads!!!

It amazing how many people make comments without understanding the issue. The new taxes only apply in Pierce, Snohomish and King Counties, so you folks who live in San Juan, Kittitas, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Tri Cities will have no vote on this issue. Also if you actually read the plan you will see that they intend to put tolls on the new 520 bridge, just like the Tacoma Narrows. PS since the bridge opened I've gotten back a 1/2 of my life, well worth a $1.75.

We have to pay for it some way, if its not in the tabs, it has to come out of something else. I think this is reasonable, if you could afford a really fancy vehicle, you could afford the extra bucks...its really not that much extra.

Its also sad that some voters are only concerned about how it affects where they currently live. This is investing in our future for our children and grandchildrens futue transportation issues.

Like stated earlier; The politicians aren’t listening to the people whom voted down the vehicle tax time and time again. IF Seattle wants a tax then let, the county or city tax themselves to pay for Seattle road projects. NO more taxes.

No way will I vote to raise car tabs. We voted for $30, never got them, but all governement agencies increased rates to accomodate the $30 that never happened. Where did all the money go? I am sick and tired of being ripped off over and over again by the State of Washington!

NO MORE TAXES AND FEE'S...The State hasn't proven to me that they can wisely spend our tax money they're ALREADY getting!

where is the accountability? we keep giving them more money for the same projects the projects don't get built and then they come back again for another dip in our wallet.Now they will spend millions of our dollars trying to get us to vote for it. I supose if they win the next thing will be to tax our shoes since noone will be able to afford to drive,or take a bus.

I live in downtown Seattle, I do not own a car and every work day I commute 30+ miles. I rely on public transportation. I can say though that if a package of items to vote on is presented to me, and I do not agree with some of the key items of the package, I will vote no on the entire deal. I do not see why these items can not be broken down in to individual items to approve or reject. It’s a shame because I probably would vote yes on a fair amount of the issues. I hope they will give us something to vote on that we all don’t have to compromise on.

I voted against it once before and will again. I live in Snohomish County outside of Sultan and have to travel what has now been nicknamed "Death Highway" which is #2 East. Just this summer alone there have been over 10 accidents and 6 deaths. Yet, nothing has even been done to this highway, nor do I believe ever will. How does the tax benefit my area, its doesn't. It only benefits King County and Seattle.(Sound Transportation) is also Seattle not any of the other counties. Therefore the only individuals that benefit are those living in Seattle/King County. Why should I pay for an area I neither live in nor travel to. Why not charge those individuals that live in Seattle and King county the tax and keep the $30.00 for those individuals that live in counties it neither benefits nor improves, such as mine. That sounds more than fair to me.

I am voting "Hell No!" My property taxes DOUBLED this last round... Why can't that money be used for transportation? All I hear is Tax, Tax, Tax... I am sick of it. We have the highest paid public university presidents and football coaches in the country but we don't have enough money for roads. Raise taxes for light rail? Why? Just charge more for tickets... Why do I have to pay for someone else's train ride. Every year I pay more and more and then I hear people want more taxes. When I see a cap on property taxes tied to inflation maybe I can be swayed but until then... don't even think about it.

I can't just can't pay anymore.

The last gas tax increase came with promises of replacing the 520 bridge & the viaduct - where did the $$$ go? Why should we believe that the state is all of a sudden going to spend our money wisely? That (huge) issue aside, I resent having that boondoggle train project shoved down our throats - it's ridiculous to spend that kind of money on something that even its proponents admit will only carry approx 1% of the trips daily. The highway & train/mass transit issues need to be presented separately. Of course the politicians won't do it that way because they know people are smart enough to vote down their pet train and pass the highway package, so they're holding us hostage to their train in order to get the highway projects we want & need. Our politicians need to quit cow-towing (sp?) to the environmental & global warming KOOKS and realize that this is NOT Europe or Japan, that our citizens by & large do NOT want to ride busses & trains, we want to drive our own cars. Our representative government needs to BE representative and get about the business of building & maintaining the highway system we want & need. I would be happy to pay higher taxes to build roads - not bike or carpool/transit lanes - but roads I can drive in my single-occupancy SUV which I will give up when they pry the wheel out of my cold, dead hands.

NO!NO!NO! Has anybody been on Highway #2 going from Goldbar to Monroe either in the morning or afternoon. Or even #203 from Duval to Goldbar. Traffic is tailgate to tailgate for hours, and they are asking for me to vote on projects that only benefit Seattle. I think NOT!!!

Oh yeah... A new 520 bridge... One catch... Its not going to add any new general car lanes... only HOV. What are we gaining.. its a waste of money. I hear the argument that if we add more lanes they will only fill up in a few years.... Think of what the heck will happen if we don't add lanes! If we follow the Sierra clubs logic, we could solve the trafiic mess by reducing lanes on the freeway... Think of it... the major highway between Canada and Mexico.... two lanes wide in each direction through Seattle. How to pay for it? Use the propety tax increases that are being hoisted upon us each year. No More taxes! Why don't we use all of that monorail money we forked out? Thats a perfect example of how our goverment uses additional taxes.

I'm voting a resounding "NO!!" to this. The state has already demonstrated that it can't act in a fiscally responsible manner and spend OUR money wisely.

And just because someone drives a more expensive car, they should pay more to drive on the same road? Doesn't each car occupy the same space and "damage" the road the same amount? How does the value of the car have anything to do with it??

How about the state actually do the right thing and prioritize spending and CUT OUT THE PORK BARREL SPENDING!!! Maybe if the government wasn't the largest employer in the state of Washington, we'd have more of our tax dollars actually working for us.

Signed,
Disgusted over-taxed payer.

Consider for a moment who owns the media... They want tolls for some reason all over the place. Probably.., they will be owned privately, and that is what will be the likely outcome in paying for the new bridges. The only thing to do with that, is to make sure the toll disappears after the bridge has been payed for. This is something to get in writing. The media is just toying with us about raising car tabs;they know car tabs will never pass again, and they want their privately run (corporate) tolling stations. They also can take your pictures (like on the narrows bridge)and store them for 20 years. I also wonder if the RF chip(yes its there) inside the transponder(good to go pass) in your car has any listening devices or locating systems. Caution.... Caution... Be careful to make good decisions. The money has to come from somewhere, I would just rather not open up my pocket book indefinitely, and I would rather not let it be run by any private companies where there are no checks and balances....
The next step would be to speak to your representatives, and research anything we could do on the matter. I know I will be.

Are you kidding me?? How crazy is THIS?? I recently bought a new vehicle. If I had known that I was going to have to pay 3-4 hundred dollars a year for the tabs there's no way I would have purchased this expensive of a vehicle. Guess what folks? That means that I would not have paid all those taxes on the purchase of the vehicle which were over 9%. SO the moral of the story is that people will think twice before buying the more expensive vehicles and the state tax taken in will be less. Seems like the state will be shooting themselves in the foot. So just where is all the money going that goes to the gas tax? Oh, yes, I saw the beautiful sound barriers. Good God, do we really need decorations on the cement? Aren't we suppose to be watching the road so we don't rear end the car in front of us? It would be nice if the state would put the money they are bringing in to practical work instead of trying to be "artsy". NO on the license tab tax AGAIN!! Our government in Olympia has some VERY slow learners.

Has anyone had a $30 tab fee in recent years? not me! Keep our tpt. taxes from going to the General Fund. Mark Funk stated there hasn't been a vote w/o a Tpt. tax in the last 10 years. No wonder voters are saying no. Not only do the taxes continue, but the projects will not be funded for COMPLETION. It's just the hook!

"VISION 21" proposed by State Sen. Cheryl Pflug's (5th District) plan calls for fully funding and COMPLETING the following just by delaying ST2:
* A six lane tunnel replacement for the Alaska Way Viaduct,
* Rebuild SR-520 bridge w/o tolls,
* Connect SR-167 to the Port of Tacoma,
* Connect SR-509 to I-5,
* Expand the Cross-Base Highway.
This common sense plan (SB 6169) was defeated by the Democratic controlled State Congress.

.... and, yet with all the State tpt. problems, we even have leaders who want to take a good operating Eastside railroad (which parallels I-405) and turn it into a bicycle path. This type of leadership has us in the situation we're in today!!!!

No! new taxes. We pay gas tax. $30.00 + filing fees + weight fees. Every so many years we are forced to buy new license plates @ 10.00+ What is wrong whith the old ones to they get out dated? What does the state do with all the old ones? A few years down the road are they going to charge a clean up fee for them?

I do not support any tax that in essence double charges a tax payer for a purchase. When a vehcicle is sold, the State collects sales tax, in King County that rate is rapidly approaching 9%. If you pay 50k for a car, that tax is $4500.00. The arguement that the person who pays 50k or 100k for a car should pay more is not reasonable. The person already pays more, they have paid more for sales tax, and very likely contribute more to the economy through their other expenses. They share the roads (the Great American Equalizer) with citizens whose vehicles do the same amount of wear, take the same amount of space, pollute equaly and contribute to the same amount of congestion. Taxation based on value of ones vehicle is not reasonable. Tolls for use are the reasonable alternative. Perhaps with tolls we would eliminate congestion, polution, and this debate. Tax the user.
This solution works remarkably well on the East Coast. Perhaps we could take a lesson from the entire Eastern Seaboard.

To King 5: Given the comments here, I think it wasn't made clear that this tax is only in the Sound Transit district, not across the entire state. A lot of the comments I've read here are from people who won't even be presented with the vote saying they'll vote no - and as many saying that they've given "Olympia" enough money when the RTID and Sound Transit are local.

This is a joke right? What is our state legislator and the DOT thinking? Do they think think that were so dumb that we won't see the big picture on what will end up paying if we vote this in? I don't see this sort of thing getting voted in by the voters at all. I sure as hell won't want to pay for this.

Cant everyone see that the tolls are what they really want to happen (PRIVATE COMPANIES). Look into what is going on across the country. They are just riling everyone up to ensure that they get what they really want............... THE REAL GAME IS ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY, AND THEY ARE PLAYING US LIKE FOOLS(OF COURSE THE TABS WILL NOT PASS;WHAT IS THEIR REAL AGENDA)!!! Hurray, here comes the elected official ??? to save the day (right).

Transit is clearly megalomania from the tax & spend politicians who've been lying to us for years about where the money goes. I will vote NO.

What is most painful about this new approach by electeds to raise our taxes is that we are one of the most heavily taxed regions in the country, have record amounts of revenue, and record surpluses, yet they continue to plead poverty and beg us for more. Why?

Because they continue to let the waste grow to consume all the resources.

King County has over 14 THOUSAND employees. To put that in perspective that is 40% more than the ENTIRE population of Woodinville. Worse they make on average far more than average wages and benifits.

Top that off there are over 200 people making over $100,000 a year in County Government.

They know you would vote no to every pay off for special interest, or wasteful spending projects (like a sewage treatment plant SEVEN TIMES more expensive than any ever build), so they take the basic services funding and blow it on things you would never approve of and keep coming back to you begging for more taxes to pay for the things you already paid them taxes to do.

We have to stop being fools and stop thinking "well we really need this so i'll vote yes" and start demanding that they get the spending priorities in order or send them packing.

What, did Tim Eyman send out another one of his rambling broadcast emails linking to this page?

One thing's for certain: it appears 90% of the people posting here don't actually live in the district where these taxes will be leveraged.

Another thing is certain: most opponents of the regional roads and light rail package base their opposition on pure ignorance, and blantant fact twisting.

I was going to go through a bunch of these and point out just how wrong many of these people are, but it would simply take way too long.

OK, I can't resist pointing out just how misguided some of these comments are:

'What is most painful about this new approach by electeds to raise our taxes is that we are one of the most heavily taxed regions in the country"

Actually, Truth Avoider, WA is ranked in the bottom third - and the burden falls highest on business, since we don't have an income tax. Maybe that's why Eyman's populist pitchfork revolt always seems to fall flat lately. And, no, the "politicians" aren't going to raise your taxes. Do a little more truth detecing, and discover this is a public vote - you know, just like the kinds of elections Eyman's always asking for...

"This is a joke right? What is our state legislator and the DOT thinking? Do they think think that were so dumb that we won't see the big picture on what will end up paying if we vote this in?"

Hey, Bryant Floyd - that's almost exactly what Minnesota's "no new taxes ever" Governor said when he vetoed the gas tax last year. Think he's had any second thoughts lately? In fact, he did just yesterday! And Norm Coleman is calling for a property tax hike. Maybe we need to wait for a bridge collapse out here for the NO NEW TAXES EVER crowd to catch on? So, let me get this straight: you think a state legislator is going to raise this tax on his own? C'mon people!!

"Are you kidding me?? How crazy is THIS?? I recently bought a new vehicle. If I had known that I was going to have to pay 3-4 hundred dollars a year for the tabs there's no way I would have purchased this expensive of a vehicle. "

Uh, Marty - it's not government's job to prevent you from buying a $50k vehicle. Most people who spend more than $40k can afford luxury items. You may also wish to note that the tax you're paying probably represents only 1/10th of your annual vehicle costs. You need roads to drive on with your new $50k car, right?

"VISION 21 proposed by State Sen. Cheryl Pflug's (5th District) plan calls for fully funding and COMPLETING the following just by delaying ST2:

This common sense plan (SB 6169) was defeated by the Democratic controlled State Congress."

Uh, there is no such thing as a state Congress, APPY - and the reason Pflug's bill went nowhere may have something to do with the fact NOBODY supported it. She showed up to her press conference alone. The fact her bill was illegal and unconstitutional may have had something to do with its lack of support...you think?

".... and, yet with all the State tpt. problems, we even have leaders who want to take a good operating Eastside railroad (which parallels I-405) and turn it into a bicycle path."

Wrong again, APPY. King County is proposing dual use - ie, bikes and trains. Get your facts straight. Please.

"How about the state actually do the right thing and prioritize spending and CUT OUT THE PORK BARREL SPENDING!!!"

Hey, Scott - have you ever stopped for a second to think your "priority" project is somebody else's "pork" project? If you're going to make these claims, get specific for once: tell us why your pet project is more important than the guy who lives in Sumner's "pet" 167 project.

Here't a tip for most all y'all: the world does not revolve around you.

"It amazing how many people make comments without understanding the issue."

Uh, that's exactly the point, Dan. If they actually understood the details, all these Eyman clones wouldn't be so OUTRAGED!!!

"The new taxes only apply in Pierce, Snohomish and King Counties, so you folks who live in San Juan, Kittitas, the Olympic Peninsula, and the Tri Cities will have no vote on this issue"

Thank you for spelling that out, Dan. I can understand why anti-tax and anti-people conservatives want to live in isolated areas...but the idea they're still worried about how the rest of us (who reside in the state's economic engine) want to improve our lives...that speaks volumes.

"Think of what the heck will happen if we don't add lanes! If we follow the Sierra clubs logic, we could solve the trafiic mess by reducing lanes on the freeway... "

Uh, E. Schubert, the Sierra Club is on your side - they're opposing the package, too. The reason an 8 lane 520 didn't work has to do with the fact you can't widen I-5, and an 8 lane bridge would have tied up I-5 north even worse than it is now. If you look into this issue even a little bit (no more, mind you!) you will find all these highways are interconnected. I know that's a tough concept to grasp.

"I am voting "Hell No!" My property taxes DOUBLED this last round... Why can't that money be used for transportation?"

Well, E. Schubert - for one, your property taxes go into the general fund, to pay for things like education. The voters in Seattle passed a pavement package last year which upped our property taxes, but they can't bond on that money. The mega projects in question (like 520) require bonding to pay them off. Get it?

Thank you, E. Schubert for raising the fact the fringes on both sides are opposed: the Sierra Club and the neighbors think 520 is too big, and the "pave the planet" types think the new freeway just isn't big enough (despite the fact the new 6 lane bridge will be twice as wide as the current one, because it will have shoulders)

Relly, people. This stuff isn't that hard to figure out if you do a little research (the anti-Eyman approach). If you continue to dwell on fiction and mythology, you will continue to be OUTRAGED!!! But maybe that's the point?

"When and how is Sound Transit going to help me get my shoping done at Costco? Or get any of the other shopping done that cannont be done out in the islands... Let's not forget WE are still part of the state and WE need help with congestion too!!! "

OK, no need to comment on that one. Sheer ignorance speaks for itself.

One last tip: if you move out to the boonies, don't expect every possible urban service available, 'kay?

It's weird how even the most strident "self-sufficient" conservative is mostly focused on their own self-centered self-interest, and is really just muffling their secret inner voice, which says: "where's my handout?"

It's a shanme - I was only able to get through about 1/4 of all OUTRAGE based on PURE MYTHOLOGY above. I'm sure the band of Eyman sheep will be back....

Nothing like showing up to a gun fight armed with a knife, right guys?

For those who don't live in KING, SNOHOMISH or PIERCE Counties, this proposal does not affect you in terms of license tab tax (and you don't get to vote on this either). I still voting NO!, because RTID does not push tolls enough. Why should you people outside of Puget Sound area get to drive on roads that you don't pay. Tolls is a way to get you to pay. If you use it, then you pay. If don't use it, then you don't pay. Simple.

It's interesting that individuals and groups like the GYFSF (GetYourFactsStraightFolks) begin getting personal and avoid many of the total facts. I knew it wouldn't be long before some effected group would try disproving all anti-tax comments. Instead of attacking Sen. Pflug's Vision 21 specifics, this group (which is typical) attack her. Does this anonymous group really think this ballot gives the citizens of this state the best bang for the buck?

Also, Sims did not talk duo purpose (except jog and bike) until there was a public uproar about getting rid of the tracks. And there are very few examples where once a track is taken out that it is ever again re-installed. The Maple Valley corridor is just one example of once gone, always gone.

-Instead of attacking Sen. Pflug's Vision 21 specifics, this group (which is typical) attack her.-

Why should anybody attack her? She is her own worst enemy.

I heard Pflug talking on the radio about "her" plan, and it quickly became apparent she had no idea what "her plan" entailed. She didn't even know if ST2 had to pass first before the freeway enthusiasts could get their hooks into those funds.

I would hazard a guess that Vision 21 was written by former Senator Jim Horn, who was tossed out by the voters precisely BECAUSE of his views on transportation issues. I wouldn't think Horn is exactly the best role model for Pflug to be following.

- Does this anonymous group really think this ballot gives the citizens of this state the best bang for the buck?-

Nobody supports it beyond John Carlson and possibly Dori Monson - not even Pflug's own colleagues.

How will we get "the biggest bang for the buck" if the legislation can't even get out of the gate?

And why would anybody support this proposal when the sponsor doesn't even understand how it would work (and doesn't understand it would also fail constitutional muster...details, details)

So a couple right wing talk show hosts liked it. So what. They got stomped out with 912, anyways - and proved they aren't a credible force in the urban areas of King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties a long time ago.

WAKE UP PEOPLE...TOLLS ARE THE SAME AS INCREASING THE TABS; THEY KEEP ON TAKING INDEFINITELY FROM YOUR POCKET BOOK. The toll is only good if it is controlled by the state government with limitations to the amount they can earn from it. This problem is far from solved, and I am not sure that these two options are the only ones available, at least not without some tweaking. Privately owned tollways are
no better than tab increases in the long run.

Correction.....---
Actually, privately owned business is worse because they expect to turn profits that don't benefit the citizens of the state more than likely.

The idea that Sen.Pflug's proposal had no support is simply wrong. Vision 21 was proposed as an amendment 424 to HB 1396 and received 19 votes on the floor of the Senate. Votes on the floor of the Senate are a better indication of support than attendance at a press conference. Some individuals / groups are more interested in media coverage than solid creative ideas which can really solve issues. The bill was drafted quite late in the session, so the fact she was able to get as much support as she did is really quite remarkable. And, as is often the case in politics, some ideas proposed by the minority party are not rejected because they are bad ideas, but because the majority party does not want the minority party to get any credit for having a good idea. This also played a part in her inability to gain final passage.

As to the illegality or unconstitutionality of the proposal, I have no idea what GYFSF is referring to. Just remember, nothing is illegal or unconstitutional until a court says it is. Moreover, the legislature is given a great deal of deference by the courts. The legislature also has the privilege of changing laws to avoid breaking them, which her bill did to enable dollars that would otherwise be spent on a transit project to be spent on road projects.

An individual / group should learn the facts before taking on the name "GetYourFactsStraightFolks". This obvious error would lead rational people to question all of their comments.

Vision 21 may be the approch for the next tpt. plan when the tax package fails this November.

Vision 21 is a joke. It is not nearly good enough..!!!!
THEY CAN DO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT! Not sure exactly what you guys have been talking about (i did not read all), but coal capture technology relies on people being responsible and changing filters or maintaining certain levels of carbon emission. Not to mention that it keeps the process of trucking etc, the
same as the current oil process and allows them to turn and control all of the profits. Instead of consuming our natural resources, we could harness the natural power of the planets wind and the amazing power of the sun. Solar power is coming a
long way thanks to hologram
technology. We are an INTELLIGENT (as long as we pay attention) nation, and I am certain that we can come up with something.

HOPEFULLY PEOPLE THAT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE WILL BE
MORE WILLING TO DO THE RIGHT
THING, RATHER THAN MAKING CERTAIN COMPANIES THERE MONEY. WE ALL WILL PAY THE
PRICE, THAT IS MOTHER NATURES PROMISE.

This is a Re-post of a post I read by Sandy above. I thought what she said made great sense and I agree......
___________________________

I would definitely vote for the return of the car tab tax. I think it is a sad comment on State's residents that they cannot see beyond today. It is only going to get worse, not better. Anyone who believes the money cannot solve some of our transportation projects, just needs to spend a few mintues viewing the new Tacoma Narrow Bridge during rush hour. The new bridge has saved commuters at least 20 minutes each way per day. The car tab tax, although not perfect, is one way of distribution the escalating costs of keeping our transportation infrastructure in line with use. If the people of Washington cannot see beyond today, then the leaders we elect need to do it for us.

___________________________

My suggestion if you want to know what is going on with Transportation in Washington and where the dollars are going... Look at the State website. The dollars are going to projects throughout Washington. The Reason that King County benefits disproportionately is because of the population. King County also pays more money in State taxes than any other county in the State,this money goes to fund projects all over the state. I think it is important for the people of Washington to realize that it is important to always be building and replacing Infrastructure. It is a vital part of the State and Country we all enjoy. Let's do the right thing in November and vote YES as Washington Residents to Improve the flow of people and goods throughout our state.

~David

This is a Re-post of a post I read by Sandy above. I thought what she said made great sense and I agree......
___________________________

I would definitely vote for the return of the car tab tax. I think it is a sad comment on State's residents that they cannot see beyond today. It is only going to get worse, not better. Anyone who believes the money cannot solve some of our transportation projects, just needs to spend a few mintues viewing the new Tacoma Narrow Bridge during rush hour. The new bridge has saved commuters at least 20 minutes each way per day. The car tab tax, although not perfect, is one way of distribution the escalating costs of keeping our transportation infrastructure in line with use. If the people of Washington cannot see beyond today, then the leaders we elect need to do it for us.

___________________________

My suggestion if you want to know what is going on with Transportation in Washington and where the dollars are going... Look at the State website. The dollars are going to projects throughout Washington. The Reason that King County benefits disproportionately is because of the population. King County also pays more money in State taxes than any other county in the State,this money goes to fund projects all over the state. I think it is important for the people of Washington to realize that it is important to always be building and replacing Infrastructure. It is a vital part of the State and Country we all enjoy. Let's do the right thing in November and vote YES as Washington Residents to Improve the flow of people and goods throughout our state.

~David

The sectioned off part of this message is a Re-post of a posting written by Sandy who posted higher up on the page. I thought what she said made great sense and I agree......
___________________________

I would definitely vote for the return of the car tab tax. I think it is a sad comment on State's residents that they cannot see beyond today. It is only going to get worse, not better. Anyone who believes the money cannot solve some of our transportation projects, just needs to spend a few mintues viewing the new Tacoma Narrow Bridge during rush hour. The new bridge has saved commuters at least 20 minutes each way per day. The car tab tax, although not perfect, is one way of distribution the escalating costs of keeping our transportation infrastructure in line with use. If the people of Washington cannot see beyond today, then the leaders we elect need to do it for us.

___________________________

My suggestion if you want to know what is going on with Transportation in Washington and where the dollars are going... Look at the State website. The dollars are going to projects throughout Washington. The Reason that King County benefits disproportionately is because of the population. King County also pays more money in State taxes than any other county in the State,this money goes to fund projects all over the state. I think it is important for the people of Washington to realize that it is important to always be building and replacing Infrastructure. It is a vital part of the State and Country we all enjoy. Let's do the right thing in November and vote YES as Washington Residents to Improve the flow of people and goods throughout our state.

~David

The sectioned off part of this message is a Re-post of a posting written by Sandy who posted higher up on the page. I thought what she said made great sense and I agree......
___________________________

I would definitely vote for the return of the car tab tax. I think it is a sad comment on State's residents that they cannot see beyond today. It is only going to get worse, not better. Anyone who believes the money cannot solve some of our transportation projects, just needs to spend a few mintues viewing the new Tacoma Narrow Bridge during rush hour. The new bridge has saved commuters at least 20 minutes each way per day. The car tab tax, although not perfect, is one way of distribution the escalating costs of keeping our transportation infrastructure in line with use. If the people of Washington cannot see beyond today, then the leaders we elect need to do it for us.

___________________________

My suggestion if you want to know what is going on with Transportation in Washington and where the dollars are going... Look at the State website. The dollars are going to projects throughout Washington. The Reason that King County benefits disproportionately is because of the population. King County also pays more money in State taxes than any other county in the State,this money goes to fund projects all over the state. I think it is important for the people of Washington to realize that it is important to always be building and replacing Infrastructure. It is a vital part of the State and Country we all enjoy. Let's do the right thing in November and vote YES as Washington Residents to Improve the flow of people and goods throughout our state.

~David

There is a great article on the ST2 by Jim MacIsaac entitled "Don't believe the hype: Tri-county transit package is flawed", in this mornings Seattle Times.

I refuse to vote yes on a plan where I have to pay more to drive on the same roads as someone who drives a cheaper car. If we both drive 15,000 miles per year, there is no reason I should have to pay more. If you want my vote find a way to make it equal. One fee for all drivers. Value of the car should have nothing to do with it.

-The idea that Sen.Pflug's proposal had no support is simply wrong. Vision 21 was proposed as an amendment 424 to HB 1396 and received 19 votes on the floor of the Senate.-

Care to list those 19 members, APPY? Let me guess, maybe one or two of those Republicans represent districts within the RTA district, and have constituents paying those taxes. Who cares what Eastern WA thinks about local values, and local voters who support light rail by 80%, right?

-Votes on the floor of the Senate are a better indication of support than attendance at a press conference. -

Dude, nobody showed up to her press conference after Pflug sent word out it was going to be this big bi-partisan event. Did you happen to notice not a single other Senator co-sponsored her bill? That's plain pathetic.

-The bill was drafted quite late in the session, so the fact she was able to get as much support as she did is really quite remarkable.-

Yeah, John Carlson sure carries a lot of water around here, APPY.

-As to the illegality or unconstitutionality of the proposal, I have no idea what GYFSF is referring to. Just remember, nothing is illegal or unconstitutional until a court says it is. -

You're darn right you have no idea what you're talking about.

Reprogramming revenues approved by local voters for transit, and using that money for mega-project money pits would be contrary to the voters’ mandate. (never stopped a Republican before). Furthermore,
Sound Transit taxes cannot be authorized to fund general purpose lanes or highways under the law.
Sorry, APPY. Also, there are specific constitutional provisions which prevent the state from directing the use of local taxes, so this wasn't about the legislature writing laws - you would need a constitutional amendment to make this airhead's "Vision" reality.

-Vision 21 may be the approch for the next tpt. plan when the tax package fails this November.-

Yeah, APPY, especially given all the momentum it had last session...and given the overwhelming influence of right wing anti-transit Republicans in the legislature these days (what are Horn, Esser and Nixon up to these days?)

I will vote "NO". This tax will not benefit me at all. We live in Southwest Washington and none of the money ever comes down this way. Not to mention we pay enough in gas tax as it is and I sure don't see my wages increasing to cover the cost of the added expense of that or TABS. More than likely the government just wants to give themselves another raise. The money never goes where it is supposed to they are all a bunch of blowhards worried about making a dollar and heck with the people who actually have to work for that dollar.

25 years of Democratic "leadership" in this state, and this is what you get. A failed school system with a near 40% dropout rate; A failed transportation infrastructure with no hope to fix, coupled with a push to mass transit that nobody wants and no one will use; And taxes, Taxes, and more TAXES!

I very happy to see so many wanting to vote this boondoggle down. Now, if you want to really fix the problem, STOP VOTING DEMOCRAT! If you keep voting for the socialist, you'll be dealing with this crap forever.

-I will vote "NO". This tax will not benefit me at all. We live in Southwest Washington and none of the money ever comes down this way.-

Thank you, Eyman sheep. You continue to prove my point opposition to transportation investments is usually based on ignorance.

Shannon, you won't be voting in November. Only the urban areas of King Pierce and Snohomish counties will be voting and paying the taxes. In fact, if you happen to come through these parts (or get transfered here some day), and end up enjoying a less congested drive on 405, or I-5, for instance - you will actually be mooching off of us King County "Libocrats."

You're welcome in advance - but you're going to have to hope for a yes vote, first.

And btw, Shannon - you're wrong about "none of the money coming down this way." Look into the subject a little. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Projects/default.htm Furthermore, historically we city libs have been subsidizing your roads for some time now on a per capita basis. You don't hear anybody in Seattle whining about that fact, because we understand that the state and region's economy is interconnected. The rural and exurban Eyman brigade might enjoy taking shots at Pugetopolis, but the reality is, we're the state's economic engine (you know...jobs). Get used to it.

-A failed transportation infrastructure with no hope to fix, coupled with a push to mass transit that nobody wants and no one will use-

So, Told You So, the answer to failing infrastructure is to continue underfunding it? That sounds logical.

-I very happy to see so many wanting to vote this boondoggle down. Now, if you want to really fix the problem, STOP VOTING DEMOCRAT! -

Unfortunately, your unscientific poll comes from people who live outside the taxing district, Told You So. Inside the ST/RTID district, the Roads and Transit package enjoys a constant 60% support.

And as for the notion this is a Democrat plan, check in to see who's funding the campaign: the business community; you know, the folks who usually spend their money on the GOP. You may also wish to notice that the RTID was created by Republicans, and the decision to put the roads and rail together was also crafted by Republicans.

Told You So, take note that the high school graduation rate (70% in WA) has remained essentially the same since the 60's - mirroring the national rate.

On a national basis, WA ranks in the middle. If you want to check the worst ten states in terms of drop-out rate, guess what: with the exception of DC, all are majority Republican states.

Better luck next time, guys.

I will vote "NO". This tax will not benefit me at all. We live in Southwest Washington and none of the money ever comes down this way.-

You continue to prove my point that opposition to transportation investments is usually based on ignorance.

Shannon, you won't be voting in November. Only the urban areas of King Pierce and Snohomish counties will be voting and paying the taxes. In fact, if you happen to come through these parts (or get transfered here some day), and end up enjoying a less congested drive on 405, or I-5, for instance - you will actually be mooching off of us King County "Libocrats."

You're welcome in advance - but you're going to have to hope for a yes vote, first.

And btw, Shannon - I believe you're wrong about "none of the money coming down this way." Here are the facts: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Projects/default.htm

Furthermore, historically we city libs have been subsidizing your roads for some time now on a per capita basis. You don't hear anybody in Seattle whining about that fact, because we understand that the state and region's economy is interconnected. The rural and exurban Eyman brigade might enjoy taking shots at Pugetopolis, but the reality is, we're the state's economic engine (you know...jobs).

-A failed transportation infrastructure with no hope to fix, coupled with a push to mass transit that nobody wants and no one will use-

So, Told You So, the answer to failing infrastructure is to continue underfunding it? That statement seems to defy logic.

-I very happy to see so many wanting to vote this boondoggle down. Now, if you want to really fix the problem, STOP VOTING DEMOCRAT! -

Unfortunately, your unscientific poll comes from people who live outside the taxing district, Told You So. Inside the ST/RTID district, the Roads and Transit package enjoys a constant 60% support.

And as for the notion this is a Democrat plan, check in to see who's funding the campaign: the business community; you know, the folks who usually spend their money on the GOP. You may also wish to notice that the RTID was created by Republicans, and the decision to put the roads and rail together was also crafted by Republicans.

Told You So, take note that the high school graduation rate (70% in WA) has remained essentially the same since the 60's - mirroring the national rate.

On a national basis, WA ranks in the middle. If you want to check the worst ten states in terms of drop-out rate, guess what: with the exception of DC, all are majority Republican states.

After living in Washington state for 22 years, I left for Tennessee...home of a "legally elected" govenor ( a centrist democrat) and of state representives that LISTEN to their employers a.k.a. voters! If your tired of traffic congestion, wasteful governmental spending, endless red tape, people with attitudes, high cost of living, overcast skies and folks that refuse to carry their weight...move to rural Tennessee! Leave all of your emotional baggage behind and "relax" folks!

It's the WASTE not the cost! For years transportation $'s have been squandered on other items...money wasted that could have done plenty to fix the problems that they now want MORE money for. If I ran my finances like the stat and federal Govt. I would be in JAIL!

Posted by: Steve R
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Could not have said it better. just another way for the bureaucrat's to rake in more of OUR money. If it WAS actually going to roads it might be different. but we all know that money is going to welfare cheats or a politicians new marble pool.

And in response to "Gone to Tennessee". . . .i eventually might. but i Luv Washington Sate Geographically. . . .Just not Politically. I like to say "I dont live in America, I live in the State of Washington."

And our last Governor's election was right out of the Movie "Black Sheep" with Chris Farley.

since the gov. has been in office she has managed to get herself and the Legislature two pay raises and all the while passing gas taxes and vehicle weight taxes ect.NOW THIS!!i think it's time we as responsible taxpayers start thinking about WHO we want as our NEW Govenor and Legislators.i for one will not vote for the current bunch of thieves.