March 1, 2009

C-Tran process should be fair for our entire community, not just a select few
Rep. Jaime Herrera

My responsibilities as a state representative include advocating for taxpayers and determining how new infrastructure and services are funded. With an $8 billion budget shortfall and talk in Olympia of tax increases, I take these responsibilities seriously.

This editorial page recently asked me to be “open minded” on legislation that would clear the way for the people I represent to be taxed for light rail without having a fair say in the matter. My mind remains open, but I’ve yet to be convinced that taxation without representation is a good thing.

The problem with a carefully drawn C-Tran subdistrict is that while only those inside it could vote, everyone who works or shops in the subdistrict – which could include most of the major retail in our county – would pay the employee tax or sales tax increases. I simply want a process that is fair for our entire community, not just a select few.

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For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758