Constantine’s crass attempt to blackmail voters is manipulative and wrong
Just when you thought politicians couldn’t stoop any lower … Dow Constantine, King County Executive, announced today that he’s threatening childrens’ services unless voters approve a property tax hike. Seattle Times: “He wants a new levy for early childhood programs and other youth services. Investing in children now will save the county money in the long run by reducing future costs associated with incarceration, violence, diabetes and mental illness, he said.”
Constantine’s crass attempt to blackmail voters into approving a property tax hike is manipulative and wrong. ‘Give me more money or kids with diabetes will suffer” is hostage-taking at its worst.
Over 58% of voters in 2001 approved tighter limits on property tax increases. In 2007, Governor Gregoire and the Democrat-controlled House and Senate reimposed those limits. The legislative vote was overwhelming: 91% of house members and 81% of senators. Gregoire signed the bill.
Constantine wants to take away those voter-approved and Legislature-approved limits: “… Constantine said, calling for state legislators to repeal I-747, which established the 1 percent cap.”
Show of hands, please: who thinks property taxes haven’t gone up fast enough? Constantine is the only one raising his hand.
Please send an email to Dow Constantine telling him how disgusted you are with his attempt to blackmail voters (cc’ing the members of the King County Council). Cut and paste these email addresses into the “To:” line of your email: dow.constantine@kingcounty.gov
Write something simple like: “Have you no shame? Holding children hostage for a tax increase is wrong. Knock it off.”