Time to vote

We have our ballots and our state voters pamphlet in hand, and it's time to vote.

That is if you haven't voted already.

The Columbia Basin Herald does not endorse candidates. We believe it is better for you to decide without our interference.

We don't really endorse initiatives either, but we do like to get together as an editorial board, debate the initiatives and offer our opinions on them.

This year is no different.

Here are our views on the state initiatives, measures, bills and joint resolutions placed before us as voters.

I-1053

Should we require the state legislature to approve increased taxes by a two-thirds vote?

Yes. Four times yes. Every time this resolution is approved by the voting public, the Legislature throws it out as soon as they can. I-960 was the third time, but state Democrats tossed it out to increase taxes to pay for overspending our budget into a multi-billion dollar deficit.

I-1082

Should we allow companies to purchase private industrial insurance and eliminate the worker-paid share of medical-benefit premiums?

No. If it was just allowing companies to buy from private companies, sure. But eliminating worker-paid share of medical insurance premiums could cause a lot of companies to stop offering insurance. You can wait for Obamacare to cover you, but it is a long ways away and we don't want to see more families without coverage.

I-1098

Should we create a state income tax for people making more than $200,000 a year?

No, never. Our Legislature has thrown out every voter approved obstacle to raising taxes. Two years and Olympia will change it to include anyone making more than $12 a year. This proposal is an unfair tax idea and enabling the state to expand it would be devastating.

I-1100

Should we do away with state liquor stores and allow retail stores to purchase directly from manufacturers?

This is a hard one. We were split. This one allows for an unfair advantage for the large retail store chains but free enterprise is tempting.

I-1105

Should we close state liquor stores and create a distributors system?

We were split again. It allows for smaller retail stores to be more competitive and perhaps keep local stores open but without "state" in the title. It frees up businesses to compete without the state dictating prices.

I-1107

Should we end taxes on candy, bottle water and carbonated beverages, and taxes levied on certain food processors?

Yes. The taxes on food processors is ridiculous and unfair. The taxes added to candy, bottled water and pop is more of an elitist attempt to control food choices than a legitimate tax revenue. We oppose any retail taxes on groceries.

Bill 52

Should we authorize bonds to construct and "repair" the energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings?

No. There are already requirements on new school construction and remodeling to make them energy efficient. We do not need further debt and more laws to require the same thing.

Joint Resolution 8225

Should we approve a constitutional amendment to limit the state debt by reducing interest "accounted for in calculating the constitutional debt limit, by the amount of federal payments scheduled to be received to offset that interest?"

OK. This one is confusing and sounds like we should talk to our accountant to understand what it means. But with 44 Senators in favor and 69 Representatives in favor, we will go with a no. In the last couple of years they have worked hard to spend more and increase our taxes to pay for their overspending. We suspect this is not needed and doesn't have to alter our constitution.

Joint Resolution 4220

Should we approve a constitutional amendment on denying bail for persons charged with certain criminal offenses?

Yes. There is only one type of crime that a judge can deny bail, crimes with the death penalty. By approving this change, a judge could deny bail if they believe the person is a flight risk or could pose danger to witnesses or further danger to victims. We all have read about people fleeing court once they are released, or work to intimidate witnesses through - let's say gang members. We find it logical and safer to keep them in jail.

Regardless if you agree with us or disagree, please vote. Every vote counts and is important.

Ballots are due Nov. 2, either in the elections office in Ephrata or in the mail.