City of University Place
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Return Ballots by Tuesday, November 7th
The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Vote in every race on your ballot! It's our right and our responsibility. Please share this guide with your friends and family.
Statewide Ballot Measures
A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597, which included a small excise tax in order to increase environmental protections for regional fish and wildlife. Because of a Tim Eyman initiative, the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 16.
A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597, which included a small excise tax in order to increase environmental protections for regional fish and wildlife. Because of a Tim Eyman initiative, the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 16.
Our state has been under Supreme Court order to fully fund education for several years. This June, Republicans and Democrats came together to approve a bipartisan package of revenue increases for public schools, including expanding the Business and Occupation tax. While this does not solve the education funding problem, the package goes a long way towards providing a quality education for all students. This non-binding advisory vote is required thanks to a Tim Eyman ballot measure. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 17.
Our state has been under Supreme Court order to fully fund education for several years. This June, Republicans and Democrats came together to approve a bipartisan package of revenue increases for public schools, including expanding the Business and Occupation tax. While this does not solve the education funding problem, the package goes a long way towards providing a quality education for all students. This non-binding advisory vote is required thanks to a Tim Eyman ballot measure. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 17.
In addition to the business taxes covered in Advisory Vote 17, a strong bipartisan majority of state legislators voted to increase local property taxes to fund schools. We have concerns about raising regressive property taxes that disproportionately impact working families and make our upside-down tax code even worse. However, we are optimistic about retaking the state Senate this fall and working with progressives in Olympia next year to reduce this tax and instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.
Like the other advisory votes, this is a non-binding measure required by a Tim Eyman ballot initiative. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 18.
In addition to the business taxes covered in Advisory Vote 17, a strong bipartisan majority of state legislators voted to increase local property taxes to fund schools. We have concerns about raising regressive property taxes that disproportionately impact working families and make our upside-down tax code even worse. However, we are optimistic about retaking the state Senate this fall and working with progressives in Olympia next year to reduce this tax and instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.
Like the other advisory votes, this is a non-binding measure required by a Tim Eyman ballot initiative. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 18.
Pierce County Ballot Measures
Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 46. This charter amendment clarifies the appointment process by outlining two processes for filing vacancies in Pierce County elected offices. It would enable the County Council to solicit applications for all non partisan vacancies, thereby increasing the pool of qualified applicants. For partisan vacancies, the charter amendment stipulates that the county political party nominates three qualified candidates for the council to pick from. Voters should vote YES on this charter amendment.
Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 46. This charter amendment clarifies the appointment process by outlining two processes for filing vacancies in Pierce County elected offices. It would enable the County Council to solicit applications for all non partisan vacancies, thereby increasing the pool of qualified applicants. For partisan vacancies, the charter amendment stipulates that the county political party nominates three qualified candidates for the council to pick from. Voters should vote YES on this charter amendment.
Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 47. Pierce County is one of the few counties in Washington state with term limits for county councilmembers. Charter amendment number 47 would allow councilmembers to serve one additional term for a total of three consecutive 4-year terms in office. The goal is to strike a balance of allowing councilmembers to gain experience so they can better serve their constituents, while maintaining term limits for elected officials.
Voters should vote YES on Pierce County Charter Amendment No. 47. Pierce County is one of the few counties in Washington state with term limits for county councilmembers. Charter amendment number 47 would allow councilmembers to serve one additional term for a total of three consecutive 4-year terms in office. The goal is to strike a balance of allowing councilmembers to gain experience so they can better serve their constituents, while maintaining term limits for elected officials.
Port of Tacoma
John McCarthy is running for the Tacoma Port Commissioner Position 1 against army veteran and port security specialist Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate, his previous experience and community involvement makes him the best choice in this race.
John McCarthy is running for the Tacoma Port Commissioner Position 1 against army veteran and port security specialist Eric Holdman. McCarthy served as a Tacoma Port Commissioner from 1983 to 1992, and a Pierce County District Court judge for 22 years. While McCarthy is not the most progressive candidate, his previous experience and community involvement makes him the best choice in this race.
University Place School Board
Marisa Peloquin is running for University Place School Board Director, Position #2. A retired colonel in the U.S. army and a parent of two children, Peloquin understands the value of a quality education. She is running to ensure that the children of working families are supported academically and have access to the resources they need to build a bright future. She is a local community leader and an outspoken advocate for inclusive communities, safe neighborhoods, and social equality.
Marisa Peloquin is running against Nate Angelo, who has not released a detailed platform that explains his vision for University Place schools. Peloquin is the best choice in this race.
Marisa Peloquin is running for University Place School Board Director, Position #2. A retired colonel in the U.S. army and a parent of two children, Peloquin understands the value of a quality education. She is running to ensure that the children of working families are supported academically and have access to the resources they need to build a bright future. She is a local community leader and an outspoken advocate for inclusive communities, safe neighborhoods, and social equality.
Marisa Peloquin is running against Nate Angelo, who has not released a detailed platform that explains his vision for University Place schools. Peloquin is the best choice in this race.