Olympia considers new $20 car tab fee
Monday, November 24, 2008 7:25 AM PST
By The Associated Press
Printable version
E-mail this articleOLYMPIA — Olympia might be the first city in Washington to use a state law that allows a $20 fee on vehicle registrations without a public vote.
City officials say they the money to maintain streets.
Tim Eyman, who led initiative campaigns to lower car tab fees, says he'll show up at Tuesday's hearing in Olympia. He criticized the city council for calling the hearing two days before Thanksgiving.
The Olympian reports the Legislature authorized a $20 fee last year for municipal transportation needs.
The Seattle suburb of Lake Forest Park also is considering the new car tab fee.
semper wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:50 AM:
" Have our illustrious politicians considered just requiring automatic withdrawl power from our checking accounts so they can go in and take what they need and just cut the red tape? Can we get consumer bailouts too? "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:10 AM:
" If this is an example of how our tax-happy Liberal governor will try to circumvent the law and her no-new tax pledge, I that Eyman has a recall initiative ready. They took out a Liberal in California by recall after a series of budget screw-ups. We can do here too. Why can't the Liberal Legislature simply accept the fact that the public voted against taxes and set limits? Why do they have to try end runs on everything the majority votes to accept? The Liberals are now in court trying to get the 66 percent majority vote required for new taxes thrown out. Why is this the only answer they can give us? "
Tired of thinking of user names wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:36 AM:
" Leave the fees the way they are; we don't need to add more to the deficit. "
educateyourself wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:38 AM:
" I thought bait and switch was illegal? I'm sure voters would not have passed the original initiative had they known they would eventually be paying almost 3 times more than they were originally supposed to. I wonder how many other cities will catch wind of this and start adding it to the car tabs price. "
educateyourself wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:42 AM:
" Oh, and Semper, they are close. We are possibly going to see our Congress in it's next session propose taking the currently private 401K pension plans and nationalizing them, letting our federal government be in charge of dispursements. "
ACP wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:03 AM:
" is everyone happy with there vote now? we had the chance to get rid of these liars and thieves and the majority dropped the ball as usual now we all end up paying for it again. "
Mr. Bastinado wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:13 AM:
" Hey Bad Boy, I wouldn't use California as an example of Repulsican prowess if I were you. Grey was recalled-true. Gov. Terminator just hugely raised taxes against a pledge not to. Just another bait-and-switcher. Typical convoluted thought. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:28 AM:
" TDN Bad Boy, The law that allows this is already in place according to the article. Therefore, this is not a new tax, but the use of something already inplace. "
bretharte wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:59 AM:
" Most people that vote, voted for the person or persons that they thought would make the most difference. If you had nominated Hillary, you would have the same cabinet that we are going to get with the other guy, they know that raising taxes right now would kill any prosperity that might be lurking in the shadows, so they come up with "fees", to steal the money that they promised the poor working person that they wouldn't go after, and the taxes that they we're going to clobber the so called rich with have become an after thought, so again who is going to pay for all of these things that they propose? The people that are working, of course! Scwarzen/Kennedy wouldn't ever be called a Republican in Calif. can you imagine going to a family affair with the Kennedys and claiming that your a Republican? He has adopted all of this hysteria over global warming, plus all kinds of other liberal trash, he is hardly a conservative! "
dogshead wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:01 AM:
" TNABB- You should have paid attentionin civics class. The Legislative Branch passed the bill, not the Executive. So, just another falsehood you continue to throw at Gregoire. And SEMPER- don't let Rush's total BS scare you concerning IRAs/401Ks....he is grasping at straws. "
kelsograd wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:27 AM:
" Educateyourself; where do you find the basis for your claim about the 401k claim? "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:34 AM:
" Skeezix, READ THE ARTICLE. This is state law that the Legislature wrote to circumvent the state law the voters passed in the initiative to limit car tabs. It is another example of the Liberals not accepting the voters rights to set limit. Why is that Skeezix? Why do you Liberals think you are above the majority in this state. And Bastinado, I will use California as an example. The state recalled the Liberal when he refused to follow their votes. If our Tax-happy Liberal governor chooses the same route, I hope that Eyman seizes the chance to remove her. I would hope he will take the same action if the courts rule in favor of the Liberals' lawsuit to remove the 66-percent majority now required to approve a tax without voter approval. The majority voted for that initiative and if the tax-happy Liberal governor can't uphold the majority's right, then she shouldn't be in office. "
bert wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:36 AM:
" Skeezix: If you read the article then you must missed the statement that this law authorizing the increase was past only last year. Well after we voted the imitative limiting the ability of the state to increase the cost of tabs. It is just a way of getting around the will of the voters. With our current employment and financial situation this is not the time to be increasing the burden on the tax payor. "
bretharte wrote on Nov 24, 2008 10:53 AM:
" Point #1 For those if you that wanted Hillary, your getting the same cabinet that she would have had, so instead of her being president, she gets to go around the world with Bill, and visit all the hot spots, I'm sure Bill will enjoy that,
Point #2 "Fees' are another way to rip the common person off, where did tax the rich go? I hear that promise is already on hold!
Point#3 Schwarzen/Kennedy can hardly be called a Republican, he has gotten the state all in a uproar over global warming, and how could you possibly go eat turkey with the Kennedys, and claim that you are a conservative? Think about that one! "
Point #2 "Fees' are another way to rip the common person off, where did tax the rich go? I hear that promise is already on hold!
Point#3 Schwarzen/Kennedy can hardly be called a Republican, he has gotten the state all in a uproar over global warming, and how could you possibly go eat turkey with the Kennedys, and claim that you are a conservative? Think about that one! "
country gal wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:11 AM:
" I'm not sure if I understand this. Is this another car tab fee on top of the yearly car license tab fee? "
Im_not_saying wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:18 AM:
" This is garbage - but having Eyman there makes it smell worse. Eyman won't be happy until the entire state is in the toilet. You want services, but don't want to pay for them, you just want the government to figure it out, leaving you out of it. Now 1) Isn't that socialist? and 2) What exactly are Conservatives supposed to be "conserving?" "
Washington Rez wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:27 AM:
" They are killing us slowly taking all that we have. When will it stop? NO MORE EXTRA FEES AND TAXES. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:46 AM:
" Bert, I didn't miss that. TDN Bad Boy stated that this was a new tax which was contrary to the governors statement there would be no new taxes. It doesn't matter when the bill was passed. It is in place already, regardless of when it was passed. TDN Bad Boy...I did read the article... it says... "the Legislature authorized a $20 fee last year for municipal transportation needs." Looks to me like Mr. Eyman wrote an initiative that didn't have all the "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed. People are now taking advantage of that loophole just the same way that any self respecting conservative would. And please, stop calling me a liberal.....you know nothing about my political leanings nor who I voted for. You are of the opinion that if someone disagrees with you that they are liberals. You yourself had posted a while back that you don't practice any sort of faith... How on earth can you call yourself a conservative? Everyone knows that true conservatives go to church on Sundays,and if they are really serious about their conservative leanings, likely go on Wednesdays as well....and they always give a full tithe and serve on their church's boards. How dare you say you are a conservative if you don't practice your religious faith. (see how silly that sounds?) Stop pigeon holing everyone who disagrees with you into someplace where you think they fit best. "
stink wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:02 PM:
" Still a whole lot less than the $600 I was paying before the Eyman Initiative! "
bert wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:30 PM:
" Skeezix: This is typical political and legalese speak. When the average person hears "no new taxes", they hear taxes will remain the same. When a politico says no new taxes they mean, "We are going to raise your current taxes. Just like when Slick Willy answered when questioned by congress, "It depends on what your definition of is, is." So the next time you listen to a politician, realize that what they are really saying is, "I know you think you heard what I said. But I don't think you realize what I said is not what I meant."
banana hammock: And without so much as even a kiss. "
banana hammock: And without so much as even a kiss. "
American First wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:44 PM:
" Here we go people, it's no longer for the people by the people. Socialism, get used to it, most people voted for it. Your earnings are not yours anymore, government allows you to keep a portion, and they consider this a privilege NOT your right. We are in trouble... "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 24, 2008 12:45 PM:
" Skeezix, what my faith is and how I practice is none of your business. You are a Liberal because you defend the tax-and-waste governor every chance you get. You don't hear me supporting faith-based groups. But you do support a Liberal governor. That makes you Liberal. So live with it. I am a proud fiscal conservative. Your definition of conservative and mine are very different. Why do you keep dodging the questions about why the only approach the Liberals know, is tax, tax, tax. Don't you have any original ideas? Try thinking for once instead of dodging the points. "
Gondolapete wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:22 PM:
" and once again the liberals strike!!!!! And yet, people still vote them in..Amazing!!! "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:26 PM:
" TDN Bad Boy, offer up one instance where I have defended the governor. I don't believe I've done that. I have disagreed with you...why? Because it's fun. I have poked holes in your ideas because I think you don't think them all the way through. You have tunnel vision and refuse to consider anything people say if it is contrary to what you think And why do you think I supported the governor? Actually, our definition of being conservative is likely much closer than you think. My previous comment was a tongue in cheek commentary about what people think when they say conservative. It sounds as ludicrous as how you define liberal. That was my point....if someone disagrees with you, they are a liberal in your mind. I don't like tax increases anymore than the next guy. In fact, I've not voted for a tax increase proposal memory. I'm not particularly happy about the $700 billion bailout but am at least happy that the big three auto makers were told they could depend on nothing without a plan on how they would use such bailout money if it was approved. "
turkeyhunterman wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:40 PM:
" It's the CITY of Olympia that is going to impose the fee not the state of Washington. But now that the cat is out of the bag you can probably prepare for the same fee to be added in Longview and Kelso. "
country gal wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:47 PM:
" I guess by reading these blogs that it means another tax on top of the car license tabs. Obviously, these so called ignorant arrogant political scums are not of, by and for the people of the USA. And to all the bloggers that are for it are either working for the state, federal and county, or they don't own a home. I agree with TDNBB about recalling the governor if she broke her pledge. "
country gal wrote on Nov 24, 2008 1:53 PM:
" turkeyhunterman: WHOA! you're right! LOL! It's the city of Olympia and not the state of WA. We got our dander up for nothing but I do agree with you, if it's starting already in Olympia, it won't be long for the other cities to follow. "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:03 PM:
" When people say they are a fiscal conservative what they generally mean is "I've got mine, the rest of you are on your own". "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:24 PM:
" Vikingtwin5 - I believe you may have hit the nail on the head regarding an unnamed poster from above who states he is a member of the business community and also that those at the top should take a cut in pay to the benefit of others. What he has not proposed is taking a cut in pay himself and offering to hire those in need of employment right now. Great observation there Vikingtwin5. "
bert wrote on Nov 24, 2008 2:41 PM:
" Vikingtwin5: And when people say they are liberals they mean you earned your's but I want some of it even if I didn't earn it. Why? Just because I deserve it because I exist. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:07 PM:
" Skeezix, why exactly should I take a pay cut? My business is fine and all my employees know their jobs are secure, and that they will receive raises on their annual evaluations. I haven't run my business into a hole. When my business grows, I hire people to fit the plan. I don't go out and spend money I don't have. So exactly why should I take a pay cut? Nor does my business rely on your tax dollars. So again, why exactly should I take a pay cut? Oh and by the way I don't receive pay anyway. It's very funny how the Liberals like Skeezix and Vikingtwin5 can't answer simple questions, like why is the only answer tax, tax, tax? "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:23 PM:
" Country Gal, my first point is this an EXAMPLE of how the Liberals plan to circumvent our law? We have the fee limit, so they pass a law saying that muncipalities can pass a law. That circumvents the initiative we voted on. The Liberal Governor knew that when she signed it. All they are trying to do is find ways around what the majority voted for. The Seattle Times has already reported that they are trying to do the same thing with the 66-percent vote majority required in the Legislature to pass a tax without it going to the people for approval. All that law did was give us, the voters, the final say. Our Liberal tax-and-spend gov and her Liberal criminals in the Legislature don't like that. So they have devised a way to use the courts to circumvent it. So expect some tax hikes when the Liberal gov's "ugly" budget comes out next month. And if they are there, either straight forward or in ways around the law like this, we should push for a recall. She told us she was going to be a governor in the election. She pledged no new taxes or tax increases. If she can't do that, they we should find someone who will. California told the very Liberal Davis Gray to take hike. If they can, so can we. "
El GabAlot wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:46 PM:
" "skeezix" I'm sure you would tell your employer that you will take a pay cut so that they can hire someone else....NOT! The purpose of owning YOUR own business is to make money for YOURSELF, so why should someone with a successful business take a pay cut? Does the word socialism come to mind.....hmm. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 3:49 PM:
" TDNBB, Where is my proposal to tax? And where is the answer to my earlier question that I defend the governor? As for your business, congratulations on running it well. However, are you saying that you've never had to cut expenses? Ever? And where were those cut? Salaries? You propose that leaders cut their salaries when they face budget shortfalls. What sort of conservative would ever suggest such a thing? And if you think for one minute that I would believe that you don't recieve pay for what you do, you are completely out of your mind. Maybe that is true...who knows? If in fact it is, you should be thanking those you call Liberals for the social programs available so you can put food on your table. Otherwise, don't try and convince people that you recieve no form of compensation. That is even more hogwash than what you normall put out here. "
country gal wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:15 PM:
" I know today's politics are so warped, twisted and sneaky that I want to scream and say the hell with them all! "
bert wrote on Nov 24, 2008 4:43 PM:
" skeezix: What TDNBB was saying, I believe, is that he does not get a salary because as an independent business person, his "salary" is the profit from running a successful business. Therefore, when the economy is poor and his business generates less profit and his pay cut is built into the equation. "
country gal wrote on Nov 24, 2008 5:17 PM:
" Skeezix: what tdnbb said, makes sense to me. What you said, make no sense to me at all. Although, I don't agree with everything tdnbb says, especially alcohol because I like my evening wine, and I don't know what tdnbb company does but if he built his company from scratch and does well, he deserves every penny. I'm sure he and many others who built their company from scratch puts in long hours to make it a success. Whereas what has politicians done but burden us with more taxes and fees. Go figure! "
bucketball wrote on Nov 24, 2008 6:11 PM:
" TDN Bad Boy, if you hate "Liberal Washington State" so bad, MOVE. It's not going to change Republican anytime soon. Look at the history of this state. Why don't you try Texas or something. At least there you greedy Republican's can pay an even lower wage to your employees, pollute your environment, and call it fiscal responsibility at the same time. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:54 PM:
" Bert, You make a valid point. However, TDN Bad Boy stated, "Oh and by the way I don't receive pay anyway." Baloney....he is getting paid one way or the other....period. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:56 PM:
" El Gabalot, The other day, TDNBB stated that the presidents of the UW and WSU should take pay cuts. The point I'm making is that he is all for others taking pay cuts to meet budget. I'm guessing he does not. "
bert wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:19 PM:
" Bucketball: So if someone makes the investment of time, money and effort to start and become a successful small business owner they should be punished for their success? How dare they have the nerve of not giving you some as you sit on your couch chugging a beer and playing your X-Box. "
bert wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:31 PM:
" skeezix: You are right. We need to pay better to attract the best. That is why Kelso School Administers just got a 10% increase. Sunday morning I was watching one of the "Meet The Press" shows. They were talking about the CEOs of GM, Ford and Chrysler. They pointed out that these CEOs all made in the 15 million dollar range salaries while their companies were reporting multi billion dollar loses. Mean while Toyota's CEO's salary was 1 million dollars last year and Toyota reported a 5 billion dollar profit. The CEO of Toyota must not be as good as the Big Three CEOs because he was not paid an astronomical salary. "
Gondolapete wrote on Nov 24, 2008 8:43 PM:
" why should the owner of a business take a pay cut if it is not needed???? Has TDNBB indicated he has not met his budget? It is ignorant to compare what a private business owner makes to what a public employee makes..No wonder the dems have it so easy here, there is no shortage of ignorance with their voting base. "
country gal wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:01 PM:
" You ever watch the political channel? I have and after 5 minutes I can't stand it. All they do is yak yak yak while living off of our taxpayers money! What's more, they continue to yak about raising taxes and fees for their own pockets. I'm all for paycuts including deans, presidents and principals of schools and universities. For those who built their businesses without taxpayers help deserve every penny they earned. They are the foundation that brings wealth to USA. Time to thin out the yak yak politicians! "
skeezix wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:15 PM:
" TDNBB - Still waiting for the answer to my questions above. 1. Where did I propose a new tax? 2. Where did I defend the governor? As for my question on you taking a pay cut, you helped make my point....why should anyone take one? "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Nov 24, 2008 11:42 PM:
" El GabAlot;no, socialism does not come to mind. Pete's business will be fine. Bert;if you want to talk about getting what you didn't earn tell the readers why you and Fibre parted company. TDN Badboy;I've never claimed to be a liberal, that's the way you Limbaugh ring-kissers pigeonhole anybody who stands up to your b.s. There are no simple answers to an economy as complex as ours and only a simple person would expect one. By the way, it's Gray Davis not Davis Gray. Do I have to fact-check you on everything? Oh, we're waiting for you to explain why senators aren't members of Congress. "
feistyone wrote on Nov 25, 2008 4:49 AM:
" This is not the time to be adding fees for anything. The economy sucks. But that is the good ole State for you. "
feistyone wrote on Nov 25, 2008 4:51 AM:
" Just my opinion, but why doesn't everyone take a pay cut? Isn't it better to have a pay cut than possibly, not a job at all? The way companies are shutting down, wouldn't that make more sense? "
dogshead wrote on Nov 25, 2008 6:17 AM:
" country gal- No one has built a business without taxpayer help. Every business, as every individual, uses the network of services provided by pooling our money and building transportation, electrical, water, communication, and sewage systems. Allow me to continue...solid waste disposal, fire suppression, law enforcement, a system of courts to settles disagreements and, perhaps the most important, an education system to provide productive workers. Being blind to the needed services that are provided by pooling our money and working together will result in a breakdown of this 'infrastructure' and colapse of the lush society we've enjoyed. I'm glad politicans are willing to take the job....and work tirelessly (I'm not saying all do. but I KNOW that many do) and yak, yak, yak, to attempt to solve our many problems. These problems are much more compilcated than most can imagine. "
Kalama Dude wrote on Nov 25, 2008 7:38 AM:
" You ever notice that when anyone has the goods on TDNBB he literally disappears? When the heat gets turned up the football and bully goes home. "
country gal wrote on Nov 25, 2008 8:50 AM:
" dogshead: I realize I didn't say it right. Of course, to run a business, you do need taxpayers help to hopefully want to buy your products and you do need to have water and the works to run a business up to code, however, I don't believe you need a politician that you claimed work tirelessly to yak yak yak and take take take every penny these businesses worked tirelessly to earn. There's a big difference! "
Rythymaxe wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:01 AM:
" Feistyone:
I would gladly take a pay cut if the sellers of goods and services would also lower their prices accordingly. The gap between rich and poor has widened and completely eliminated the middle class. Supposedly, the monies from the Washington lotteries are supposed to be used to fix our infrastructures, but I don't see that money being utilized for the purpose intended. The way I see the lotteries played, you'd think the state would be buried in money to apply to our roads and schools. But, they use the money as they see fit and forget it's intended purpose. Twenty dollars is quite a chunk of change when added to the already used weight of vehicle, adding yet more to the original $30 we voted in and was upheld in court. Soon, the excise tax the used to charge will oce again rear it's ugly head as they keep adding more for us to pay on what should have been kept at the $30 initiative voted in by our state. The state needs to be held accountable for the lottery money and how it's applied. "
I would gladly take a pay cut if the sellers of goods and services would also lower their prices accordingly. The gap between rich and poor has widened and completely eliminated the middle class. Supposedly, the monies from the Washington lotteries are supposed to be used to fix our infrastructures, but I don't see that money being utilized for the purpose intended. The way I see the lotteries played, you'd think the state would be buried in money to apply to our roads and schools. But, they use the money as they see fit and forget it's intended purpose. Twenty dollars is quite a chunk of change when added to the already used weight of vehicle, adding yet more to the original $30 we voted in and was upheld in court. Soon, the excise tax the used to charge will oce again rear it's ugly head as they keep adding more for us to pay on what should have been kept at the $30 initiative voted in by our state. The state needs to be held accountable for the lottery money and how it's applied. "
country gal wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:30 AM:
" rythmaxe: I forgot about the lottery. Another mishandling use of the funds. "
bert wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:36 AM:
" Vikingtwin5: I have tried in the past to reply to the question of why Fibre and I have parted ways. Unfortunately I was informed by The Daily News that giving the facts of why I no longer work for Fibre violated their policy. You should know that though that there are two sides to every story. However, I will say that leaving Fibre, for whatever reason, is/was the best thing that ever happened to me. I now own my own successful business and don't have to deal with Fibre's 1920s style of management. So instead of trying to attack through innuendo why not make some valid comment or shut up. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 25, 2008 9:37 AM:
" TDNBB, I didn't say any social services actually put food on your table. If you were to read my comment carefully, you would see that I said that if in fact you did not recieve any pay, which is what you did say in a prior post, that you would possibly rely on services to provide such help and support. Instead, your most recent post states that you do in fact recieve pay, therefore contradicting your statement from yesterday. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:30 AM:
" Skeezix, boy you are a smart one, you are. Like most business owners, I don't get paid like you. So therefore I can't take a pay cut like the school presidents earning in six figures. My pay is my profits from money that I risk operating a business. If the business doesn't meet its budget, I would be taking a cut but I don't have that problem. Skeezix you said: You should be thanking those you call Liberals for the social programs available so you can put food on your table. You are saying that I rely on social programs for help for my family. So keep attacking. You Liberals never want to deal with the subject and provide any answers. Always the same. Just as I have before, Liberals only know one answer tax, tax, and tax. Never any new ideas such as running government like a business. Spend what you have, not what you don't have. Run a deficit like know and the gov and every legislator that voted for the current budget should face penalties as far as pay. That is the only way we can get government and politicians to function responsibly. In this state, that means primarily the Liberals like you Skeezix. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 25, 2008 10:59 AM:
" TDNBB, here is what I said...in context by the way and it is copied and pasted to be accurate..."And if you think for one minute that I would believe that you don't recieve pay for what you do, you are completely out of your mind. Maybe that is true...who knows? If in fact it is, you should be thanking those you call Liberals for the social programs available so you can put food on your table." It is in response to this comment by you... also copied and pasted..."Oh and by the way I don't receive pay anyway." And...I'm still waiting for your response to my questions yesterday regarding an instance where I've defended the governor, and where I've proposed a new tax. You've not been able to come up with a response to either of those have you? So, you can continue to take things completely out of context, which I hope I've addressed here, and continue to avoid the questions being posed to you. I would love to see government run more like a business actually...a balanced budget and no deficit spending. "
bert wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:10 PM:
" Skeezix: In defense of TDNBB, look up the definition of pay( salary, payment; wages ) and the definition of income(amount of money received in payment for goods or services or from other sources; revenue, profits). So TDNBB obviously can have an income without receiving pay. "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 25, 2008 12:49 PM:
" Skeezix, you defended the governor and the legislature with your first entry. I consider pay a check and I don't get a check or a salary. What don't you understand about that? Now is that answer enough for you? In my entry, which you attacked, I did not call it a new tax? I said: "If this is an example of how our tax-happy Liberal governor will try to circumvent the law and her no-new tax pledge, I that Eyman has a recall initiative ready." Key word in the phrase is example. Your Liberals are already in court trying to get the 66 percent vote needed to pass a tax without a public vote. And the Liberal gov. signed the bill that allowed this, knowing that she was circumventing the will of the majority in the state. And like I said before, if she doesn't want to serve the will of the people, then the will of the people should be to remove her via recall. If she thinks she got a free pass, she might have to think again. And boy Skeezix, those are really new ideas there -- a balanced budget and no deficit spending. Those are ideas? Wow, you are really clued in their Skeezix with those. Got any others? Think hard now, I know you're capable of it. Maybe. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:32 PM:
" Nope...I corrected you Bad Boy. You called it a way to circumvent the pledge the governor made regarding no new taxes. I pointed out that the law was passed last year. I didn't defend the governor, the legislature nor the law. I just pointed out that this was not a new tax nor a violation of the governor's pledge. As for the pay issue, it is apparently a matter of semantics. Check or no check, the majority of people would consider income to be pay, even in reference to Bert's definitions. Call it whatever you want, but you still get paid...check or not. As for your closing comments, I didn't state that those were new ideas. I included them as a point on which we likely agree. "
Proud Teacher wrote on Nov 25, 2008 1:50 PM:
" Okay, Bad Boy, When are you going to run for office? Honestly, despite our differences, I think you would be a great legislator. However, you really need to learn that not everyone who disagrees with you needs to be treated to the ...gasp....(wait for it) liberal label. Darn it, you PAID FOR MY EDUCATION! Does that make me a liberal for taking advantage of state and federal programs (student loans that I have paid back in full?) During the '80s, my family survived on government unemployment and I am darn glad the funds were there. Honestly, BB, you need to quit thinking of yourself first. It is unbecoming of you to be so angry all the time. Get your head out of the sand, think originally for once, (instead of your selfish me-first-I got mine now the rest of you can go to he**) and run for office. You think you have a platform, go for it! "
vikingtwin5 wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:06 PM:
" Bert;you are right, there are two sides to every story , the varnished and the unvarnished. And in case you haven't heard, Fibre has new management. BadBoy;What wonderful original ideas do you have? Cut,cut cut. Wow! How long did it take you and Rush to come up with that? "
TDN Bad Boy wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:33 PM:
" Viking, this year we have no choice but to cut. That's what an $8 billion increase in spending has left, unless of course the Liberals win their suit and have the 66-percent vote requirement for new taxes without a public vote thrown out. Then I'm sure the Liberals will be singing their merry tune: tax, tax, tax and more taxes. As for the future Viking, there are steps to take that will go a long way toward safeguarding against the wild spending spree the Liberal gov. went on in her first four years. All we need is a law that requires the gov. who signs it and any legislator who votes for it to take a pay cut when the budget fails to work. It's called pay for performance. She never wants to take responsibility for her actions. Well, I guarantee you if you tie pay to it, the politicians will get the point very quickl.y. And my point about salaries cuts this year is to ease some of the pain at the bottom. People are losing jobs but the gov. didn't volunteer to take a cut. Just exactly how is she hurting? And Proud Teacher, government unemployment? If you mean regular unemployment that is something you paid into and so did your employer. You had that coming. And I am not thinking just about myself. The way this state is run is going to hurt a lot of people. Jobs will be lost. Bad state leadership caused that. "
bert wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:51 PM:
" Skeezix: "Check or no check, the majority of people would consider income to be pay, even in reference to Bert's definitions." Just I said in an earlier post, most people hear no new taxes and hear that taxes will remain at the current level. They do not hear, no new taxes but we will raise the hell out of your current taxes. Raising taxes in the current financial atmosphere makes no sense. Especially in Washington were the major funding source is sales taxes. They take more from our pocket so we buy less. Sales taxes revenue fall so they increase other revenue sources taking even more out of your pocket. It becomes a vicious cycle that can only end with reducing taxes. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 25, 2008 3:15 PM:
" Bert, with all due respect, there have been a number of tax cuts on the Federal level which have not worked. There have been stimulus packages, yet the economy continues to slide. I am in no way in favor of higher taxes. I have yet, in 29 years of voting, to vote for a tax increase. I'm not sure, based on recent history, that tax cuts actually have their intended benefit. "
Kalama Dude wrote on Nov 25, 2008 3:30 PM:
" Sure Bad Boy no time to actually get involved, just complain whine and call names. Getting involved as would seem to be your opportunity to put your ideas into motion would benefit us all in real terms, not just type some words and earn some scorn. You are apparently wasting away in your stress filled profit motive world. Go to Olympia and make a difference and be respected for once. Please and thank you! "
bert wrote on Nov 25, 2008 4:46 PM:
" Skeezix: When the 700 billion dollar stimulus package was passed,actually closer to a 850 billion dollar stimulus package by the time they got done stuffing it with pork barrel spending, we, the tax payers, were assured that there was going to be oversight of the companies who received our monies. To date we have used 1/2 of the total package, $350 billion dollars. Yet there has not been one person, other than Paulson, that has been named to any type of committee to administer how those funds are being used. We have not even decided what exactly an oversight board's duties or responsibilities are going to encompass. We have given the top 9 or 10 banks in the United Sates over 300 billion dollars to free up the credit market. Of those the top 4 banks have admitted they they are not lending out the funds but holding on to them to use to consolidate(read buy other banks) the industry. So once again we, the tax payers were bent over. Without oversight and transparency all we will get from our stimulus package is a pat on the back and a swift kick in the butt. As I read some where, only in America, when the rich get poor do the poor bail them out. Even Paulson has made the statement that he expected them to do the right thing. Why he would expect that considering their track record is beyond me. "
skeezix wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:16 PM:
" Bert, You may be confusing the bailout with the stimulus packages from the past few years. In the stimulus packages, each of the taxpayers received a check. The idea was that with that money, people would go out and spend....thus stimulating the economy. The $700 billion deal you are referring to is the bail out package, mainly for financial institutions which made some really bad choices and are now being bailed out by the taxpayers. The difference? In a stimulus package, we receive a check. In a bailout, we receive the shaft. "
bert wrote on Nov 25, 2008 6:12 PM:
" Skeezix: OOPPS. My bad. You are right. The stimulus is were they at least tried to kiss us before they put it to us. If it stimulates the economy to give us $300 why don't they just let us keep it in the first place. It would be interesting to find out how much of our taxes dollars it cost in administrative costs and postage for us to send them the money so they could send it back. "
yeoldgrump wrote on Nov 30, 2008 11:17 AM:
" We voted for $30 licenses for our vehicles. Then, the governor and legislature decided they could circumvent our wishes by adding fees (taxes) such as rereflectorizing of the plate, fees (taxes) for new plates and having to replace the plate every so many years. Until you people wake up and quit sending the same people to the Legislature election after election, there will be no changes in government. The elected officials will continue to do as they damn well please. "
feistyone wrote on Dec 7, 2008 7:36 AM:
" Rythemaxe, I didn't make myself very clear. It is the state, city,county, and government people I was talking about taking a pay cut. You don't see them losing their jobs or taking a cut in pay. It is only the ones out here with low paying jobs or no jobs, that pay. "
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