Each year the Municipal League's ballot issues committee interviews experts and delves deeply into the intricacies of statewide and local ballot issues to assess the likely impacts of each measure. Committee members are selected for balance and to represent a variety of perspectives on the proposed ballot measures.

The committee produces Ballot Issue Reports, used by the League's Board in considering a position on each measure. The League only takes a position on measures with a significant impact on King County. A 2/3 supermajority is required to take a position on any issue. The League took the following positions on issues that were on the November 5th ballot. More detailed rationale are provided on the League website.

Supported R-51 (Transportation Funding)
Rationale: The need to address transportation infrastructure has reached a crisis condition. R-51 does not completely solve this crisis, but is an important first step.  

Opposed I-790 (LEOFF Pension Administration)
Rationale: The proposal gives too much authority to the beneficiaries of the program over the setting of benefit levels and would significantly increase costs to local governments.

The League also supported the Seattle Housing Levy, which appeared on the September 17 primary election ballot.

Rationale: The need for low income housing assistance has become increasingly acute, previous levy administration has been prudent and effective, and the proposed levy was developed carefully with broad input.

Many thanks to the Ballot Issues Committee! Co-chairs Eric Laschever and Kathy Elias, and Karen Bean, Pat Bowman, Pat Clark, Mike Doubleday, and Jan O'Connor, Patrick Soricone.