Sorry for the second version of the Daily Shift today, but you may have recognized the first one as containing yesterday’s language – we suspect Russian hackers might be involved, but we’ll just focus on getting this corrected version out, rather than launching a full investigation into our technology snafu. Again, our apologies.
Jay Inslee’s worst nightmare, a public discussion of his demonstrated desire to raise taxes – and create a state income tax – is slowly starting to unfold in his re-election campaign. Shift writes today about this “conversation” picking up, despite (incorrect) mainstream media attempts to deny Inslee’s tax obsession. Another “conversation” is the one that Seattle Mayor Ed Murray wants to have about raising taxes to address a homeless problem that has exploded under a succession of well-meaning liberal Seattle mayors who have made the problem worse. Murray raised the issue in the most exploitative way he could think of, linking his efforts to the tragic death of a man sleeping by I-5 who was run over yesterday morning by a (potentially) drunk driver.
At least Murray’s “conversation” about taxes won’t be as expensive as the one which Sound Transit officials want the public to engage in this fall. The bureaucrats at the light rail agency are finally kicking off their fall campaign to grab $54 billion out of your wallet, to build the Seattle-centric train set that won’t actually reduce congestion. And finally, we take a look at the special interest campaign to defeat State Senator Steve Litzow in the 41st district, being organized by people who don’t actually live in the 41st, but think they know best – or at least know what will help them collect more dues money!