The Morning Briefing – July 17, 2019

The Washington Court of Appeals confused many pundits with their ruling on the Seattle Income Tax.

Shift Wire

City of Spokane Taxpayers Donating to Mayoral Candidate’s Campaign. Much like Jay Inslee is abusing the taxpayers by utilizing taxpayer funded security, his fellow Democrat Spokane Council President Ben Stuckart appears to be receiving Spokane taxpayer support — without their consent — in his run for Mayor. (Shift WA)

Happening in Olympia

In a surprising ruling on Monday, the Washington State Court of Appeals ruled that the City of Seattle’s graduated income tax was unconstitutional, yet the Court invalidated legislation that prohibited local governments from imposing a flat income tax. Even though Washington voters have 10 times rejected an income tax, the liberals keep searching for ways to impose this invasion on people’s bank accounts. This is not the end of the legal battle as there will be further appeals. Yet it is the beginning of a new legislative battle as Republicans will propose legislation to close the perceived loophole the Court used to make their rulings. The Washington Policy Center does a good job of explaining the ruling. (Seattle Times)

Western Washington

Mr. Richard Schwartz returns to the Seattle City Council to ask why the council members continue to be non-responsive to the concerns of over 300 Seattleites. Mr. Schwartz was the subject of a video that went viral back in March when he asked councilmembers to look up from their phones while he spoke.  On this video from the July 8th council meeting, Mr. Schwartz list his attempts to communicate with many councilmembers who he says have been non-responsive. Near the end of the video, Councilmember Mike O’Brien says the reason why Mr. Schwartz has not heard from him is because his “concerns have not been elevated to a high priority.” Council President Bruce Harrell says he will investigate why the council and Seattle DOT continue to ignore a petition from over 300 Seattle residents. (Shift WA)

In 2018, Bailey Stober resigned his position as Chair of the King County Democrats due to harassment and derogatory actions towards women. Stober returns in 2019 as a political consultant and draws controversy to his clients. There is infighting within the Democrats over whether Stober has been punished enough with many liberal individuals and organizations choosing not to support Stober’s clients. (Crosscut)

Eastern Washington

The director of Spokane County’s building and code enforcement resigns due to allegations he chocked one of his employees. Another employee also came forward with accusations that the director, Russell Cornell, had also been inappropriate with her. (Spokesman-Review)

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