Last week, Sound Transit sent out an online survey allegedly just doing outreach to learn what the public thinks about its plans for a very expensive Sound Transit 3 (ST3) package. However, according to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), a question that “seeks to gauge why people would be willing to support this fall’s ballot measure to fund it” most likely broke state law.
The question appears to be meant to help Sound Transit use public resources to help determine messaging strategies for its campaign leading up to November. The problem is that state law prohibits spending public funds for political purposes.
PDC spokeswoman Lori Anderson told the Seattle Times, “In my opinion, the survey wording suggests that Sound Transit is trying to gauge what voters will approve, which would be an inappropriate use of their resources.”
Sound Transit removed the question from its survey on Friday. A spokesperson insisted that the question was “intended to help guide how we talk about the rationale for the plan” but admitted that it had not been checked by Sound Transit’s legal staff.
That’s probably because Sound Transit did not care to know whether or not the question abides by state law. As the Seattle Times points out, the question is nearly identical to those used by polling firms to “help political campaigns determine which messages resonate with voters and are used to help get a measure approved or a candidate elected.”
The question reads, “Here are some reasons people have given for developing the ST3 Draft Plan. After each, please rate which makes you much more likely, somewhat more likely, somewhat less likely, or much less likely to support the ST3 draft plan.”
It then asks poll respondents “about a variety of specific rationales for supporting ST3, with a range of numbered bubbles to gauge the strength of their support.”
Sounds like Sound Transit broke state law, and hoped to get away with it. Of course, it’s the kind of tactics you can expect from the Left. And, you can expect more of the same before November.
After all, it’s taxpayer money they’re spending, so they don’t to be that careful with it.
Anyone that’s stupid enough to vote for ST3 and continue the boondoggle that Sound Transit is should have to pay for it themselves and not burden those who won’t, can’t or have no need to use it.
So, when are you leaving, again?
Who said they were leaving, comrade? Just because us producers don’t want to pay for you freeloading 3%ers transportation needs means someone is leaving? Did they teach you that logic at your public school indoctrination?
Drop dead, tensie! I never said I was leaving, but I invite you to do so… like how about Sweden, I think you’ll really like it there with like minded socialist meatheads.
This Country needs another socialist like you, like it needs a bullet to the brain. Get stuffed “tensor”.
Look, if you like ST3, there is nothing to keep you from writing a check right now to support them. But leave the rest of us out of it!
In fact, write several checks – write one to Bernie for his free college for everyone. Write a check to support the broken bike company in Seattle, write one to help pay for the Free RV parking in Seattle, and buy a few tents while you are at it. Be my guest, in the mean time, this person refuses to do any business in Seattle.
I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR THIS PROGRAM !! The whole thing is setup with out an end date or a total dollar amount or even exactly what we may or may not receive for OUR TAX DOLLARS, Its all pie in the sky at this point.
Lets see now…. lets add up the “issues” with this program. 1. It was ill conceived 2. It was adopted without public debate 3. It has no actual “completion” date 4. It doesn’t serve the “general public” 5. While being “pretty” (somewhat) it’s functionality is seriously questionable 5. It is EXTREMELY limited in it’s current range. 6. You want to use taxpayer money to build it, but you don’t want it used by taxpayers.
Sure…. what could go wrong?