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"What's the most important issue on the upcoming ballot?"
(asked at Presto Espresso, Totem Lake, on 10-23-97; published in the EJ on 10-26-97)

Garth Watkins, Barista, Kirkland

"Properly and truthfully informed voters. That's the most important issue because obviously, as we all know, Americans are uninformed and don't give a hoot. But if you don't make the decisions, someone else will... On the ballot, I would say probably the gun ownership issue [Init. 676], because I think it's fundamental. The right to bear arms is more than just a constitutional right -- it's a necessity."

Dan Woolley, Refinish technician, Duvall

"The drug one [Init. 685] -- to help relieve pain. I don't see where drugs are any different than alcohol, food, anything that can be addictive. Coffee. Credit. What's the difference? ... People are smoking pot right now, so I don't really think it's a big problem. People shouldn't have to be sent to the streets to buy something when private enterprise could make it available under regulation."

Deedee Wine, Medical assistant, Kirkland

"To me there are already too many rules but anything to do with schools -- those are the most important. So the one about money for schools [HJR 4208]. I really need to study up... Oh, and gun control -- that's a big one, too. No on 676."

Jessica Holve, Cashier, Snohomish

"Initiative 676. I think it's stupid. They're trying to control guns and I don't think that's possible. Take away the guns from people who are safe with them and people who are criminals will get them no matter what."

Pat Howard, Sales, Kirkland

"The gun initiative [Init. 676]. I'm against it. I'm a gun owner and when they break into my house, I'm not going to be fumbling for the key. The only thing my gun's for is home protection."

Bob Gallagher, Mechanic, Kirkland

"I'm against 676. I don't want someone to say I have to get a lock on my trigger... I have a rifle I'd like to give my grandson, but he won't get it till he has proper training. The majority of people aren't going to shoot someone -- so why take their privileges away?"

© 1997 by the Bellevue, WA-based Eastside Journal (née Journal American) newspaper.

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