Our view: Rossi best in 5th
"Four years ago we endorsed Kathleen Drew for state Senate. At the time she portrayed herself as a moderate Democrat. Unfortunately, she's more liberal than we thought. Our political philosophy is more in line with Dino Rossi's than Kathleen Drew's.
"Rossi has sharpened his knowledge of and approach to issues facing the state since he challenged current incumbent Kathleen Drew four years ago. Today, he's the better fit for the state and the district.
"Rossi would reduce the state property tax and roll back the regressive increase in the business and occupation tax that was put in place two years ago. Drew favors cutting back only the property tax until the size of the budget reserve is better known.
"That sounds prudent but runs counter to Drew's (and others') efforts two years ago to boost taxes in the face of what was believed to be the start of a downturn. The high-tech industry kept the state growing but we don't recall Drew suggesting cutting programs to balance the state's budget. The result: over-taxed business for no good reason. Rossi will judge a program's worth by what it will mean to the average family's budget.
"Rossi isn't anti-tax. He would support putting a gas tax on the ballot to pay for needed highway projects, including the Evergreen Point bridge, but is against the Regional Transit Authority's transit plan. Drew doesn't have an interest in improving the bridge, surprising since people in the north of her district use it daily. But then, she supports the RTA.
"Today, voters who want lower taxes and reduced spending in state government should send Dino Rossi to Olympia."
(Reproduced with permission. Note: On 11-10-96, the JA became the Eastside Journal.)
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Why Dino?