Voting

Ed Murray New Seattle Mayor

Published on November 6, 2013

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray

Mike McGinn is out and our new Seattle Mayor Ed Murray is in the house. History hasn’t been good to previous Mayors in-fact the last 3 have consecutively been voted out after their re-election attempts. Mr. Ed Murray won with approx. 56% of the vote. His election win makes him Seattle’s 53rd Mayor and also the first openly gay Mayor. Reviewing the election he simply had more support and being someone who is fresh/new really won him this election. He even had the full support of Seattle’s Chamber of Commerce which is a big deal in my opinion. Another concept he preached was “collaboration over confrontation”. Voters can really related to that and are fed up with all the feuding in politics right now from both sides. In just the last few days of the race there was a Washington Post article which stated several of the large telecom companies were supporting Ed Murray over McGinn which just pushed it in Mr. Murray’s favor even more.

Personally, I’m just happy to write about someone else for a while. I’m not a big supporter for either right now honestly and I do believe that the average Joe off the street would get us all better results but that simply will not happen this day and age.

I give everyone a fair shot and if they do a great job and make positive changes I will be the first to support them fully. I do have a few concerns one being his long history in state politics. Some view this as positive but for me that is a obvious negative. Our state is in horrible shape and being involved for so long (18 years as a law maker) that would mean he was part of that effort. Having done that for so long, I have my doubts he is in the loop of what the average worker needs and feels in their daily lives. Both Mike McGinn and Ed Murray support the $15 per hour minimum wage increase. Just him making a stance to support it and going along with Mike McGinn makes him suspicious. Obviously he just wanted that issue to be an even playing field (vote numbers) and it was a wise choice for him to take that stance politically. It is a sign, however, that he is savvy and playing the game of politics. The truth is $15 per hour minimum wage is scam to get more tax revenue out of the workers paychecks. It’s a huge boost of revenue actually. If you’re trying to find a job it doesn’t make sense because it only makes it more difficult for you. It’s a scam and shouldn’t be supported.

I found that Ed Murray’s election campaign was very “play it safe” and identical to Mike McGinns thoughts about issues.

Welcome to the Emerald City Journal Mayor Ed Murray I hope my thoughts and opinions about you are not true. I support you fully to do the right things for this city. Don’t play the political games. Be real, open, honest, and 100% transparent. Make your budgets and request for funds open to public review and you’ll be very successful here.

McGinn On Supreme Court Ruling (2/3 Voting)

Published on March 4, 2013

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn

Mayor McGinn’s statement on state Supreme Court ruling
Yesterday, the state Supreme Court issued a ruling stating that a state law requiring a two-thirds vote in the Legislature to increase revenue is unconstitutional.

“I applaud the state Supreme Court’s decision. This opens the door to common sense returning to Olympia’s process to fully fund education and invest in our transportation system,” said Mayor McGinn.

THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS CUT AND PASTED FROM A WEEKLY E MAIL I GET FROM MAYOR McGINN.

This really surprised me (and not much the politicians do surprise me anymore). I can’t believe he would actually put in writing that the will of the voters mean absolutely nothing to him. We all know that includes almost every elected official but to admit it in writing and be proud of it. His e mail called the reader is sent to us voters who have signed up for it. lol I hope when he runs for re-election this gets really circulated and can be filed under, “Put a fork in it, his goose is cooked”. But then if you look at what happened in November he could get voted in again. He won last time by running on the fact that he was Keep Reading

Two-Thirds Tax Law Dumped

Published on March 1, 2013

Capitol Building In Olympia Washington

Yesterday 2-28-13 the will of the people of the state of Washington was wiped out. Hard to believe that for 20 years the people of the state of Washington has voted over and over for a two thirds tax law. It would only be good for a couple years and we would have to go all thru the signature gathering, and have it put to a vote and it passed every time. Last November Initiative 1185 passed by a 64 percent majority in all 39 counties. I can completely understand going to court and having a ruling when an initiative is worded screwy, like “yes we don’t want that”, or something. But the 2/3 tax law has been passed every time, time after time and to have the court strike it down is a real shock. I believe Keep Reading

No (Hell No) On Both School Levies

Published on January 28, 2013

I am certainly not against schools or a good education or a good school for the children BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

until someone does some accounting of how the money is being spent/squandered/embezzled no money should be given to them. The two levies coming up in February are huge. How did they come up with numbers like that? An ordinary person does not think in terms like that so its time to give us (people who will have to pay the property tax that people who does not own property can vote on). What does it really cost to run ONE CLASSROOM? I think the school classroom is allotted a Keep Reading

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Wins By A Landslide

Published on November 19, 2012

The title of this story is a little misleading because under normal situations that would not be unusual or hot news, but in this case it’s almost like “Where is Waldo”?. This is sure an example of people not paying any attention to who they vote for. A name like his would beat almost any unknown good honest person running against him. You might say I am picking on a black or something but that’s not the case at all.

Jackson was treated at least six weeks for bipolar disorder. He was having extreme mood swings and has been on medical leave from the house and has not been seen in public for months.

Jackson has not been at work since last June. He got caught up in all sorts of crooked deals and did like what most celebrities do they Keep Reading

Seattle Will Spend $290 Million+ On Seawall Repair

Published on November 6, 2012

With overwhelming support of 77%, Seattle will spend an estimated $290 million dollars to repair the Elliott Bay seawall. It was perfect timing considering the scarcity spoken by the council and Sandy hitting the east coast. Being fresh in voters minds it was an easy pass. Of course many don’t understand the consequences of approving it. Such as their property taxes being raised $68 per year, however, many vote without even understanding most of the details.

The voters also approved a $119 million dollar levy to automate finger print processing at crime scenes. Seems pretty expensive to me considering they already have a system in place and all they really needed was a larger Internet WIFI range to access and process that info. That really is a cheap expense if done properly, however, I have said it many times the Seattle City Council does believe Keep Reading

Legalization Of Same-Sex Marriage Approved In Washington State

Published on November 6, 2012

Washington State will become the first state to legalize same-sex marriage with a popular vote of the public. Other states have passed same-sex marriage with their court system; however, it has never passed from a popular vote like Washington State has now. 32 states have tried and failed to legalize it before.

As of 10:30p.m the numbers were very close, however, the win and legalization of same sex marriage is only minutes away and fully expected to pass. Capital Hill is party central right now. Many proud supporters are celebrating not only the win for Obama but the victory of Referendum 74 (gay marriage rights).

This measure will make history in this state. Same-Sex couples can apply for marriage licenses as early as December 6th, 2012. Governor Christine Gregoire will enact legislation on February 13, 2012, which will confer comprehensive marriage rights to same-sex couples within the state, endorsing equality and inclusivity in matrimonial laws.

Supporters of the law raised nearly $12 million. That is 5x the amount their opponents raised. It was also the most raised compared to any other campaign on the ballot.

Update: It passed! On a Wednesday that marked a pivotal moment in legislative history, a bill legalizing gay marriage in Washington state garnered its final legislative approval, primarily supported through a party-line vote. This step poised Washington on the verge of becoming the seventh state in the U.S. to legally recognize same-sex marriages. Eager to sign the measure, Washington’s Democratic Governor, Christine Gregoire, anticipated “putting into law an end to an era of discrimination.” However, opposition, predominantly from religious conservatives, pledged to pursue its repeal in the forthcoming November polls. This approval from the state House of Representatives occurred just a day after advocates for gay marriage in California celebrated a significant legal triumph when a voter-backed gay marriage ban was deemed unconstitutional by a federal appeals court.

Washington State Same Sex Marriage – Approved.

The legislation in Washington successfully traversed the state House of Representatives with a 55-43 vote, following its passage in the state Senate by a 28-21 vote just a week prior. With Democrats—holding the majority in both legislative bodies in Olympia—predominantly backing the bill, it also drew endorsement from notable Washington-based corporations, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, who collectively employ tens of thousands of workers in the state.

Presidential Election 2012 – Vote Seattle!

Published on November 6, 2012

This is it. The time has come where you need to make the right choice for the next President (and Washington State Measures). Many news agencies are expecting Obama to take it, however, I am not certain about that. Whatever happens in the next 4 years – it starts today with your vote Seattle. Today is Tuesday November 6th, 2012 and that means the Presidential Election 2012 has started.

Seattle Voting Information:

Are you eligible to vote read [ Can I vote? ]
What if I’m a convicted felon [ Can Felons Vote? ]
View your Washington State voting status [ MyVote Website ]

Washington State Measures reviewed on the Emerald City Journal:

Seattle Proposition 1 – (Against)

Senate Joint Resolution No. 8223 – (Against)

Initiative Measure No. 502 – (Supported)

Initiative Measure No. 1240 – (Against)

Initiative Measure No. 1185 – (Supported)

Advisory Vote No. 2 (Substitute House Bill 2590)

[ View all Washington State Measures ]

Your 2012 Presidential voting picks (articles):

President Barack Obama OR Mitt Romney

Obama May Negatively Impact Your Job

Published on November 5, 2012

In a recent article for the Emerald City Journal, we spoke how voting for Obama may negatively impact your job and/or future job salary opportunities (lower offers). We spoke about David Siegel the CEO of Westgate Resorts and the email he wrote to his employees (thousands of them). Today more CEO’s are stepping forward with the same warnings that your job maybe on the line if you support Obama. This time the email is from Saddle Creek President Cliff Otto. In the email he expresses many things but it comes down to Romney’s positions on energy and taxes align with the company better.

I do think it’s fair that employees know what is coming to them. Most voters just look at the benefits (hey! free health care everyone) yet don’t understand the consequences that their employer will need to make adjustments in the company to make the numbers work and that means the possibility of cutting staff. It’s a smooth move by Romney. He expressed it on a conference call with the National Federation of Independent Business. Unfortunately, I don’t think it has really hit the voters yet or they simply don’t realize that businesses can’t just write off Obama Care they have to balance their budgets. You can’t spend money you don’t have. Companies with 100 employees would need to come up with an extra 100K per year at least for the Obama Care program and that doesn’t just grow on the money tree in the backyard.

Another email from a car part manufacturer in Michigan (Lacks Enterprises) is expressing the same consequences. It basically says that if you don’t for Romney, it could result in higher taxes and lower pay. He earges his employees to for “less government”.

Lastly, you probably have heard of Steve Wynn (Wynn Resorts). They are the third largest casino operator in America. Mr. Wynn went a step further and mailed a 60+ page packet to his 12,000 employees. Steve Wynn has stated, “It would be a complete disaster if Obama wins, which is why I’m urging my employees to vote for Romney.” It will cost Steve Wynn millions of dollars per year if Obama is elected.

Unlike David Siegel the CEO of Westgate Resorts who doesn’t come out and say it (don’t vote for Obama) more and more companies are getting stronger in their statements and making it quite clear that your vote for Obama may put your job on the line.

Washington State Measures – How I’m Voting

Published on November 2, 2012

I have been looking at some of the State Measures and wanted to share a few with you on the Emerald City Journal Newspaper. These are my thoughts on why I am supporting them or voting against them. I highly recommend you consider each one and read their descriptions. Your views may differ compared to mine.

Here we go!

Seattle Proposition 1 – (Against)

– Regarding the Seattle seawall project.

Senate Joint Resolution No. 8223 – (Against)

– Regarding letting Universities invest our public funds into the stock market or other companies.

Initiative Measure No. 502 – (Supported)

– Regarding the use of marijuana.

Initiative Measure No. 1240 – (Against)

– Regarding opening charter schools.

Initiative Measure No. 1185 – (Supported)

– Regarding a larger majority approved vote to raise taxes.

Advisory Vote No. 2 (Substitute House Bill 2590)

– “The legislature extended, without a vote of the people, expiration of a tax on possession of petroleum products and reduced the tax rate, costing $24,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending.”

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