Initiative-1033, which is on the Nov. 3 ballot, is another attempt by initiative junkie Tim Eyman to add unnecessary fine print to Washington state’s government.

The Washington State Office of Financial Management estimates that I-1033, if passed by voters, will reduce the state’s general fund by $5.9 billion, the counties’ general funds by $694 million and cities’ general funds by $2.1 billion by 2015. According to Eyman, I-1033 promises to lower property taxes and limit state, counties’ and cities’ abilities to spend wildly by putting restrictions on the amount of revenue directed to each entity’s general fund.

Caps for any one year will be based on the previous year’s total revenue to the general fund, plus a percentage reflecting inflation and growth. The measure would use the worst economic recession in decades as the base line for establishing limits on county and city revenue growth.

I-1033 is a logjam in fundamental government efficiency and it will handcuff city services. The state — and Redmond — will suffer if the initiative passes. Redmond Mayor John Marchione and the Redmond City Council, by a 6-1 vote, oppose I-1033. The Reporter recommends voting no on I-1033.

APPROVE Referendum 71

The Reporter recommends approving Referendum 71, also on the Nov. 3 ballot, to expand domestic partnership rights to gay and lesbian families as well as senior domestic partners. Opponents of the legislation want to “protect” marriage, but in reality, the opponents only want to protect their own deeply-ingrained prejudices and fear of change.

Throughout history, any attempts to expand the rights of marginalized people have been met with resistance. Examples include women’s suffrage and the desegregation of schools.

This legislation helps maximize personal freedom and independence for a small slice of the population. Referendum 71 is worth approving.