In response to a ruling by a King County Superior Court judge concerning voter-approved tax limits, 48th Legislative District candidate and Redmond City Council member Hank Myers said reinstating those limits must be a priority of the legislature.

Democratic party leaders sued voters to remove the requirement that tax increases receive a two-thirds vote in the legislature or provide voters the opportunity to approve proposed tax increases.

“The voters have repeatedly voted to have a say in new taxes,” Myers said. “We should honor that request and the next legislature should give the voters the option of putting those popular tax limits in the state constitution.”

He said party-line thinking and voting has put the state “in a serious budget hole,” adding that requiring a two-thirds vote for tax increases encourages parties to work together for better solutions.

“The bipartisan budget this year, supported by (Rep. Deb) Eddy and (Sen. Rodney) Tom, is an excellent example of what can happen when the parties work together,” Myers said.

He added, “As a Redmond City Council man, I have consistently advocated keeping taxes low, especially at a time when our businesses are struggling with the recession. At such an important economic time, voters deserve a say in our critical tax and budget decisions.”