Proponents say it would save millions in tax dollars and the districts would still be responsible for their own debts. Opponents say the state's rating is too valuable to risk on local districts. SSJR 8208 would authorize the state to invest its emergency fund in the stock market. Currently, the state may only put that money into savings certificates and bonds. Proponents say the amount raised could bring in enough to build schools.
Opponents say it's too risky.
The election also features a comeback bid by Charlie Chong, whose iconoclastic populism made him one of the city's most recognizable political figures. Chong, who left the council in an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 1997, is trying to defeat Heidi Wills, an aide to King County Executive Ron Sims. Seattle Progressive Coalition founder Curt Firestone is taking aim at a former ally, incumbent Margaret Pageler. Newcomer Judy Nicastro opposes former two-term City Councilwoman Cheryl Chow, who also left the council in an unsuccessful 1997 mayoral bid. In the race for position 3, pastor Lenora Jones is trying to unseat incumbent Peter Steinbrueck, who took nearly three out of four votes in the primary.