VOTE TODAY

VOTE TODAY. Ballots due to drop off locations or voting centers HERE by 8:00 p.m. today, or postmarked today.

Resource for you:  Tacoma-Pierce Co. Vote for Business Guide HERE.

Voters’ Guide for Business Now Available

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce’s third Voters’ Guide for Business is now available online for all voters and businesses concerned with how candidates’ views align with the best business and economic interests of Tacoma.

The Voters’ Guide for Business includes the responses, or lack thereof, to a Chamber produced survey from candidates in 35 contested races throughout the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s service area.  The Guide also includes the Chamber’s position on ballot initiatives that will directly influence job growth, businesses, and the overall health of the economy in Pierce County.

This year’s election is filled with candidates and initiatives that have the ability to influence issues regarding taxes, regulations, incentives, and the general business climate for years to come.  We encourage any voters concerned with the future of Tacoma’s economy to read and share our Guide, compare the candidates’ positions on important issues with your own preferences, and most importantly, keep them in mind while casting your ballot in the coming weeks.

15 Now Qualifies for Tacoma Ballot

From the Pierce County Auditors website: http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/auditor

(Click on image for a LARGER view)

Should Tacoma be Included in Transit Investment?

Sound Transit is seeking authority from the state Legislature for a public vote that could take place as soon as November 2016, and proposed projects (ST3) include, but are not limited to, extending Link light rail to Everett, Tacoma, Redmond, and neighborhoods in Seattle, as well as adding bus rapid transit along I-405 and making other significant transit investments. 

Take the survey
Visit Sound Transit's new website
View the draft priority project list and map 

Open House 

(Click on image for a LARGER view) 

King 5 TV Covers Tacoma $15/hr. Ballot Initiative

Tom Pierson, Pres./CEO of the Chamber was part of an interview on KING 5 TV News about the proposed $15/hr. minimum wage in Tacoma and the current efforts to collect signatures to place the issue on the ballot.

You can see the full news story including Pierson's comments near the end here.

Pierson's interview included reference, not on the news broadcast that a National Bureau of Economic Research study released late last month by economists with the University of California at San Diego found that mandatory increases in the federal minimum wage between 2007 and 2009 had “significant, negative effects on the employment and income growth of targeted workers.”

Chamber Opposes I-1351 – Plus, Other 2014 General Election Chamber Ballot Recommendations

The Chamber’s Board of Directors today voted to oppose State Initiative 1351, which directs the Legislature to allocate funds to reduce class sizes and increase staffing support for students in all K-12 grades.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC) recommended to oppose the initiative because the Legislative 2015-2017 session is already forecast to face a $1 billion shortfall. In addition, the GAC contends that the State Supreme Court’s McCleary decision directives will require $2 billion above present spending levels. The initiative would prove to be “budget-busting” by costing another $4 billion at full implementation, and is without a revenue source.

“Initiative 1351 would cause detrimental harm to the state budget which in turn will hurt the very generation that we need to help the most.  Abiding to the mandates of the McCleary decision coupled with growing jobs in our state should be our number one priority,” said Tom Pierson, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO. 

“The surest way we can grow funds for education statewide is through the passage of a statewide transportation package now which would have a $42 billion return to our economy generating over $2 billion in new taxes that could then be used to invest in our education system, and supporting our kids’ future which is our paramount duty!” continued Pierson.

Other 2014 General Election Chamber Ballot Recommendations:

City of Tacoma

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to oppose: VOTE NO
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 6, Council (Re-) Confirmation of Utility Director
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 8, Extended Mayor and Council Term Limits

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to support: VOTE YES
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 5, Council Confirmation of Department Directors
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 9, Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries

City of University Place

The West Side Branch Board of Directors voted to oppose: VOTE NO
•    City of University Place Proposition No. 1, Additional 3.5% Tax on Utility Company Earnings for Police Services

Chamber Recommendations For 2014 Ballot

2014 General Election Chamber Ballot Recommendations

CITY OF TACOMA

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to oppose: VOTE NO
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 6, Council (Re-)Confirmation of Utility Director
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 8, Extended Mayor and Council Term Limits

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to support: VOTE YES
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 5, Council Confirmation of Department Directors
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 9, Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries

CITY OF UNIVERSITY PLACE

The West Side Branch Board of Directors voted to oppose: VOTE NO
•    City of University Place Proposition No. 1, Additional 3.5% Tax on Utility Company Earnings for Police Services

Chamber For & Against City Charter Amendments

The Chamber, in response to the Tacoma City Council adoption of resolutions amending the City Charter, is taking positions on some of the resulting proposed ballot measures for the November 4, 2014 General Election. 

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to oppose:
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 6, Council (Re-)Confirmation of Utility Director
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 8, Extended Mayor and Council Term Limits

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to support:
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 5, Council Confirmation of Department Director
•    Proposed Charter Amendment No. 9, Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries

Chamber's 2013 Election Scorecard

The Chamber scored a clean sweep of its recommended ballot issues in the November 5 general election.

Most gratifying was the rejection by Tacoma voters of Tacoma's Prop 1, a 33% increase in utility taxes for electricity, natural and cell and land phone service.

Regardless of the voters rejection of the Prop 1, all concerned recognize that Tacoma has a road issue that must be rectified.  The Chamber remains willing to work in partnership with other corroborating agencies or groups that share the goal of better roads for Tacoma.

I-517 (concerning initiative signature collection) and I-522 (regarding labeling of GMO foods), were defeated state-wide due to the educational efforts of broad coalitions of groups and individuals.

Business Alliance PAC Congratulates Its Winning Endorsed Candidates

The Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance Political Action Committee is pleased to announce results of the candidates endorsed by the PAC for the 2013 General Election.

Comprised of business leaders from a variety of industries in the region, it is the mission of the Business Alliance PAC to promote candidates who support economic growth, jobs creation and business interests in the local area.

After interviews with candidates for Tacoma City Council and Port of Tacoma Commission, the PAC endorsed the following candidates:

•    Robert Thoms, Tacoma City Council, Position 2
•    Joe Lonergan, Tacoma City Council, Position 5
•    Victoria Woodards, Tacoma City Council, Position 6
•    Connie Bacon, Port of Tacoma Commissioner, Position 1

 “Considering this is our first year of involvement in local politics,” said Toby Murray, President of the Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance PAC, “we feel positive about this slate of candidates and the results of the election.  Their ability to work with the business community on economic development, job creation and sustainable infrastructure will be critical.  All of these elements are vital to having a strong quality of life for everyone in our community.”

The Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance PAC opposed the Tacoma’s Prop 1 increasing utility taxes. With early results showing Prop 1 failing at the polls, the PAC expresses its thanks to the voters for maintaining a business environment which will increase jobs and grow the economy.

For more information, please email tpcbizpac@gmail.com.

Early Returns Show Defeat of Tacoma's Prop 1

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, which opposed the City of Tacoma’s Proposition 1 increasing utility taxes by 33%, is optimistic about early returns showing a defeat of Proposition 1.

“The Chamber is excited the early returns show voters’ rejection of an inadequate and unfair fix for our roads. We continue to support responsible and sustainable planning that will improve Tacoma’s roads.  If there is a defeat of Proposition 1 at the ballot box, we are ready to work on a real solution,” said Tom Pierson, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO.

The measure proposed to increase the existing tax by 33% at a $10+ million cost to consumers each year on their natural gas, electricity, telephone land lines and cell phone service bills. If passed, Proposition 1 would only have partially funded basic road maintenance.

The City of Tacoma estimates that it needs roughly $880 million in additional revenue to fix existing transportation infrastructure inadequacies that the City Council has ignored for years. These shortcomings will only partially be funded through Proposition 1 taking decades to resolve.

The Chamber had suggested solutions aside from the Proposition 1 Utility Tax hike that was proposed, including:

•    Tacoma residents have only recently begun to be charged the $20 car tab fee levied last year by the City Council.  These dollars should be used to fund road repair.
•    Build on the recommendations of the City’s Fiscal Sustainability Task Force examining opportunities to find savings and revenues within the City's existing budget.
•    Allow the new Transportation Commission to advise the City on prioritizing transportation improvements.

Vote "NO" on Tacoma's Prop 1

CHAMBER ADVISORY BALLOT

Chamber members are encouraged to vote in this general election.  Ballots were mailed mid-October, but returns must be postmarked or delivered to an approved station by Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8:00 p.m.

The Chamber’s advisory ballot:

NO      Tacoma’s Prop 1 to increase Tacoma’s utility taxes

NO      Washington I-517 which enables initiative canvassers’ trespass rights on private properties

NO      Washington I-522 which inaccurate, unnecessary, costly and harmful to farmers

The Chamber’s Voice for Business voters’ guide is available here for additional information on these ballot issues.

Chamber members may also reference the Voice for Business voters’ guide here for responses from candidates about issues and attitudes critical to the local business environment.

Also, the Chamber notes the independent Tacoma-Pierce County Business Alliance PAC has made these endorsements for their best business-oriented candidates in contested races. 

NO      Tacoma’s Prop 1

YES    Connie Bacon, Port of Tacoma Commissioner, Position 1

YES    Robert Thoms, Tacoma City Council, Position 2

YES    Joe Lonergan, Tacoma City Council, Position 5

YES    Victoria Woodards, Tacoma City Council, Position 6

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber Opposes State Initiative 522

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Board of Directors voted this morning to oppose State Initiative 522 which concerns labeling of genetically-engineered foods.

The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee’s recommendation to oppose the initiative cited several compelling reasons:

•    Misleading labeling that only includes selected foods.
•    Costly labeling for Washington State only, impacting 70-80% of our foods – no other state has these requirements in place.
•    Implies that genetically modified food is unsafe or unhealthy, all of which have been deemed safe by the FDA.
•    Foods with certified organic labels cannot include genetically modified organisms, already allowing consumers to choose this option.
•    Will raise prices for consumers (at an average of $490 a year) and cost farm jobs.

Moody's Interprets Prop 1

Today's The News Tribune editorial referred to a Moody's report about implications of Tacoma's Prop 1 and how it affects rates.

Here's a concise interpretation from reading the report, which you can also do below:

PROP 1 PASSES
Action:  Pass-on 2% tax increase -> rates increase
Action: Don't pass-on 2% tax increase -> bond rating falls -> rates increase

PROP 1 FAILS
Action: No tax increase -> no rate increase

Pierce County Council Joins Opposition to Tacoma's Prop 1

The Pierce County Council joined the City Councils of University Place and Lakewood as opposed to Tacoma’s Prop 1, a ballot measure solely within Tacoma that would increase taxes on residents and businesses of their jurisdictions (outside Tacoma).

The County Council voted five in favor and one opposed (with one absent) to oppose Tacoma’s Prop 1.

The TNT quotes Councilman Dan Roach: “Prop. 1 is ‘worse than taxation without representation’ because half of Tacoma Power’s customers live outside of the city limits, cannot vote on the issue and have no legal recourse.”

TNT Decries Council Politics with Utilities

The TNT reinforces its opposition to Prop. 1 in today’s editorial, noting several negative points for voters to consider.  City officials:

1)    “…developed with minimal input from the neighbors and many businesses it would impact”
2)    “…cavalierly suggested that Tacoma Power could swallow most or all of the additional 2 percent tax without passing this cost on to its ratepayers”
3)    "Or that Tacoma Power can dig into its reserves to keep rates down. (A very temporary fix.)”
4)    “…the utility’s credit can be downgraded – and ratepayers can wind up paying more when bonds are issued”

The TNT’s conclusion: “Tacomans ... shouldn’t be swayed by promises that they won’t have to pay for it.”

Lakewood Council Unanimously Opposes Tacoma's Prop 1

The City of Lakewood has become the second city whose Council has voted unanimously to oppose Tacoma’s Prop. 1, a tax on utilities to fix potholes in Tacoma’s residential areas.

“It’s very unlikely that this (Lakewood) council would look to the cities of Puyallup, DuPont or Tacoma to fund our own residential road issues,” (Deputy Mayor Jason) Whalen said, according to The News Tribune, Oct. 22, 2013.

Lakewood Council members noted that several chambers of commerce (which included the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber), voiced support for their resolution in opposition.

TNT Editorial Opposes Tacoma Prop. 1

The News Tribune joins a growing opposition to Tacoma’s Prop. 1.

We agree with their comments:  “Tacoma has shockingly bad streets and a shocking history of failing to invest in them … (but) Tacoma voters should hold on Prop. 1 and wait for city leaders to figure out a street-funding solution that fits into a larger, strategic budget solution."

No on Tacoma’s Prop. 1 utility tax  The News Tribune, October 20, 2013 

Community-Generated State-Wide Voter's Guide Goes Live

Washington State's Living Voter's Guide (LVG) is an online resource that invites participants to discuss statewide and local ballot measures together, to explore one another’s positions, and to build a personal, customized platform that will inform their final vote.

 

This voters’ guide is co-created by everyone who participates and evolves as users across the state consider the trade-offs for each measure. To see how the Living Voters Guide works, click here to check out a short video.

 

LVG is an online tool created by CityClub (Seattle) and researchers at the University of Washington's Department of Computer Science and Engineering that aims to help build an informed electorate and support healthy civic dialogue in our state. Their continuing partnership with the Seattle Public Library has made this resource even more helpful and trusted by over 30,000 users across the state. 

 

Click here for the guide.