Contact:  Tom Albro
Chair of the Municipal League
206-930-4004

Observing that this initiative invites voters statewide to overturn local decisions to support transit, transportation improvements, and other services through local taxes, the Board of Trustees of the Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 776.  If passed, the initiative would set a limit of $30 for most vehicle registration fees and abolish the option for local governments to set up regional transit authorities that are supported in part by vehicle excise taxes.

“Although this is a statewide initiative, its real target is the funding of transportation improvements in the central Puget Sound area,” said Tom Albro, Municipal League chair.  “Voters throughout the state should encourage, not overturn, the ability of communities to address issues locally through a variety of taxes.”

The Municipal League annually reviews measures that will appear on the ballot at primary and general elections.  The Trustees select measures for study that will affect King County communities or have a significant impact on local government within King County. Volunteer study committees interview proponents, opponents and independent advisors and review available material bearing on the issue.  Members of the committee are not active in support of or opposition to the measure. The committees make recommendations to the Trustees who, after review, determine the League’s position by a two-thirds vote. 

The Trustees of the Municipal League voted to oppose I-776 at their regular monthly meeting on October 21, 2002.