An about-face on Seattle's head tax

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and a few City Council members plan a welcome and wise about-face on the city's employee head tax.

Nickels joins Council members Richard Conlin and Tim Burgess in saying they will work to repeal the tax that creates an unnecessary penalty on jobs.

The employee head tax was a lousy idea even in rosier economic days of August 2006 when the council approved it by a 5-4 vote. In the current economic downturn, the tax insults common sense.

Conlin voted for the tax when it was proposed but has changed his mind. Burgess was not on the council at the time but ran for office in part discussing the need to repeal the tax

The money raised by the head tax supports a worthy investment, improving sidewalks and streets. But the city should have found a smarter way to pay for such basic necessities.

As it turns out, commercial parking revenues increased as part of the broader transportation plan and provides much of the needed money.

At $25, the employee head tax is not so expensive but it sends a terrible message about Seattle's attitude toward business and employment.

Additionally, the tax creates an annoying paperwork headache: Employees who walk to work or take transit are exempted from the annual tax. Earning the exemption requires employers to fill out complicated paperwork.

The mayor and council have to do everything possible to boost jobs and hiring.

They are changing their minds because of the poor economy, yes, and also because of the upcoming election.

Nickels' challenger, T-mobile executive Joe Mallahan, gets legitimate credit for shaming the mayor and council into a planned repeal of the tax.

Better late than never. Elections have that effect on policy. The tax never made sense. It makes much less sense now.