King County executive candidates prevent Eyman proposal from distracting serious budget debate

BOTH King County executive candidates oppose Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033, designed to limit growth of state, county and city revenue to annual inflation and population growth. Revenue collected above that would reduce property-tax levies.

This editorial page is still studying the measure but agreement by Susan Hutchison and Dow Constantine boosts the more important county budget debate by removing a distraction. The county's systemic financial problems are the single biggest issue in the campaign, along with flood and flu concerns.

Constantine recently offered a plan to save county parks. He would use $1 million from the general fund to keep parks open with reduced maintenance during 2010, while encouraging more cities and nonprofit groups to take over parks. All pretty good ideas.

A backup proposal would seek voter permission to redirect money currently dedicated to park acquisition to an existing levy to operate parks. This engenders distrust because voters approved the money for a different purpose.

Hutchison would allow many parks to be shuttered this winter with a goal of reopening by May after some are annexed to cities or cities agree to pay for park maintenance. Another idea with promise would have corporate sponsors pay for maintenance with signage reflecting their support.

On the broader budget, Hutchison wants to initiate zero-based budgeting along with a system of setting priorities for what the county can and cannot afford. She would ensure employee levels in offices that experience huge economic cycles, such as permitting, be adjusted to reflect demand.

Constantine has a few solid budget-saving ideas, including significant cuts to the County Council and executive staffs for 2010. Long term, he would implement rigorous performance-based assessments to determine which government programs deliver. Those that do not would be eliminated. Under this approach, animal shelters probably would be transferred to cities or nonprofits.

The budget debate is highly important. Both candidates have workable ideas. Their agreement on I-1033 makes it easier to spend time discussing the county's more pressing financial challenges.