Originally published Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 12:00 AM
The Reader's View
Pass the bill
Before 1992, Washington local governments had authority to adopt some forms of public funding for local elections if they chose to do so.
Special to The Times
Today: Hold the purse
Before 1992, Washington local governments had authority to adopt some forms of public funding for local elections if they chose to do so. That authority was eliminated (probably by accident) in laws enacted that year. The Legislature is currently considering a bill, SSB 5278, to restore local control over the question.
The bill expands local choice, costs the state nothing, and there are simply no principled grounds for objecting to it. SSB 5278 should be passed.
Local control is prized throughout our political system. Not only does it allow citizens to have real control over their lives, it develops civic responsibility, promotes efficiency and allows local innovations to be explored on a small scale.
There is only one principled reason to oppose local control of a matter — that in some relevant sense, the activity would impose costs on people outside the deciding jurisdiction. That's why we wouldn't want local control of decisions about building nuclear generating plants.
But public financing of local elections cannot possibly impose costs on people outside the local government that adopts it. Only local funds will be involved and only local candidates will be eligible.
Of course, some who oppose the idea of public funding may fear that if the practices succeed in some localities, that success may persuade a majority of voters in some other jurisdictions to adopt the practices. But surely that is an odd reason to oppose SSB 5278: The fear can only be realized if public funding turns out to be preferred by local majorities.
In a democracy, pre-empting the choice of later majorities cannot be a principled basis for action.
Our Legislature has plenty of genuine state concerns to address; it should not continue to intrude into purely local affairs in matters that affect no one else.
William Andersen of Seattle is the Judson Falknor Professor of Law Emeritus, University of Washington Law School.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Guest columnists / The Democracy Papers: Saving America's democracy-sustaining journalism
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: It's time to retire the I-made-a-mistake excuse
2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Desert-lobster dispute turns pair into sagebrush heroes
- Larry Stone | Mariners deserve big All-Star contingent
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
768 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread
244 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
141 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
98 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
89 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
87 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
76 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
60 - Mariners score unlikely win over Red Sox in battle of bullpens
58 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
50
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack





