Where King Co. executive candidates stand on Initiative 1033

Constantine opposes I-1033, saying it would gut public services, especially education. Washington's economy relies on a highly educated workforce, he said, and I-1033's constraints would be a "prescription for economic disaster in this state." Other services, including transportation and human services would be devastated, he said; even annexations of unincorporated areas by cities in King County would be slowed by I-1033. Limits on government growth — such as a 1 percent cap on annual property-tax increases — already exist, he added.

Hutchison opposes I-1033, calling it a "disaster." She said she understands why voters yearn to cap public spending and she generally likes the formula that caps government-revenue growth by tying it to inflation and population growth. But I-1033 goes too far, she said. She would prefer that the surplus go into a "rainy-day" reserve fund instead of being returned directly to taxpayers. Such a reserve fund would allow governments to better weather economic downturns without cutting key services. Under Eyman's plan, she said, there's no way governments "can get ahead by doing the right things."

Constantine said he would first come up with a clearer mission for the county and would transition out of some services such as sheltering animals. Then he'd put performance-based management in place that would track the costs of delivering specific services. He'd examine results every year and ask "hard questions." Programs that gave citizens the most value for the tax dollar would be funded. Programs that aren't working, that aren't giving citizens good value would be "let go," he said. He also would seek ideas from employees, he said, and provide financial incentives to steer employees into a less-expensive health-care plan.Hutchison said she first would implement zero-base budgeting that requires managers to justify every expenditure every year. Then she'd prioritize services the county is mandated to provide: public safety, courts, public health. And, she says she'd bargain harder with employees unions. Hutchison also would push for a more aggressive "rainy-day" fund policy so the county would set-aside more reserves during good times. As for making the County Council, which must approve the budget, more frugal, she said she would do it through sheer will. "With enough political will and courage the County Council can be persuaded to do the right thing,"she said.