EDITORIAL: Impact

Posted

Proposition 1 is a proposal developed by those familiar with the affordable housing crisis in Jefferson County to help fund housing for low-income people.

It is supported by a number of religious leaders as well as people in various nonprofit organizations who are in the trenches, dealing with people who can’t find decent housing.

The proposition is opposed specifically by the Jefferson County Republican Party.

Affordable housing problems are not unique to Jefferson County. People all over the state are reporting problems with finding affordable housing.

What is unique to Jefferson County is that Proposition 1 would make Jefferson County the first county in the state to raise property taxes specifically for funding housing solutions. Big cities, including Seattle and Bellingham, have done it, but no counties.

So Proposition 1 puts Jefferson County on the state election map. And that means a lot of people are watching what happens here.

People clearly are passionate about their positions. Some feel Proposition 1 is the best solution that’s surfaced in 20 years. Others feel just as strongly that it’s the wrong time to raise taxes.

But seriously, how did our educated electorate become so passionate about this issue last Wednesday night that the police had to be called in order to restore calm to a meeting?

We’re not discussing abortion or displaying the Confederate flag or gun rights.

We’re discussing housing for some of our most vulnerable people – children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, people who are at the poverty level and below.

We have watched the increase in violence at events, both political and otherwise, throughout the United States over the past year or so.

Who would have thought that an issue about housing people would bring out the bullies in Port Townsend.

It has been The Leader’s policy over the past decade to not take a position on candidates or propositions. We believe that we owe it to our readers to present both sides of any issue and let the voters decide whom to elect or how an issue should be resolved.

But we will take a stand against bullying.

Is Proposition 1 worth voting for? You’ll never know if you make assumptions and don’t ask questions and don’t read the proposal.

Does Proposition 1 have problems in light of all the other taxes coming down the pike? Ask the question, then listen to the answers.

Maybe you’ll agree. Maybe you won’t.

As you sit down at the kitchen table to fill out your ballot, you can vote however you wish.

But when you’re in a public meeting, don’t shout so others can’t hear, don’t push someone to make a point.

Vote however you wish to vote. But before you do, please take a moment to reflect on your actions and how your vote may impact you – and others.

— Allison Arthur