Critical election issues facing the state this year

Lou Marzeles
Editor and Publisher

     It’s early to be looking ahead to the elections this year—or so it might seem. Sometimes it feels as if elections have their own version of daylight savings and standard time; the days seem much longer in some elections.
     There’s a lot going on in elections this year, as evidenced by the upturn in rhetoric (we’re being kind here) and sheer quantity of news about all the candidates and issues. Here in Washington, some of the campaigns are drawing a lot of national attention.
     For example, there is one issue that is being watched closely across the country because it will likely set a precedent that could have far-reaching consequences. It’s about liquor and how it’s sold. Initiatives have been brought to Olympia for voting this year on the privatization of liquor sales, taking it out of the state’s hands and putting into private stores, as has happened in every state in the union except for 18 resistant hold-outs, of which Washington is one. There are two initiatives for privatization, which is what makes this issue a focus for national attention.
     One is Initiative 1100, brought initially by Costco, the warehouse sales giant. That one wants liquor sales to go wholly private, bypassing established distributors if so desired. The second initiative—introduced once it was clear that Costco’s initiative was going to make it to the ballot—is 1105. That one also wants privatization, but only through distributors. Guess who that one’s sponsored by?
     Later this year you’ll get to vote on whether or not you want liquor sales to go private and, if so, whether or not they should be sold through distributors. You must promise to use your power only for good.