Next up, Seattle Proposition 1.
The following issue will appear only on the ballot of voters
registered in the city of Seattle.
Seattle residents will have the opportunity
to vote on both
King County Proposition Number 1,
Harborview Hospital,
and Seattle Proposition Number 1
concerning transit and transportation.
Seattle proposition Number 1,
Funding for Transit and Related Transportation Needs.
To replace the $60 vehicle license fee
and 0.1% sales tax and use tax
that expires on December 31, 2020,
Proposition 1 proposes
a 0.15% sales tax and use tax
for six years,
starting in 2021 and ending in 2027.
The vehicle license fee would expire.
The tax revenue would be used
for King County Metro services,
with over 65% of stops within Seattle,
RapidRide, transit access for low income residents,
workers, seniors, and youth,
including ORCA Opportunity Program
K through 12 students,
and income eligible college students.
Revenue would also be used
for limited maintenance and capital improvements,
mobility needs related to COVID-19,
and closure of the West Seattle High Bridge.
The city will issue an annual report describing
how Seattle Proposition 1 revenues were used.
The Seattle Transit Advisory Board
will serve as the public oversight Committee.
All Seattle voters can vote on this measure.
Hi, my name is Johnathon Futch,
and I work as
a Metro bus driver
here in Seattle.
I ask you to support
transit in Seattle
by voting yes on Proposition 1
this November.
Seattleites count on transit.
Proposition 1 continues
crucial transit investments.
It renews and modifies
an expiring measure
so we can preserve
essential bus services,
create affordability
for riders,
and address the West Seattle
transportation crisis.
It funds our most frequently
utilized bus routes
and maintains
our transportation system
as we work toward recovery.
I witness every day
how important
regular bus service is
for so many.
One out of three of
Seattle's essential workers
rely on transit.
These are
our healthcare workers,
grocery store employees --
workers we're all depending on.
Every day, tens of thousands
of people count on transit
to get to jobs, appointments,
and to access services.
Prop 1 keeps buses
showing up for them,
so they can show up for Seattle.
Bus service remains
a vital lifeline.
Prop 1 continues access programs
for low-income neighbors,
and for public high school students,
essential workers, seniors,
and public housing residents.
They're counting on
these affordability programs
now more than ever.
A healthy, sustainable
economic recovery
relies on reliable, frequent buses.
Prop 1 could generate
more than 150,000 prioritized
transit services hours
for the next six years.
Providing access to jobs,
services, and opportunities
is a critical part
of getting back on track.
Plus Prop 1 supports
infrastructure improvements
such as bus lanes,
signal prioritization.
Maximizing efficiency
and reliability
helps keep buses rolling
so riders aren't
stuck in traffic.
Independent citizen oversight
of Prop 1
ensures our transit dollars
are spent wisely.
Finally, providing mobility options
as we work toward
a West Seattle Bridge solution
helps us all stay moving.
Decreased congestion
also equals cleaner air
for Seattleites.
Please vote Yes
on Seattle Proposition 1.
Hi, my name is Suzie Burke,
I am a business
and property owner
in North Seattle,
where I also live.
I am speaking for myself
and fellow citizens of Seattle
who will have to pay
the new taxes
if Proposition 1 is passed.
We hope you will vote No
on these tax increases.
Even the City Council discussed
replacing this Seattle Only Tax
with a countywide measure
to support countywide Metro services.
They considered making it
a four-year measure
to be more accountable and equitable.
But none of those changes
came into this proposition.
The pandemic has
greatly decreased
the ridership of Metro,
and our empty city does not need
to increase taxes for services
right now.
Even though routes
could be changed
and improvement could be made,
they don't need new dollars.
There are a lot of
"could be" promises
in this tax increase,
but once again,
Seattle voters are being asked
to give a large blank check
to be used as others decide.
No guarantees.
Meanwhile, bus service in the city
may be cut anyway
because of Metro's pandemic losses.
Our new tax dollars
should not be used
to fill their financial hole.
This was admitted in
city council considerations
in July.
Please vote No
on Seattle Proposition 1.
Even members
of your city council
and the mayor thought
Proposition 1 far from ideal
and asking for more than is needed,
that six years is too long,
and an increase in sales taxes
hurts people less able to pay.
They call it a regressive tax.
Please vote No
on Seattle Proposition Number 1.
Thank you.