Seattle’s Taxes and the Flight From Blue States

I am surprised that your editorial “Washington State Imitates California” (July 5) lumps me in with the entire Seattle City Council. During my detour from a private-sector career into public service, I’ve endeavored to be a maverick moderate, advocating fiscal responsibility. I agree we must be fully aware of how our policies affect lower-income residents. That’s why my proposal would repeal a regressive tax—for the first time in our city’s history—by eliminating city hall’s utility tax on drinking water.

Once the state Supreme Court upheld Washington’s capital-gains excise tax, I knew it was only a matter of time before local additions emerged. The 2% local tax on capital gains exceeding $250,000 would exempt retirement accounts and real-estate transactions. My balanced proposal is revenue-neutral, however, because it would direct that new source to repeal the regressive tax on drinking water, thereby eliminating a cost that disproportionately affects lower-income households as well as many small businesses. I hope we will embrace the details of tax reform to make real progress toward fiscal fairness.

Alex Pedersen

Seattle City Council, District 4

It’s time those who object to progressive policies stop fleeing their states. Washington and Oregon used to be populated with sensible, moderate people. Nevada used to be a place one could live and let live without intrusion from the state. Arizona was once an incubator of conservative thought and action. Conservatives ceded their influence in all those places by moving away. The failures of progressive policy can be held up to scrutiny only if progressives face political competition. It is time to stay and fight. Besides, there are fewer and fewer places to go.

John Foster

Portola Valley, Calif.