Opinions wanted on ballot measures

Friday Aug 07 2009 9:22 AM

The Pierce County Council is seeking those who support or oppose the three propositions headed for the November ballot.

The council's Rules and Operations Committee on Monday, Aug. 10, will consider resolutions appointing members to the "pro" and "con" committees for propositions 1, 2 and 3. The statements they write will appear in the Pierce County voter's pamphlet.

If approved by voters in November, the measures would do the following:
- Proposition 1 would move the election of the County Executive and County Councilmembers to odd-numbered years by 2015, and would increase the term limits of the executive and councilmembers from two to three consecutive four-year terms (same as the limits currently in effect for the auditor, assessor-treasurer and sheriff);
- Proposition 2 would move the election of the auditor, assessor-treasurer and sheriff to odd-numbered years by 2015; and
- Proposition 3 would eliminate Instant-Runoff Voting and restore the primary election for Pierce County elective offices.

Anyone wishing to serve on the pro or con committees should either attend the Monday, Aug. 10 Rules and Operations Committee meeting at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the 10th floor of the County-City Building (930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 1045, Tacoma), or forward their name and statement of interest to Jeff Cox at jcox@co.pierce.wa.us. Questions about any of the propositions can be directed to Cox at 253-798-7579.

Three people will be selected per committee. The council will finalize the committees on Aug. 18 at its regular Tuesday meeting, 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

CONTACTS: Jeff Cox, Deputy Legal Counsel, 253-798-7579 or jcox@co.pierce.wa.us; or Brad Chatfield, Council Communications Manager, 253-798-6626